Implementing an Environmental Management System

ISO 14001 is a global standard that sets out Environmental Management Systems (EMS) requirements. Although this standard is relatively new (1996), discussions on environmental issues date back hundreds of years, including laws passed by parliament to reduce the smell from the River Thames in the 14^th century, responses to public anger about smoke from coal-burning factories, and the introduction and rapid expansion of public transport. In the last 50 years, we have seen significant changes in practices at all levels of society and increased public awareness of the damages and consequences of our collective actions.

• Rising public concern about environmental impact

• Expensive legal cases

• Negative publicity on industries

• Voluntary codes of environmental conduct

• Protest movements

• New environmental management regulations

• The strive towards Net Zero

ISO 14001 provides a framework that allows businesses to implement and continually improve their environmental practices. In addition to reducing the impact on the environment, increases in profitability through cost reduction is a significant opportunity. An excellent example is the forced transition to home working in response to the coronavirus and what became hybrid working as society didn’t revert to a pre-COVID state. Reduced or eliminated travel requirements alone benefit the environment and significantly reduce cost and time for a vast portion of the workforce. Reducing the need for office spaces has increased profitability, not to mention all the consequential cost reductions, such as electricity consumption. For ISO 14001, businesses must:

• Establish an environmental policy to outline:
  • Commitment to environmental protection
  • Compliance with relevant laws and regulations

• Communicate the environmental policy to all relevant stakeholders. Establish clear communication on all environmental matters.

• Identify and assess business activities that could significantly impact the environment, including:
  • Products manufactured and sold
  • Services developed and delivered
  • Other business activities

• Identify and understand environmental regulations, legislation, and other applicable requirements. Ensure compliance with these obligations.

• Set specific objectives based on the environmental impact assessment and legal requirements that are:
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • In alignment with the established environmental policy

• Develop and implement an environmental management program with specific actions, timescales, and responsibilities to achieve the defined objectives. Businesses must also ensure that they have the necessary resources and personnel with the required competence to implement the EMS effectively.

• Maintain EMS documentation, including:
  • Policies and procedures
  • Environmental performance records and metrics
  • Any other documentation to demonstrate compliance and track progress.

• Implement procedures and controls to manage environmental commitments effectively, including:
  • Reduce or prevent pollution
  • Conserve resources
  • Minimize environmental impacts
  • Reducing waste or effective recycling
  • Responding to environmental emergencies

• Monitor and measure environmental performance to assess progress toward defined objectives and identify areas for improvement. Conduct audits to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMS and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and take corrective actions in response to identified non-conformities

• Conduct management-level reviews of the EMS regularly to ensure it is adequate and effective to meet environmental objectives. Management commitment is essential.

Environmental management is a journey and not a destination, and businesses must demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and movement towards preventing pollution and more efficient use of natural resources.