ISO14001:2004 is currently under review and although these changes are still at ‘draft’ stage it is likely they will come into effect in May 2015 (from when the transition period for organisations already holding certificates will begin); further details on the expected changes will be provided on the Amalgamate website as they come to light.
Key changes
- Improved top management leadership and commitment
- Addressing of strategic environmental issues including the direction of the business and the interests of stakeholders
- Sustainable development and social responsibility
- Environmental influence within the supply chain and procurement
- Environmental design as a tool for improvement
- Environmental compliance and the use of performance indicators to track performance
Benefits
It is becoming increasingly important for organisations to demonstrate that they are considering their environmental performance and impact. Implementing an environmental management system provides practical tools to enable identification and control of environmental impact and improvement of environmental performance, demonstrate senior management support, encourage employee engagement, ensure legal compliance and help to improve efficiency by reducing costs and environmental impact.
Benefits also include:
- Increased stakeholder confidence and improved reputation;
- Advantage over competitors when tendering for business, and increased likelihood of repeat business;
- Cost savings in waste, recycling and energy consumption;
- Proactive management of environmental risks;
- Forward planning to ensure on-going and timely compliance with environmental requirements; and
- Potential reduction in insurance premiums.
What next?
Amalgamate understand that implementing and/or maintaining an environmental management system can be time consuming, but our expert consultants are here to support you.
The revised framework for ISO14001 will enable organisations to implement an environmental management system which is specific to the context of their business. Amalgamate can help you take the first steps towards certification through completion of an initial gap analysis supported by an action plan and on-going project management.
If, as an organisation, you already hold ISO14001:2004, the next step is to revise existing processes, communicate changes to your business, and implement actions, such as training, which occur as a result of the changes. If you are running independent quality, environmental and health and safety management systems, this may be a good opportunity to consider integration; forthcoming changes can subsequently be incorporated.
Amalgamate can provide you with advice and guidance on either implementing or revising your existing management systems. For further information email us at info@amalgamate-safety.com or call on +44 (0)141 244 0181.