Summary: ISO 14001 defines requirements for environmental management systems, while ISO 14004 provides guidance on implementation and continual improvement.
Many organisations aim to achieve and demonstrate strong environmental performance by controlling the impact of their activities, products and services on the environment.
BS EN ISO 14001:2015 is the British implementation of the international ISO 14001 standard. It specifies the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS) that can be audited for certification or used for self-declaration. The standard shares common management principles with ISO 9000 quality systems.
Organisations requiring broader guidance on environmental management systems should refer to BS EN ISO 14004:2016, which provides general guidance on principles, systems and supporting techniques.
Understanding internal and external issues and the needs of stakeholders.
Top management commitment and leadership in implementing the environmental management system.
Risk-based thinking and identification of environmental aspects.
Compliance obligations and legal requirements.
Setting environmental objectives and planning actions.
Provision of resources, competence, awareness, communication and documented information.
Planning and control of processes, including emergency preparedness and response.
Monitoring, measurement, analysis, evaluation, internal audits and management review.
Nonconformity, corrective actions and continual improvement.
Integration with business processes and lifecycle thinking.
Commitment to continual improvement.
Identification of environmental aspects and impacts.
Determination of risks and opportunities.
Development of objectives and programmes.
Communication, training and awareness.
Documented information and operational control.
Monitoring, measurement and analysis.
Internal audits and management review.
Continual improvement actions.
ISO 14001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for environmental management systems.
ISO 14001 sets requirements for certification, while ISO 14004 provides guidance on implementation and improvement.
Benefits include improved environmental performance, compliance, cost savings and enhanced reputation.