In most sectors, complying with environmental laws and regulations is no longer optional. Here we discuss why it matters to implement ISO 14001, the standard that sets environmental requirements for commercial and industrial organisations.
ISO 14001: What Is It?
ISO 14001 belongs to the ISO 14000 family of international standards for environmental management and is the best-known and most important environmental management standard in the world. It provides a safe and effective working climate within the organisation in line with environmental laws and improvements, helping companies operate within the sustainability framework the world has been moving towards in recent years.
Some trading nations now attach environmental conditions of various kinds to doing business with companies and organisations, both at home and abroad.
Compliance with ISO 14001 is one of the strongest proofs a company can offer that it complies with international environmental management systems, and you will see the return on ISO 14001 certification when dealing with bodies such as Egypt’s export control authority.
What Are the Benefits of ISO 14001 Certification?
Complying with ISO 14001 will help develop your commercial, industrial, medical or logistics business and can give your brand many of the qualities it needs to endure, succeed and expand more effectively, including:
– Working to protect the environment shields you from losses caused by waste.
– Lower, better-managed energy consumption will become one of your hallmarks once you comply with the standard.
– ISO 14001 will improve your standing among forward-looking organisations.
– Your organisation joins the sustainability race, a global movement to reduce environmental impact.
– A good reputation among market players.- A strong ethical and professional profile across the market.
– The loyalty of your existing customers, because everyone cares about the environment.
– A strong team that spreads your good name and culture of integrity.
– ISO 14001 will bring you significant advantages and opportunities as you expand, and the world will welcome you for protecting the environment.
– The ability to adapt to market changes and developments quickly, confidently and effectively.
A Brief History of the Standard (ISO 14001:2015)
ISO standards are revised and updated so that certified organisations keep pace as markets and technology evolve. The responsible organisation approves the revisions and adds the year of the latest revision to the standard’s name or code, for example ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 14001:2015, meaning the latest revision of the standard was approved in 2015.
ISO 14001 has been issued as follows:
– The first edition in 1996, known as ISO 14001:1996.
– The second edition in 2004, known as ISO 14001:2004.
– The third and latest edition in 2015, known as ISO 14001:2015.
Notable Organisations Certified to ISO 14001
– The Military Engineers Department – Egyptian Armed Forces.
– The Egyptian Air Defence Department – Egyptian Armed Forces.
– Total Power, which achieved ISO 14001 for its company and its latest factory.
– Total Air factories.
– Bodco Food Industries factories.
– Pipco for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
The Scope of the ISO 14001 Standard and Certificate
ISO 14001 applies to any organisation that wants to establish, implement and improve an environmental management system in order to manage its environmental aspects, fulfil its compliance obligations and enhance its environmental performance.
Requirements for Implementing ISO 14001 and Getting Certified
All the requirements of ISO 14001 for environmental management systems are generic and apply to any organisation, regardless of its size (large, medium or small), activity or sector, and whether it provides services or products.
Who Can Get ISO 14001 Certification?
As mentioned above, organisations of every size and activity can achieve ISO 14001 certification, because it serves a global movement towards sustainability. It acts as a standing declaration that your organisation complies with environmental laws and standards and with sustainability requirements at every level.
Organisations such as the following can therefore benefit:
– Food production factories and companies can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Import and export companies seek ISO 14001 certification for their international dealings
– Contractors can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Real estate developers can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Metal manufacturing and forming companies can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Plastics manufacturers can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Fertiliser and pesticide companies and factories can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Plant nurseries can achieve ISO 14001 certification
– Agricultural produce companies can achieve ISO 14001 certification
Steps to ISO 14001 Certification
To qualify for ISO 14001 certification, your business needs more than 2 employees and a complete legal entity, with contracts, a commercial or industrial register and a tax card. You then contact an experienced Team Quality auditor to schedule a site visit and agree the required audits and other details.
Team Quality: Awarding ISO Certificates Locally and Internationally
Team Quality will help you achieve ISO certification, including ISO 14001, following a clear audit process and an agreed timetable, and with the highest standards of auditing and follow-up, and will carry out your annual surveillance audits. It is accredited locally by the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC) and internationally by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), and it has firmly proven its strength in the local and international markets, with some of the strongest brands in its portfolio. It was also the first to award quality certificates to Egyptian military institutions after audits.
You can learn more about our clientsin our certification news
and contact us directly on WhatsApp
