ISO

What is an Environmental Management System?
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of cohesive elements that an organization may use to minimize its impact on the environment. A successful EMS will often borrow many of the management systems inherent in an organization, and may include such diverse areas such as how it manages quality issues (corrective action), training, communicates with its people and the general public.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted specification for an EMS. It specifies requirements for establishing an environmental policy, determining environmental aspects & impacts of products/activities/services, planning environmental objectives and measurable targets, implementation & operation of programs to meet objectives & targets, checking & corrective action, and management review.
How do I obtain the ISO 14000 standard?
The ISO 14001 Standard is protected by copyright and is not "free". You can purchase the standard from:
International Organization for Standardization
Email : central@iso.ch
Telephone : +41 22 749 01 11
Fax : +41 22 733 34 30
(Geneve,Switzerland)
What is the difference between conformance and compliance?
When speaking of an EMS in conformance, we are talking about a system that meets a certain set of criteria. When we speak of compliance in the EMS vernacular, we are talking about meeting the requirements of environmental regulations. When we say that an organization has a system in place that conforms to the ISO 14001 standard, we do not mean to imply that they also comply with all applicable regulations.
Does my company need to be in compliance with all regulations to be certified to ISO 14001?
The simple answer is no, a company does not need to be in compliance with environmental regulations to be certified to ISO 14001. They must have programs in place however, that helps them to strive toward the goal of compliance. Since regulations are constantly changing along with interpretations of complex requirements, it would not be reasonable to assume that every organization is in absolute compliance with every regulation.
Can a Registrar offer me advice on how to implement my system?
A registrar can state if an element of your system does not conform to the ISO 14001 Standard, but cannot tell you how to fix it. Consultants are not allowed to conduct certification audits on an organization they have in some way assisted with EMS development.
I heard ISO requires programs to reduce energy or raw material usage, is that true?
No, ISO does not specifically require programs for this area. But if you determine that your significant environmental impacts are related to these issues, they should establish objectives and targets to minimize these impacts, when feasible and to prevent situations where deviations in these areas could increase environmental impacts.
What is the advantage of certification by a registrar over self-declaration?
Certification by a registrar provides a much greater degree of credibility for the EMS in the public eye. The “tension” created by the registration and subsequent surveillance audits helps to maintain system momentum. Finally, many registrars, through observation, may add value by mentioning opportunities for system improvement in their audit report.
Does the ISO 14001 Standard require everything we do
(relative to environmental issues) be documented?
No, although it is generally a good idea to document EMS procedures, the ISO 14001 Standard requires documented procedures for only 3 specified items:
1. Documented operational control procedures to cover situations where their absence could lead to deviations from the environmental policy or objectives and targets.
2. Procedures to monitor the key characteristics of its operations and activities that can have a significant environmental impact.
3. A documented procedure to periodically review compliance with regulations.
Does ISO 14001 dictate a specific style that our procedures be written?
No, the procedural format is left to the discretion of the organization.
Do our internal auditors need to have RAB EMS auditor training to participate in internal audits of our system?
No, specific RAB EMS auditor training is not required of internal auditors, although they should have a good working knowledge of the ISO 14001 Standard in order to carry out this function effectively.
What are some of the benefits of having an ISO EMS?
Some of the most commonly cited benefits of an ISO 14001 EMS are:
• Improved perception of the key environmental issues by their employees and a better (greener) public image of the organization.
• An increase in the efficiency and use of energy and raw materials (less waste)
• Improved ability to meet compliance with environmental regulations
Dependence on a system rather than just the experience and capabilities of an individual to manage the environmental function of an organization