Feb 14, 2020

ISO 14001:2015-TOP BENEFITs

Updated: Apr 3, 2020

INTRODUCTION

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 164 nations. ISO, though may seem to be an abbreviation is not an abbreviation, but a Greek word, which means "equal." The intention behind this name is, it is used around the world to denote the organization and does not want to lose the essence with translation.

ISO standards are an important part in our society as they assure quality and safety in products and services in international business. Also, if the organization is ISO certified and proudly displays the certificate, the reliability factor goes up for the business.

WHAT IS ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow and specifies the requirements for an environmental management system.

ISO 14001:2015 helps an organization attain the predetermined goals of its environmental management system. This standardization is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspect of its activities, products, and services that the organization determines can either control or influence. Remember, it does not specify any criteria for environmental performance.

BACKGROUND TO ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the world's first generic, internationally recognized standard for environmental management. ISO 14001 standard's birthplace was Rio De Janerio Earth Summit, held in 1992 in Brazil. This was convened to assess the influence of businesses on the natural world and inspect the industrial production methods to cut down the damage to the environment caused by the industry.

WHY IS ISO 14001 IMPORTANT

While taking care of the environment becomes the primary responsibility, preventing companies from causing any negative impact on the environment also is on the shoulder of the organisations. By completing this certification, it is reassured that the company's EMS meets international industry specific environmental standards.

ISO 14001 helps organizations minimize their environmental footprint, diminish the risk of pollution incidents, develop their business in a sustainable manner.

BENEFITS OF ISO 14001

Aside from the more obvious benefits to our planet since the environmental issues are taken care of, the ISO 14001 certification has the below listed benefits to the company, customers as well as the staff of the company.

TO THE COMPANY:

To make substantial cost reduction by using the 3R approach.
Meeting their environmental legal requirements.
Reducing costs by reducing waste and associated disposal cost.
Reducing energy use.
Highlight the company image by enhancing the green credentials.
Reducing the impact of business activities on the environment.
Reducing the risks of fines and prosecutions.
Advantage over competitors while rendering business.

TO THE CUSTOMERS:

Reassures customers that they are dealing with an environmentally-friendly business.
The corporate social responsibility is met and ISO 14001 acts as a proof to the customers.
Improves the image and credibility of the organisation from the customer's point of view.

TO THE STAFF:

The motivation is high with the environmentally-conscious employees.
Environmental awareness created within the entire workforce.
Improved efficiency and employee engagement.
Reduces environmental risks and prevents incidents to the employees.

COMPLIANCE

Adhering to the requirements of ISO standards without the recertification process is being compliant to the ISO standards. Being compliant increase a business' marketability and thus help a great deal in business.

The top green initiative includes recycling, reducing waste, buying energy efficient products, and buying recycled products.