The increased concerns regarding environmental conservation have triggered many individuals and organizations to take initiatives to preserve our surroundings as much as possible. This is because harmful degradation of the environment results in serious consequences globally such as global warming, tons of waste material, contaminated food chain, and numerous health issues in humans and animals. As an effort to manage these alarming issues on the industrial level, ISO environmental management systems (EMS) have been introduced.
What is ISO EMS?
It is a globally recognized system of environmental management that helps organizations to manage their environment more effectively and efficiently.
An environmental management system is usually specific to each business. Since different types of industries would have different processing conditions and thus, would impact the environment differently, the system to manage these impacts would also be different for each of them. It covers various rules, procedures, records, and plans defining how your organization interacts with the environment and what gaps you can work on to make it better.
However, to provide a basic framework for all businesses worldwide, the international organization for standardization has developed ISO standards covering all the key elements that should be a part of every institute’s environmental management system, regardless of their type or location. These come under ISO 14001 documentation. These standards provide complete guidance on how you can design, develop and implement a comprehensive EMS for your organization to improve its environmental performance. The latest version of this is the 2015 edition which consists of seven core steps to develop a complete structure of your EMS.
If you want to have complete knowledge about ISO 14001 principles and want to be ISO 14001 certified, contact Vanguard Consulting. We are the best consultants in Pakistan with experience in all kinds of ISO certifications.
Benefits of ISO EMS:
Implementing ISO EMS and getting ISO 14001 certification can benefit companies in many ways.
Firstly, it would help you to improve efficiency and save money. This is because optimizing your processing facility to improve its environmental performance would result in reduced waste and increased product recycling which would ultimately generate more profits.
Secondly, controlling your impact on the environment would also reduce your carbon footprint. Thus, by showing the government that you are taking care of the environment, you can be saved from fines and can enhance your brand image at the same time.
Lastly, it also builds great consumer trust as it shows that your goal is not only money making but you also care about preserving Mother Nature.
Thus, an EMS indicates that your organization is committed to protecting the environment and is continuously working to reduce its negative impacts on the environment.
Implementing an ISO EMS:
An ISO EMS can be implemented in stages depending on your organization’s requirements. For example, you may start with one certification and then pursue others once you’ve met the initial requirement. You can also integrate your ISO EMS with other management systems such as Quality Management or Health and Safety Management. The first step in implementing an ISO EMS is to register with an accredited registrar. You can find accredited registrars in your country on the International Accreditation Forum website. Once you’ve registered, you will be issued an ISO EMS certificate that is valid for five years. This certificate will give you third-party recognition of your ISO EMS and help you establish it as a credible business tool.
If you are looking for the best consultant in Pakistan to help you in implementing an ISO Environmental Management system, Vanguard Consulting is the best choice for you. We do a complete gap analysis, provide awareness and audit training and also assist in completing all the documentation manuals.