Environmental ISO 14001

Implementing an EMS

There are key steps that every company implementing an EMS will need to consider:

Purchase the Standard
Before you can begin preparing for your application, you will require a copy of the standard. You should read this and make yourself familiar with it.

Review support literature
There are a wide range of environmental publications designed to help you understand, implement and become registered to a Environmental Management System.

Gain commitment and backing of senior managers
You should begin the entire implementation process by gaining the commitment and backing of Senior Managers with top management.

Consider Training
There are a range of workshops, seminars and training courses available to help you implement and assess your Environmental Management System.

Review Consultancy Options
You can receive advice from independent consultants on how best to implement your environmental management system. They will have the experience in implementing an EMS and can ensure you avoid costly mistakes.

Choose a registrar
The registrar is the 3rd party, like BSI, who come and assess the effectiveness of your environmental management system, and issue a certificate if it meets the requirements of the standard.  Choosing a registrar can be a complex issue as there are so many operating in the market.  Factors to consider include industry experience, geographic coverage, price and service level offered.  The key is to find the registrar who can best meet your requirements.  A great place to start is by contacting us.

Develop your Environmental Policy
Your environmental policy will state your commitment to compliance with legal and regulatory demands, continual improvement and the prevention of pollution. You should make this policy available to your market and the public.

Review and produce objectives
At this stage you should identify the elements of your business that impact on the environment, establish access to relevant environmental legislation and regulations and produce objectives and targets for environmental improvement and a management program to achieve them.

Implementation and Operation
The key to implementation is communication and training of staff. During the implementation phase you should provide resources for personnel and clearly define the roles within your organization. At this stage, you will document and control your management system in controlling operations that may have an environmental impact.

Gain registration
The initial registration to ISO 14001 involves a 2 stage assessment process, including a document review and a site visit.  You should arrange the initial assessment with your registrar.  It's often a good idea to include a pre-assessment designed to act as a practice assessment. Following the 2 stage initial assessment the assessor will determine whether you should be recommended for registration.

Continual assessment
Once you have received registration and been awarded your certificate, you can begin to advertise your success and promote your business. To maintain your registration, you will need to ensure legislative compliance, record information on the operation of your EMS and demonstrate continual improvement, This will be periodically checked by your registrar to ensure that your Environmental Management System continues to meet the requirements of the standard.

At BSI Management Systems we have a structured route to registering to ISO 14001. The BSI route to registration is designed to make your experience easy and reassuring, with minimal disruption to your own core activity.