What is BS EN ISO 14001:2012

Introduction

The BS EN ISO 14001:2012 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It provides organizations with a framework to effectively manage their impact on the environment and continuously improve their environmental performance. This article aims to explain the key elements of the BS EN ISO 14001:2012 standard and how it can benefit businesses.

Key Elements of BS EN ISO 14001:2012

1. Environmental Policy: The BS EN ISO 14001:2012 requires organizations to establish and communicate their environmental policy. This policy should outline the commitment to comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations, prevent pollution, and continually enhance environmental performance. It must also be documented, implemented, maintained, and communicated to all employees.

2. Planning: The standard emphasizes the importance of identifying environmental aspects of business activities, products, and services. This includes assessing the potential environmental impacts and risks associated with these aspects. Once identified, organizations need to establish objectives and targets for improvement, develop action plans, and allocate resources to achieve them.

3. Implementation and Operation: This element focuses on the execution of the environmental management system. It requires organizations to define responsibilities, provide appropriate training and awareness programs, and ensure effective communication both internally and externally. Additionally, organizations should establish procedures for emergency preparedness and response, monitor and measure environmental performance, and conduct regular audits to identify areas for improvement.

4. Check and Review: To ensure the effectiveness of the environmental management system, organizations are required to monitor and measure their performance against the set objectives and targets. Regular internal audits and management reviews should be conducted to assess compliance, identify non-conformities, and take corrective actions as necessary.

Benefits of BS EN ISO 14001:2012

Implementing BS EN ISO 14001:2012 can bring several benefits to organizations. Firstly, it helps to enhance brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. This can attract environmentally conscious customers and investors and differentiate a company from its competitors.

Secondly, the standard enables organizations to identify and mitigate environmental risks, leading to potential cost savings in areas such as resource consumption, waste management, and regulatory compliance.

Thirdly, BS EN ISO 14001:2012 promotes a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging organizations to find innovative ways to minimize their impact on the environment and maximize operational efficiency.

Moreover, achieving certification to this standard can open doors to new business opportunities, especially when dealing with government agencies or large corporations that prioritize working with environmentally responsible suppliers.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 14001:2012 provides a systematic approach to managing environmental responsibilities. By adopting this standard, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices, improve their operational efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in a world where environmental issues are increasingly prominent.