In the ever-changing climate, it is more important than ever for individuals, businesses and organisations to do what they can to minimise their environmental impact.
Achieving ISO 14001 certification can help companies to become more efficient, reduce their operational costs and put in place a system of continuous improvement to become an all-around better and greener organisation.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 can be applied to businesses of almost any type, size, sector or complexity. This globally recognised standard sets out the vital framework needed for a robust environmental management system (EMS) that can be used to better protect the environment, meet legal obligations and improve environmental performance.
What Are the Benefits of ISO 14001?
Here we go through just some of the many great advantages of implementing and achieving ISO 14001 for your business.
Cost Savings
There are a number of different ways that ISO 14001 helps businesses to save money including;
- The EMS can be used to identify, control and reduce the occurrence of environmental incidences, saving money in clean-up, fines and reparations
- Pinpoints potential areas where energy and input materials used for company processes can be conserved and reduced
- Identify areas where renewable energy sources can be used
- Reducing energy usage
- Reducing material costs
- Reducing waste management costs
- Lower insurance premiums
Business Boost
A very compelling benefit of achieving ISO 14001 certification is the positive effect it can have on your business in relation to growth and success.
- Many public sector bodies now require that potential suppliers are certified to this standard as a pre-requisite and won’t do business with companies that aren’t compliant. This means that with ISO 14001, you can gain access to opportunities and new markets that were previously out of reach.
- It’s not only the public sector that is serious about environmental sustainability but the private sector too is seeing an increase in demand for suppliers and sub-contractors to be ISO 14001 certified.
This means that ISO 14001 compliance can be a great boost for your business and increase your chances of winning both public and private sector contracts.
Reduce Environmental Impact
With an efficient EMS in place, businesses are able to gain a clear oversight of their practices and policies which can help to identify blind spots, risks and weaknesses across the organisation. By being able to easily and efficiently quantify, monitor and control the company’s operations, organisations are able to develop focused and realistic action plans that help to reduce and improve their environmental impact for a greener, better business.
Improved Image and Reputation
This useful tool clearly demonstrates to the public, customers, business partners and shareholders that you are a responsible organisation and that the goods or services you provide meet environmental expectations.
Compliance
Implementing ISO 14001 proves that your organisation complies with applicable environmental legislation and allows you to stay ahead of new and existing regulations. This works in tandem with your regulatory responsibilities to ensure that you meet your regulatory requirements and environmental targets, avoiding the potential fallout that can occur as a result of non-compliance.