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ISO 9000 Certification


  ISO 14001:2004 (ISO 14000) Certification

WHAT IS IT?

ISO 14001 was first published as a standard in 1996 and it specifies the requirements for an organisation's environmental management system. It applies to those environmental aspects over which an organisation has control and where it can be expected to have an influence.

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Learn more about ISO 14001

This page covers information regarding our ISO 14001 certification service as well as the history of the standard itself. Use the links below to jump to a particular section of the page.


THE HISTORY OF THE ISO 14001 STANDARD

ISO 14001 is in fact a series of international standards on environmental management. It provides a framework for the development of an environmental management system and the supporting audit programme.

The ISO 14001 series emerged primarily as a result of the Uruguay round of the GATT negotiations and the Rio Summit on the Environment held in 1992. While GATT concentrates on the need to reduce non-tariff barriers to trade, the Rio Summit generated a commitment to protection of the environment across the world.

After the rapid acceptance of ISO 9000, and the increase of environmental standards around the world, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) assessed the need for international environmental management standards. They formed the Strategic Advisory Group on the Environment (SAGE) in 1991, to consider whether such standards could serve to:

  • Promote a common approach to environmental management similar to quality management;
  • Enhance organisations' ability to attain and measure improvements in environmental performance; and
  • Facilitate trade and remove trade barriers.

In 1992, SAGE's recommendations created a new committee, TC 207, for international environmental management standards. This committee and its sub-committees included representatives from industry, standards organisations, government and environmental organisations from many countries. What developed was a series of ISO14000 standards designed to cover:

  • environmental management systems
  • environmental auditing
  • environmental performance evaluation
  • environmental labelling
  • life-cycle assessment
  • environmental aspects in product standards

ISO 14001 was first published as a standard in 1996 and it specifies the actual requirements for an environmental management system. It applies to those environmental aspects over which an organisation has control and where it can be expected to have an influence.

ISO 14001 is often seen as the corner-stone standard of the ISO 14000 series. It specifies a framework of control for an Environmental Management System and is the only ISO 14000 standard against which it is currently possible to be certified by an external certification body. However, it does not in itself state specific environmental performance criteria.

This standard is applicable to any organisation that wishes to:

  • implement, maintain and improve an environmental management system
  • assure itself of its conformance with its own stated environmental policy
  • demonstrate conformance
  • ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations
  • seek certification of its environmental management system by an authorised external certification body
  • make a self-determination of conformance

Other standards in the series are actually guidelines, many to help an organisation achieve registration to ISO 14001. These include the following:

  • ISO 14004 provides guidance on the development and implementation of environmental management systems
  • ISO 14010 provides general principles of environmental auditing (now superseded by ISO 19011)
  • ISO 14011 provides specific guidance on auditing an environmental management system (now superseded by ISO 19011)
  • ISO 14012 provides guidance on qualification criteria for environmental auditors and lead auditors (now superseded by ISO011)
  • ISO 14013/5 provides an audit program review and assessment material.
  • ISO 14020+ covers labelling issues
  • ISO 14030+ provides guidance on performance targets and monitoring within an Environmental Management System
  • ISO 14040+ covers life cycle issues

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BENEFITS OF ISO 14001

By having your organisation's environmental management system independently assessed by the British Assessment Bureau, you will be making a powerful statement about your organisation's environmental credentials.

Other benefits of ISO 14001 certification include:

1. Better management of environmental risks, now and in the future
2. Increased access to new customers and business partners
3. Demonstration of legal and regulatory compliance
4. Potential for reduced public liability insurance costs
5. Overall cost savings: in terms of consumption, waste and recycling

In addition, ISO 14001 is designed to be compatible with other management system standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality), OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety) and ISO 27001 (Information Security). All or any combination of these complementary standards can be integrated seamlessly. They share many principles, so choosing an integrated management system can provide you with outstanding value for money.

If you would like an integrated management system, comprising all or a combination of ISO management standards, simply let us know your requirements and we will work with you to develop the right solution for your needs.

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YOUR JOURNEY TO ISO 14001 CERTIFICATION

STEP 1: Preparation

Realistically, if you are new to the ISO 14001 standard, then you are going to need some guidance. Once contact is made, we'll discuss your requirements with you and suggest the solution that best suits your needs. After assessing your needs we will give you a fixed price quotation so that you know exactly how much your registration will cost. Your quotation will be based upon your company profile and an assessment of your needs. To get the ball rolling, simply call us on 0800 404 7007 or email us an enquiry.

STEP 2: Application

Once you decide to go-ahead, we'll assign a Lead Assessor to you. He or she will be your principal contact throughout the registration process and beyond. They will build-up detailed knowledge of your business and will be able to answer any question you may have.

STEP 3: Pre-Audit Assessment (known as Stage 1)

Your Lead Assessor will visit you to explain the standard and undertake a gap-analysis of your current arrangements for environmental management. You will then receive a detailed report including any required actions. Together, you will then determine the appropriate timetable for your Audit Assessment. Many organisations benefit from a pre-assessment ‘dry run’ and your Lead Assessor will be able to discuss this with you.

STEP 4: Audit Assessment (known as Stage 2)

Once you are ready for your formal Audit Assessment, your Lead Assessor will make the required arrangements for you. On completion, you will be informed of the Auditor's recommendation before he or she leaves your premises.

STEP 5: Registration & Certificate

Following the independent Auditor's recommendation, your registration will be formally confirmed. Soon after, your certificate of conformity to the ISO 14001 standard will be issued and sent to you.

STEP 6: Continual Assessment

Having achieved certification, you will want to maintain your registration and your Lead Assessor will remain on hand to undertake the required annual reviews to ensure you continue to meet the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.

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OUR CREDENTIALS

Our reputation was established in 1965 as a division of Salford University Business Services. In 1997 the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry approved use of the word 'British' in our corporate title in recognition of our pre-eminent status.

Our current status is that we have been recommended for UKAS accreditation, subject to approval by UKAS senior management.

All of our assessors and auditors are professionally trained and have a business background, so you can count on their practical and business-friendly approach.

Our client portfolio is a good mix of public and private sector organisations, as well as institutes, charities and trade bodies. Our pre-eminent status is your guarantee of quality and we have been a recognised Investor in People since 1999.

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WHAT WILL ISO 14001 CERTIFICATION COST?

We like to provide our clients with a fixed price because we know that day rates have a habit of going over budget!

We will calculate the cost of your pre-assessment based on the size of your organisation; e.g. annual turnover, the number of sites you have and the number of employees, etc. In all cases, we will provide you with a fixed price quotation.

To obtain your fixed price ISO 14001 quotation, please call us Monday to Friday between the hours of 09:00 to 17:30 or use the Quotation Form using the link below.
 
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