fb_pixel

BLOG

Why should your business become ISO 14001 certified?

More and more people and businesses are looking to work with companies who can show a real commitment to sustainability. But how can your business show this? An ISO 14001 certification is a way for businesses to reduce their impact on the environment through an environmental management system and there are a range of benefits if your business chooses this route.  

What’s an environmental management system?

An environmental management system takes a holistic approach to your business’ impact on the environment. It looks at how your organisation identifies, controls, manages, and monitors environmental issues. While there are different ISO standards that look at other elements, such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 specifically looks at your environmental policies and procedures.

Want to learn our top tips for becoming ISO 14001 certified? Click the button below to find out more!

What are the requirements for becoming ISO 14001 certified?

In order for your organisation to become ISO 14001 certified, you’ll need to show proof that your organisation’s Environmental Management System meets the requirements for the standard. You’ll need to have a concise and clear mission statement that sets out exactly how you’re going to prevent pollution and protect the environment. You will also need to show how you plan to continuously work to these goals, including anything that might be a potential risk.

All of your production and environmental practices need to be assessed through internal audits. This ensures that they comply with all legal requirements. You’ll need to look at any machinery or equipment you have as well as any of your environmental plans. Look at any of your emergency plans, such as fire and flooding plans, and ensure that these procedures will have as little effect on the environment as possible.

Someone completing an ISO 14001 audit
A team completing an ISO 14001 audit, looking at graphs on a computer

How can I become ISO 14001 certified?

Once you’ve created your environmental management system that meets the requirements, you’ll need to have it up and running and then approved by an ISO approved auditor. Then, if your system meets the requirements, you’ll be awarded with a certificate of registration. This is renewable for up to three years and then a new accreditation must be requested. Costs for certifications depend on who you use for your external audit and the turnover of your business. The larger your turnover, the more you’ll need to pay for certification and audits.

What are the benefits of becoming ISO 14001 certified?

There are plenty of reasons why your business should consider becoming ISO 14001 certified.

Reduces Environmental Impact

With an ISO 14001 certification, you’re going to have to show that your business is making strides to reduce its environmental impact. If you’re already working towards a sustainability target in your business or outlining your CSR goals, having an ISO 14001 accreditation could be a place to start. Through cutting down the waste you’re creating and switching to renewable energy options, you’ll be reducing your business’ environmental impact. In this time of a climate emergency, it’s crucial that organisations are doing what they can to counteract the effects of climate change.

Reduces Costs

Becoming ISO 14001 certified is a great way to reduce your business’ costs. Through using an environmental management system, you’ll be reducing the amount of waste you’re producing. This cuts down on your waste management costs as the less waste you produce, the less collections you’ll need. Focusing on reducing your environmental impact by looking at choosing renewable energy instead helps you to cut down on your business’ energy bills too. Helping you to create all round savings for your business.

Improves Brand Reputation

In a time where sustainability is a key driver in brand decision making, a commitment to sustainability can help your organisation to stand out. With more businesses looking to work with companies that align with their own sustainability goals, you’ll need to show that you’re working towards a sustainable future too. Having an ISO14001 accreditation can be used as proof that your business isn’t just saying that they’re sustainable, but that you have the systems in place to back it up. You’ll need to evaluate and reduce your environmental impact in order to get the certification, so you can use this to show key stakeholders and potential customers that you’re committed to sustainability.

How can we help you become ISO 14001 certified?

While we don’t provide external audits for ISO 14001, we can support you on your journey to reaching this. As an ISO 14001 certified business ourselves, we know exactly what needs to be done. We can help you to reduce your waste and create a fully sustainable waste management plan to reduce your business’ impact on the environment. Want to switch to renewable energy sources to cut your carbon footprint? We can help with that too. We’re here to help you lay the foundations for your accreditation and help your business become more sustainable.

Contact Us

Want to become ISO 14001 certified but don’t know where to start? Our team can create a tailor-made waste management plan to cut your business’ environmental impact and carbon footprint to help you become certified. Get in touch today to find out more.

We can improve your waste management and cut your costs.

Book a site survey today!

Waste Management
Collections
Why Flame UK?

Guidance on UK WEEE Regulations Compliance

As a producer of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in the UK, your business has specific legal responsibilities under the...
Read More

Oily Rags Disposal

Oily rags, often used in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and engineering, are more than just a common waste product—they are...
Read More

Simplifying Site Clearance

Managing leftover waste after a project can be a hassle for many businesses. Whether it's a construction project, office refurbishment,...
Read More

GET IN TOUCH

We're always here for you

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about how we could improve your waste management.

Get In Touch Waste
Enter the Captcha

Newsletter Signup

© Copyright 2023 FlameUK

All rights reserved.

Why Flame UK?
Waste Management
Waste Collections
Recycling
Sectors
EWC Code
Energy Procurement
PAT Testing
Waste Carrier License
Equipment Rental
Blog
Contact

Case Studies

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions

Company Registration Number: 09423868. VAT Number: 426 9125 89. Registered address: White House, Wollaton Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GF

Website Design by The New Fat