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What is ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS). This guide explains what is ISO 14001, its core principles, and how organisations achieve certification. Whether you’re exploring ISO 14001 Auditor Courses or evaluating the standard for your business, this article provides everything you need to know.

In this article:

So, what is ISO 14001? It is a framework that helps organisations manage their environmental responsibilities systematically. The standard specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an environmental management system.

ISO 14001, what is it used for in practice? Organisations implement it to reduce their environmental footprint, comply with regulations, and demonstrate environmental commitment to stakeholders. It applies to any organisation regardless of size, sector, or location.

What is ISO 14001:2015?

What is the ISO 14001 current version? ISO 14001:2015 is the latest edition, published in September 2015. It introduced significant changes to align with other management system standards through the High-Level Structure (HLS).

Key updates in ISO 14001:2015 include:

  • Greater emphasis on leadership and top management commitment
  • Lifecycle perspective for environmental aspects
  • Enhanced focus on organisational context and interested parties
  • Integration of environmental management into strategic planning

ISO 14001 Principles

ISO 14001, what is its foundation built upon? The standard operates on key principles that guide effective environmental management:

  • Environmental policy – Top management establishes a commitment to environmental protection and compliance.
  • Planning – Identifying environmental aspects, legal requirements, and setting objectives and targets.
  • Implementation – Establishing resources, roles, responsibilities, and operational controls.
  • Performance evaluation – Monitoring, measuring, and evaluating environmental performance.
  • Improvement – Taking corrective actions and continually enhancing the EMS.

These principles follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle that underpins all ISO management system standards.

Aspects > Impacts > Controls

A practical way to apply ISO 14001 is to identify your organisation’s most significant environmental aspects, evaluate the impacts they can cause, and then put in place operational controls and measurable objectives to manage risk and drive continual improvement.

The example illustrates the straightforward “Aspects, Impacts, Controls” logic that organisations typically use when planning an EMS and when demonstrating effectiveness during internal and external audits

Benefits of Using ISO 14001

Implementing ISO 14001 delivers significant advantages:

  • Reduced environmental impact – Systematic management of emissions, waste, and resource consumption.
  • Regulatory compliance – Structured approach to meeting environmental legislation requirements.
  • Cost savings – Improved resource efficiency reduces operational costs.
  • Enhanced reputation – Demonstrates environmental responsibility to customers and stakeholders.
  • Competitive advantage – Many tenders and supply chains require environmental certification.

ISO 14001 Certification Process

Achieving certification involves a structured approach to implementing your EMS:

Stage Description
1. Gap Analysis Assess current environmental practices against ISO 14001 requirements
2. Aspects Identification Identify significant environmental aspects and impacts
3. System Implementation Develop policies, procedures, and operational controls
4. Internal Audit Verify EMS effectiveness in preparation for external assessment
5. Stage 1 Audit Certification body reviews documentation readiness
6. Stage 2 Audit On-site assessment of EMS implementation
7. Certification Certificate issued upon successful completion

ISO 14001 CQI and IRCA Auditor Courses

Professional auditor training is essential for those conducting or managing ISO 14001 audits. CQI and IRCA certified courses provide internationally recognised qualifications.

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Course

The ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Course prepares professionals to lead third-party certification audits. This five-day programme covers audit planning, execution, reporting, and team leadership.

ISO 14001 Auditor Conversion Course

The ISO 14001 Auditor Conversion Course enables qualified auditors from other management systems to extend their competence to environmental auditing.

ISO 14001 Internal Auditor Course

The ISO 14001 Internal Auditor Course equips participants to conduct effective internal EMS audits. It covers audit techniques, evidence gathering, and reporting nonconformities.

BSI Standards

The British Standards Institution (BSI) publishes the UK adopted version of ISO 14001. These documents are essential references for UK organisations implementing the standard.

BS EN ISO 14001:2015+A1:2024

BS EN ISO 14001:2015+A1:2024 is the current British Standard version incorporating the latest amendment. It provides the complete requirements for environmental management systems.

BS EN ISO 14001:2015+A1:2024 – Tracked Changes

BS EN ISO 14001:2015+A1:2024 – Tracked Changes highlights amendments from previous versions, making it easier to identify updates and ensure compliance.

Enrol in an ISO 14001 Training Course

What is ISO 14001 in terms of your career development? Professional training provides the knowledge and skills needed to implement, audit, and improve environmental management systems effectively.

Ready to advance your environmental management expertise? Explore our ISO 14001 auditor courses and find the right programme for your career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 14001 refers to the international standard for environmental management systems published by the International Organization for Standardization. It provides a framework for organisations to manage their environmental responsibilities.

The five core elements are: environmental policy, planning, implementation and operation, checking and corrective action, and management review. These follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act improvement cycle.

Key requirements include establishing an environmental policy, identifying environmental aspects and legal obligations, setting objectives, implementing operational controls, monitoring performance, and conducting management reviews.

ISO 9001 focuses on quality management and customer satisfaction, whilst ISO 14001 addresses environmental management and sustainability. Both share the same High-Level Structure, making integration straightforward.