An ISO 14001 environmental management system is exactly that, a tried and tested system that helps an organisation minimise its impact on the environment.

As we all know, our customers and clients are increasingly concerned about the environment and many will even pay extra if they know a company is ‘doing the right thing’.

Globally, a report in 2014 revealed that 55% of consumers across 60 countries would pay higher prices for goods from environmentally conscious companies. A similar study in 2013 said 71% of Americans ‘at least consider the environment as a factor when shopping’.

Going green is an attractive business strategy these days – but it’s not just a matter of sticking the words eco-friendly on your website!

Industry leaders make sustainability a key issue for structuring a business and making decisions, working to minimise the use and production of waste, harmful chemicals and excess use of raw materials.

Dwindling resources

The planet’s dwindling resources are becoming more apparent and achieving environmental management system certification shows customers that business is serious about reducing its usage.

Implementing a sound environmental management system in Queensland is not as difficult as you may think if you engage the services of expert consultants.

ISO 14001:2015 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system and consultants specialising in ISO certification can help an organisation follow the framework to set up an effective system. It can be used by any business, regardless of its size or industry.

Achieving ISO 14001:2015 certification assures management and employees – as well as external stakeholders – that the business’s environmental impact is being measured and improved.

One of the most widely used standards in the world, ISO 14001 has recently been revised and there are some major changes.

Strategic planning

For starters, far greater importance is being given to making sound environmental management an integral part of a business’s strategic planning process.

Tied in with this is the increased focus on leadership within an organisation. It’s no longer about a few employees ensuring the workplace has recycling bins – although that is still important – it’s about business owners and top management walking the talk.

Talking about doing things is always a good start, but the move with this revision is towards more proactive initiatives to protect the environment.

And a key element is drawing all these things together is an improved communication strategy.

A major plus is that the revised standard is now structured to be more in line with other standards, making it easier for organisations to implement integrated management systems.

Achieving certification

Environmental management systems training will prepare an organisation for implementing ISO 14001:2015 and achieving certification.

ISO 14001:2015 is suitable for any sized business, not-for-profit or government organisation.

It emphasises the importance of the reduce, reuse, recycle approach and, in doing so, can save the organisation money, as well possible future reductions in taxes and liability insurances.

It goes without saying that taking on this standard enhances a business’s reputation in the market.

This is proof that a business is both forward-thinking and ethical, and is taking responsibility for its actions.

Safer and healthier

Clearly it makes the customers happy, but it’s also a major incentive to your staff. It motivates them to be more environmentally aware, and can also help make their workplace safer and healthier.

ISO 14001:2015 gives solid proof that an organisation is playing its part. In the past, some organisations that claimed to be ‘green’ were caught out as not being very green at all!

The first step in achieving certification is to engage the services of consultants who not only know the ISO system inside out but also have extension knowledge and experience across all industries.

Then it’s time to sit down with your training crew and discuss your current structure, and what you would like to / need to achieve.

Areas of concern

Strategic environmental goals will be set out, and areas of concern or non-compliance within the organisation will be prioritised for action.

All environmental issues will be considered, including pollution, waste and sewerage, resource use and efficiency, soil contamination, climate change mitigation and more.

But remember, this is not a one-off quick fix. Once the system is in place, and you start your journey towards certification, your consultants will show you how to monitor continually and enhance your systems.

Remember, certification to ISO 14001:2015 is not a legal requirement – yet. But by undertaking this journey, and undergoing third-party certification, you are signalling to everyone that you are serious.

So your first step towards implementing an ISO 14001:2015 environmental management system in Queensland is contacting a Brisbane training crew and get your environmental management system training underway.

Already, with that simple first step, you are showing your employees, managers, customers, suppliers and others that you intend to trade ethically. And from that one little step, you will probably start seeing increased interest in your business, and the start of new growth.

Contributed by http://www.standardconsulting.com.au/