The ISO 14000 series standards include ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14004:2016 Environmental Management Systems (EMS), which provide a framework for businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
ISO 14001:2015 is a globally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It sets out the requirements for an environmental management system, which helps organizations control and reduce their environmental impact, as well as make sure they are compliant with environmental regulations. It is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which is applied to all of the organization’s environmental processes.
ISO 14004:2016 is an additional EMS standard, which provides guidance and best practices for an organization to use in developing, implementing and managing its environmental management system. The feedback loop of the PDCA cycle is used to improve the performance of the system.
ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14004:2016 are not mandatory, although they are recommended by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). However, some countries, states, or regions may make certification to one of these standards mandatory for certain industries or activities.
The ISO 14000 series of standards also include ISO 14005:2009, which provides quantifiable performance targets for environmental system management, and ISO 14006:2011, which provides guidance on how to establish an environmental management system. Both of these standards are not mandatory, however.
ISO 14000 standards are part of the larger ISO 9000 series, which set out globally recognized requirements for a quality management system that ensures an organization is providing products and services that meet customer expectations and requirements. The ISO 1000 series also includes ISO 19011:2011, which audits both the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series to ensure they are being correctly implemented.
ISO 14000 standards provide a framework that organizations can use to re-evaluate their environmental impact on a regular basis, and to make improvements where necessary. The standards make it easier for organizations to identify, measure, manage and reduce their environmental impacts, as well as help them to create a plan for future sustainability. Adopting these standards shows that a company is serious about protecting the environment and is taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint.
