ISO 14001 with Sustainability

 

Environmental Sustainability – How Do You Define It?

The capacity to keep an equilibrium between the environment and human activities is pointed to as environmental sustainability. The activities within the sustainability program do not influence the ecosystem negatively. Also, the use of EMS doesn’t impact future generations' ability to satisfy various requirements. That is why both are referred to as being part of environmental sustainability.

The motive of environmental sustainability involves making decisions and taking steps. It starts with activities such as safeguarding, restoring, and preserving natural resources within the natural world. This involves eliminating waste, conserving resources, and utilizing sources of clean energy such as wind, sunlight, and water.

With ISO 14001 Certification, an organization gets the proper idea about the utilization of natural and limited resources. The certification also leads industries to follow environmental sustainability programs for a better and secure future.

What Is the Role of ISO 14001 Certification in Environmental Sustainability?

ISO 14001 is an international standard that sets its targets to implement environmental management systems (EMS) within organizations. The standard helps businesses manage their environmental responsibilities. It assists businesses in identifying, controlling, and minimizing their environmental consequences.

The ISO 14001 Standards are responsible for setting environmental objectives and targets. This certification confirms a company's commitment to environmental sustainability and assists it in reducing its environmental impacts.

ISO 14001 Environmental Sustainability is easier to achieve while improving environmental performance, and increasing its competitive edge. The ISO 14001 certification also aids in the development of public trust, the improvement of stakeholder relationships, and increased compliance with environmental rules.

For an organization, carrying out environmental sustainability won’t be a difficult task unless they don’t follow the ISO 14001:2015 Standard properly.

Activities with EMS-Based Sustainability

1. Create and Put in Place an Environmental Policy

An Environmental Management System (EMS) can assist businesses in developing, documenting, and implementing effective environmental policies. This policy should include a statement of commitment to environmental protection as well as an overview of the organization's environmental aims and ambitions.

2. Establish Environmental Management Objectives and Goals

An EMS is the one assisting organization to develop the best and most defined environmental goals. They carry various objectives that act as a roadmap for the business to attain its environmental goals. These objectives and goals must be explicit, quantifiable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

3. Develop an Environmental Action Plan

An EMS can assist organizations to build an action plan. The program holds a vital source as it accomplishes its environmental objectives and targets. With this strategy, an organization can take precise steps and understand the deadlines for implementing the EMS. You may need a list of resources to complete the Environmental Action Plan.

4. Monitor and Measure Progress

An EMS can assist companies while monitoring and measuring their progress. Each step or progress should satisfy their environmental goals. This involves frequent monitoring of environmental performance, identifying areas for improvement, and taking remedial action as needed.

Practical Opportunities of Environmental Sustainability

1.      Using Recycled Products

ISO 14001 EMS talks about the proper use of natural resources and positive interaction with the environment. If the manufacturers prefer the best materials to produce various goods, then, these items can be recycled properly for future usage. In that case, it maintains the sustainability rate properly with the environment.

2.      Find Out the Consumption of Materials and Resources

It is important to understand what kind of materials and resources should be used to manufacture products. Sometimes, hard steps are better to maintain sustainability. Manufacturers should prefer the less use of carbon-contained products to eliminate the chances of carbon footprint. This is the scenario when the industries can develop sustainability.

3.      Understand the Lifespan of the Products

Once the organization designs its products based on the lifecycle of the material, it will be easier for the environment. In some cases, those used products can be recycled for future usage. Otherwise, the wasted elements of the products will be degraded or decomposed properly following natural law. This is an excellent way to increase sustainability.

4.      Find Out the Positive Sides of the Products

ISO 14001:2015 Standard is meant to provide the best risk management. That’s a positive and achievable sign to attain sustainability. Once organizations understand how to eliminate various risk factors, it will be easier for them to manufacture future-proofed items. Also, they can focus on the EMS framework to improve sustainability performance.

Responsibilities Aligned with Environmental Sustainability

If your organization has been complying with the ISO 14001 EMS, it will give a genuine and positive impact on the environment. Considering different factors like planning, risk management, knowledge about the EMS, awareness programs, and other relevant activities seem easier to achieve. Once the industry attains such benefits, it will be easier to maintain sustainability properly. You can consider this sustainability as an option for responsibility and opportunity.