In almost every element of business, some form of standardization is implemented. This is seen in major industries like mining, transportation, manufacturing and agricultural.
It is important to understand the difference between "standardization" and "compliance" to extract maximum value from ISO standards. ISO is the acronym for International Organization for Standardization. The standardization is non-governmental, compliance is legislated by government.
ISO was created from the United Nations Standard Coordinating Committee and International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations. ISO is used as a form of standardization internationally. Another fact to know about ISO is that it is independent of governmental influence and comprised of "162 national standard bodies."
The "how" of ISO development of standards is a result of a consortium of experts in industry who share their knowledge and expertise to advance innovation and technology that may affect global challenges.
The benefits of how
ISO standards are developed are seen in safe, healthy products, reduction in waste, increased productivity and greater quality assurance and quality control. ISO also affect quality of management by offering ISO certification applicable to each industry.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO offers hundreds of standards from which industries can choose for training and certification. Two standards most popularly used are ISO 9000 and ISO 14001.
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ISO offers hundreds of standards from which industries can choose for training and certification. Two standards most popularly used are ISO 9000 and ISO 14001. The ISO 9000 series of standards is related to quality management.
ISO 14001 is part of a "family" of standards related to management of environmental responsibility. ISO 14001 provides articulated guidelines for implementing a system of environmental management according to ISO standardization. ISO 14001 is upgraded frequently.
For industries and businesses who apply ISO 14001, it is necessary to update environmental management systems to reflect changes and newer standards.
Note that ISO 14001 standards are listed with numerical differentiates and by year:
ISO 14005:2010 includes guidelines for environmental management and also environmental evaluations.
ISO 14006: 2011 includes guidelines for eco-design incorporation.
ISO 14001:2015 addresses environmental impacts for employers and employees through measurements, improvements and impact evaluations.
These ISO 14001 standards also apply to stakeholders.
Why is ISO 14001 Important?
For industries to maintain safe and healthy workplace environments, ISO 14001 provides assurance of continuing improvements. It also allows major decision makers in businesses and industries to implement these environmental improvements as part of their annual strategic planning. By extension, ISO 14001 has a ripple effect of encouraging business suppliers/vendors to improve environmental performance through integrating client ISO 14001 strategies.
ISO Training and Certification
To consumers, ISO certification represents the image of business and industry with highest standards of performance.
The investment in
ISO 14001 Training and certification for employers and employees who aspire to Internal Auditor, Certified Lead Auditor or Champion ISO status, proves valuable and cost-effective to business operations.
