Prove You're Green

You as a business owner are totally trustworthy when it comes to the genuine sustainability of your business but some people out there are greenwashing, exaggerating their positive environmental claims for marketing purposes only. 

Is it better to take massive but unquantifiable eco action that you believe will make a genuine impact or is it better to have a third party audit of your incremental steps towards environmental friendliness?

Implementing ISO 14001, the international standard for an Environmental Management System (EMS), can help your business manage its environmental impact while enhancing performance. The following 10-step plan provides a framework for integrating ISO 14001 into your business operations:

Step 1: Obtain Management Commitment

1. Objective: Get buy-in from top management and define objectives for the EMS.

2. Actions:

   • Present the benefits and requirements of ISO 14001 to senior leadership.
   • Obtain approval for resource allocation.

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis

1. Objective: Understand your current position relative to ISO 14001 requirements.

2. Actions:

   • Assess existing environmental policies and procedures.
   • Identify gaps and areas for improvement.

Step 3: Establish a Project Team

1. Objective: Form a cross-functional team responsible for EMS implementation.

2. Actions:

   • Select team members from different departments (e.g., HR, Operations, R&D).
   • Appoint an EMS Coordinator or Project Manager.

Step 4: Develop an Implementation Plan

1. Objective: Create a roadmap for achieving ISO 14001 compliance.

2. Actions:

   • Outline tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities.
   • Monitor and update the plan as necessary.

Step 5: Conduct Environmental Aspects and Impacts Assessment

1. Objective: Identify environmental aspects and assess their impact.

2. Actions:

   • List activities, products, or services that interact with the environment.
   • Evaluate their environmental impact.

Step 6: Legal & Other Requirements

1. Objective: Identify all applicable legal and other obligations.

2. Actions:

   • Compile a list of relevant environmental laws, regulations, and customer requirements.
   • Establish a process to stay updated on these.

Step 7: Develop Objectives, Targets, and Programs

1. Objective: Set specific, measurable environmental objectives and targets.

2. Actions:

   • Align objectives with the company’s policy and significant aspects.
   • Create programs or action plans to achieve these objectives.

Step 8: Documentation & Record-Keeping

1. Objective: Create an EMS manual and maintain records.

2. Actions:

   • Document procedures, policies, and responsibilities.
   • Create record-keeping systems for audits and performance monitoring.

Step 9: Training and Communication

1. Objective: Train employees and communicate the EMS throughout the organization.

2. Actions:

   • Develop and deliver training modules.
   • Use internal communication channels to keep staff informed.

Step 10: Internal Audits and Management Review

1. Objective: Continuously evaluate and improve the EMS.

2. Actions:

   • Conduct internal audits to assess compliance.
   • Review the EMS with top management to ensure its continued suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.

After following these steps, you'll be in a good position to undergo an external audit for ISO 14001 certification. Always remember that ISO 14001 is about continuous improvement; even after certification, you should continually monitor your EMS and make necessary adjustments.

You could start by something on this list:

Download pdf
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