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ISO 14000 / ISO 14001 Consulting and Training

ISO 14000 / 14001 Checklist

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is the International Standard used for assistance in implementing or improving your Environmental Management System. Many companies, such as automotive manufacturers, various governmental agencies, etc., are requiring their suppliers to obtain third-party registration. ISO 14001 is the specification standard in the 14000 series. It is the only one to be used for third-party registrations.

ISO 14001:1996 Transition to ISO 14001:2004
 
ISO 14001:2004 revision was released for publication on November 15, 2004.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IAF
(International Accreditation Forum) have jointly agreed that the transition
period be no longer than 18 months. Therefore after May 15, 2006 the IAF
will recognize only certificates to ISO 14001:2004

What is an environmental management system?

An environmental management system (EMS) is an overall structure that focuses on the short and long-term impact of an organization's products, services, and processes on the environment. The EMS ensures order and consistency by guiding the organization in the sharing of resources, assignments of responsibilities, and providing ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures, and processes. 

Who Requires Registration?

" Ford is requiring suppliers to certify at least one manufacturing site to ISO 14001 by the end of 2001 and all manufacturing sites shipping products to Ford by July 1, 2003."
--Ford Motor Organization Web Site

" It is our intent that all suppliers to general Motors implement an environmental management system by December, 31, 2002… Working together with our suppliers, we can accomplish much more to improve the environment than GM can alone."
--Harold R. Kutner, GM VP for Purchasing

"The requirement [ISO 14001] applies to all Tier 1 suppliers, but eventually will affect all suppliers."
--Dan Jankowski, GM Spokesperson

"Toyota has a unique relationship with its suppliers… We are known for expecting them to share our high quality standards… Now we are asking them to join us in becoming environmental leaders." [Suppliers that provide raw materials and/or parts and components to Toyota will be required to develop, implement, and have third-party certification of an environmental management system conforming to ISO 14001 by December 31, 2003.]
--Teruyki Minoura, President and CEO Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America Inc.

What are ISO 14001 Benefits?

• Can provide evidence of reasonable care and regulatory compliance.
• Focuses on preventive rather than corrective action.
• Possible reduction of insurance and warranty costs.
• Can conserve energy and materials.
• Can enhance public image and/or market share.
• Possible increased business and trade opportunities.
• Can reduce incidents and liability.
• Helps meet vendor requirements.

ISO 14001 has 5 principles:

Commitment and policy

* your organization defines your environmental policy and commitment to its EMS. 
Policy should include:
* mission, vision, core values, and beliefs
* requirements of and communication with interested parties
* continual improvement
* prevention of pollution
* guiding principals
* coordination with other organizational policies (e.g. quality, OSHA)
* specific regional or local conditions
* compliance with relevant environmental regulations, laws, and criteria to which the organization subscribes

Planning

* how does your organization plan to fulfil your environmental policy.
Planning to include:
* identifying environmental aspects and evaluation of associated impacts
* legal requirements
* environmental policy
* internal performance evaluation criteria
* objectives and targets
* plans and management program

Implementation

* your organization should have or develop the capabilities to achieve your environmental policy, objectives, and targets.
Implementation to include:
* policies
* allocation of resources
* controls and documentation
* training
* accountability structure
* analysis system
* communication

Measurement and evaluation

* your organization should measure, monitor, and evaluate your environmental performance.
Measurement and evaluation to include:
* environmental aspects and their impacts
* training activities
* inspection, calibration, and maintenance
* data collection and interpretation
* non-conformance details
* supplier information
* EMS audits

Review and improvement

* management should continuously improve the EMS with focus on improving your environmental performance.
Review should include:
* review performance, objectives, and targets
* audit findings
* effectiveness
* suitability of policy (based on current conditions)

Contact us today and we will help you start the process towards improved productivity, reduced waste and the prestige of ISO 14001 registration.