What is ISO14001?
ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted standard that sets out how you can go about putting in place an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). The standard is designed to address the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact; with the commitment of your entire organization, it can enable you to achieve both objectives.
Why implement ISO 14001?
Environmental issues are very topical at present with energy efficiency, environmental impact and carbon footprints being discussed throughout the construction industry. Implementing an Environmental Management System will allow you to assess the environmental impact your company is currently making, and where you can reduce that impact. Being ISO14001 certificated allows you to prove the environmental credibility of your company with an internationally recognised certificate.
Through assessing the environmental impact of your current processes you may be able find more environmentally efficient ways to do things. This will hopefully assist you in using less water and energy which could make a considerable cost saving to your company.
What does it involve?
Having an Environmental Management System certificated to ISO14001:2015 involves the formation of work practises and procedures that must be implemented, maintained and reviewed. In a similar way to ISO9001, all staff in the company need to be aware of the practices and procedures and will have a role in ensuring they are maintained. The system must be certificated by a UKAS approved certification body which will include a yearly Audit.
How can the BWF help?
The BWF has produced a completed environmental manual, produced for a fictitious joinery company (BWF Joinery Ltd), which provides a template for ISO14001 that can be adjusted to fit your company. The manual comes complete with guidance notes, a copy of the standard BS ISO14001:2015 and half a day’s, on-site, consultant’s assistance to answer your questions and help you get started.
The consultants we provide are experts in applying the requirements of ISO14001 to the joinery and woodworking industry. During the initial visit, our expert will cover the steps that you will need to take to complete the quality manual.
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Further expert assistance can be requested on a half or full day basis. Some of the steps that you may need help with are understanding the requirements of ISO14001, assessing the procedures you have written, training to do internal auditing, and conducting a management review.
The BWF’s assistance package can take you up to the brink of ISO14001:2015 certification and we can recommend an ISO14001 certification provider if requested. Regular auditing is required to maintain your certification.