This service is linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ISO 14001 is the most widely used and internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems applicable to all businesses, regardless of size, complexity and activity, and provides a framework for integrating practices that support
The steadily increasing environmental awareness in society makes the issue of environmental compliance one of the most important factors in the operation of companies. Companies that integrate environmental responsibility towards people and nature as part of their day-to-day business operations improve their image, strengthen their market position and contribute to their sustainability. Certification to the internationally recognised ISO 14001 standard offers confirmation of a responsible approach to the environment.
ISO 14001 is the most comprehensive environmental management and control system for continuous improvement of the environmental performance of globally recognised companies and organisations. It defines the requirements for environmental management and includes the entire value chain. The standard is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act model and assesses the environmental impact of the organisation's own processes and products, as well as processes such as the use of raw materials and the supply chain.
The standard offers additional key benefits, such as continuous improvement of environmental performance and transparency based on environmental documentation. Above all, confirmation that the legal requirements are met provides evidence of legal compliance, with positive consequences in terms of operational responsibility and safeguarding of employees within the organisation.
In addition, the requirements of the European Eco Management and Auditing Scheme ( EMAS) can be added to the requirements of ISO 14001. The combined certification takes into account environmental policy, environmental programmes and continuous improvement of environmental performance based on key performance indicators and also considers compliance with environmentally relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, as well as the company's environmental statement. EMAS certification gives further confidence and ensures greater employee commitment through increased and active participation in environmental protection within the organisation.
ISO 14001 and EMAS is characterised above all by its flexibility: it can be used regardless of the sector, type, size and complexity of your organisation. Based on the new uniform structure, it can be easily combined with other management systems, for example ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and/or ISO 22301.
ISO 14001 and EMAS certification is suitable for every company and organisation. In particular, EMAS certification is particularly suitable for smaller companies, as the assessment period can be extended from three to four years. The required Environmental Statement only needs to be validated every two years as the specificity of smaller companies in terms of communication obligations, work allocation, training and documentation is also taken into account.
EMAS certification adds further requirements to ISO 14001, which are part of the European Union's action plan for the consumption of environmental resources and the production of green products as well as for sustainable industrial policy. By choosing combined certification, the company demonstrates a truly responsible and sustainable approach and supports the environment beyond what is currently required by law.
The development, implementation and operation of the company's processes and procedures are examined in accordance with the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard, the environmental management system developed by the company and the relevant legal, regulatory and other requirements with which the company must comply. It ensures that it meets the environmental objectives for which it is implemented and that it supports the company's environmental compliance objective. EMAS certification is always linked to a specific site of activity of each company. In addition to the requirements of ISO 14001, the environmental review, employee involvement and the organisation's environmental statement are assessed.
Since EMAS contains all the requirements of ISO 14001 and both assessments can be carried out by the same assessor, the additional cost is low.