Getting Started with ISO 14001 certification
The first step in considering whether your organization should become ISO 14001 certified is to undertand the the standard. Start with the book Environmental Management Quick and Easy: Creating an Effective ISO 14001 EMS in Half the Time. The author explains the standard as it relates to actual implementation within an organization, and will help you understand how to design an EMS and the necessary information on auditing an EMS.
Another fine resource: Effective Implementation of ISO 14001
Once you understand the basics of the standard, you’ll want to consult with a third-party registrar/auditor who can answer more specific questions. ASQ’s Website-based discussion board "Ask a Quality Professional" includes a specific discussion topic that can help: When should you bring an ISO registrar on board?"
And of course, you’ll need copies of the standards themselves. There are two standards:
- ANSI/ISO/ASQ E14001-2004: Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
- ANSI/ISO/ASQ E14004-2004: Environmental management systems — General guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques. (Note: This is an e-standard.)
The ISO 14001:2004 standard on environmental management systems has been negotiated over a period of years, with language carefully chosen to reflect delicate compromises and flexibility in their use and application.
Recognizing that questions of intent may arise from time to time in various settings, the U.S. TAG has established a formal process to respond to questions regarding clarification of the ISO 14001 requirements. These responses reflect U.S. SubTAG 1’s understanding of the requirements as intended during its drafting. All clarifications of intent (COIs) that have been issued on ISO 14001:2004 can be found by clicking here.
