ISO 14001:2015 is an international standard that provides a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an Environmental Management System (EMS). It sets out the criteria for effectively managing environmental responsibilities and reducing the negative impacts of an organisation’s activities on the environment.

The standard is applicable to any organisation, regardless of its size, type, or industry. It emphasises a proactive approach to environmental management, encouraging management to identify and control their environmental impacts, comply with relevant regulations, and strive for continuous improvement.

Here are some key elements and benefits of ISO 14001:2015:

1. Environmental Policy: The standard requires organisations to establish an environmental policy document that reflects their commitment to environmental protection and sets clear objectives and targets for improvement.
2. Planning: ISO 14001:2015 focuses on planning for environmental performance improvement. It requires organizations to identify environmental aspects, assess their impacts, and establish control measures to prevent or mitigate adverse effects by implementing controlled documented processes.
3. Legal Compliance: The standard emphasises and ensures compliance with applicable published Government environmental regulations. Organisations need to monitor and ensure adherence to legal obligations related to environmental performance.
4. Objectives and Targets: ISO 14001:2015 promotes the establishment of measurable objectives and targets for environmental improvement. These goals should be aligned with the organisation’s environmental policy and relevant to its significant environmental aspects.
5. Resources and Competence: The standard directs an allocation of resources and the development of competence concerning environmental health and safety, in order to ensure the EMS is effective. Organisations should provide employees with appropriate training, awareness, and resources to enable them to contribute to environmental management. This includes establishing compliance procedures, monitoring, and taking corrective action when necessary.
6. Operational Control: ISO 14001:2015 requires organizations to implement operational controls to manage their significant environmental aspects effectively. This includes establishing procedures, monitoring performance, and taking corrective actions when necessary.
7. Risk Management: ISO 14001:2015 helps organizations identify and mitigate environmental risks, ensuring preparedness for potential incidents and reducing the likelihood of environmental harm.

Overall, ISO 14001:2015 provides a systematic approach to environmental management, enabling organisations to reduce their environmental footprint, improve efficiency, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.