ISO 14001:2015 - the latest version of the international standard for environmental management systems - was launched this week. This is the first ISO 14001 update since 2004; here's a quick rundown of what's new:
- The revised version of ISO 14001 requires a greater commitment from top-level management, with company leaders becoming more accountable for environmental processes.
- ISO 14001:2015 also places a greater emphasis on communication, encouraging certified businesses to better communicate their environmental management systems throughout every level of the company hierarchy.
- Additionally, managers will need to think about the life cycle of what their company offers. It's important to consider the environmental impact of one's products and/or services at every stage (from initial development to "end-of-life"), and ISO 14001:2015 aims to ensure that this is done worldwide.
- To meet ISO 14001:2015 criteria, any environmental information supplied by businesses must be reliable and accurate.
- Finally, ISO 14001-compliant environmental management systems will now be expected to show alignment with the overall "strategic direction" of the parent company.
Businesses are already achieving ISO 14001:2015 certification throughout the UK. If you want your company to be among them, contact NPT Management Systems now, or click here to learn more about the ISO 14001 standard.
