ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.

An environmental management system helps organisations identify, manage, monitor and control their environmental issues in a “holistic” manner. Other ISO standards that look at different types of management systems, such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, all use a High-Level Structure. This means that ISO 14001 can be integrated easily into any existing ISO management system.

ISO 14001 is suitable for organisations of all types and sizes, be they private, not-for-profit or governmental. It requires that an organisation considers all environmental issues relevant to its operations, such as air pollution, water and sewage issues, waste management, soil contamination, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and resource use and efficiency.

Like all ISO management system standards, ISO 14001 includes the need for continual improvement of an organisation’s systems and approach to environmental concerns. The standard has recently been revised, with key improvements such as the increased prominence of environmental management within the organisation’s strategic planning processes, greater input from leadership and a stronger commitment to proactive initiatives that boost environmental performance.

There are many reasons why an organisation should take a strategic approach to improving its environmental performance. Users of the standard have reported that ISO 14001 helps:

• Demonstrate compliance with current and future statutory and regulatory requirements

• Increase leadership involvement and engagement of employees

• Improve company reputation and the confidence of stakeholders through strategic communication

• Achieve strategic business aims by incorporating environmental issues into business management

• Provide a competitive and financial advantage through improved efficiencies and reduced costs

• Encourage better environmental performance of suppliers by integrating them into the organisation’s business systems

Certification to ISO 14001 is not a requirement and you can use the standard to improve the way you work without being certified. However, third-party certification – when an independent certification body audits your practices against the requirements of the standard – is a way of signalling to your buyers, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders that you have implemented the standard properly.

What’s more, for some organisations, it helps to show how they meet regulatory or contractual requirements.

It's important to recognise ISO certification is not a single event, but rather an ongoing process that ensures your business complies with the requirements of its chosen standard.

The certification cycle is a three-year programme which starts with the Stage One audit. We investigate whether or not you have successfully managed to comply with the proposed scope and the targets you have set for your company. While this may show up some weaknesses and areas for improvement, this process is designed to be constructive, preparing you for the Stage Two audit.

Typically around 30 days later you will then have a Stage Two audit. This confirms that your processes and systems are free from nonconformities. Again, we will evaluate your performance and efficiency and make the recommendations for certification. There may still be a need to address nonconformities following this audit, but it's at this point you get your ISO certification.

The following two years will see annual Surveillance Audits by us. During these, all the elements covered in the Stage Two audit are re-assessed with a view to ensuring that all the original systems and processes are operating as specified and producing the correct outcomes.

Following these two years of Surveillance Audits, you will then get a Recertification Audit. Your ISO certificate is valid for three years after its initial issue. Recertification requires you to undergo an audit similar to the initial auditing process without the need for a Stage One audit.

Choosing AAA for your ISO certification means partnering with a trusted and experienced team dedicated to making the process as easy and efficient as possible. Our fully remote, expert-guided approach ensures that you can achieve certification quickly without the hassle of on-site audits or complicated procedures.

We offer some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, starting at just £575+VAT, making high-quality certification accessible to all businesses. Additionally, our detailed guidance and support throughout the process ensure that you meet all ISO standards with confidence, resulting in a certification that enhances your credibility and opens up new opportunities for growth.