Pivotal Role of the ISO 14001 Standard in the Carbon Economy

Pivotal Role of the ISO 14001 Standard in the Carbon Economy

Alok Pradhan
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 9
DOI: 10.4018/jgc.2011010104
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Abstract

The ISO 14000 and ISO 9000 standards have a positive impact on achieving sustainable and efficient business. The ISO 14001, in particular, is credited with a crucial role of assisting businesses with managing their environmental credentials which are vital in the upcoming carbon economy. This paper explores the significance of ISO 14001 and expands on the possibilities of the use of this standard in a creative way by organizations. Furthermore, with regards to ISO 14001, adjustments could be made to improve its effectiveness in implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS). The areas of this standard that could be upgraded are also outlined, including measuring compliance, specified, strict environmental targets for business, and a stronger sustainability component.
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Iso 14001 Components

The ISO 14001 standard involves stages outlined in Table 1. Once an EMS has been created based on these stages by any business, an authorised third party, usually an external auditor, assesses and certifies the EMS as an ISO 14001 accredited system.

Table 1.
Elements and stages of ISO 14001 implementation (Source: Pradhan, 2011)
Section Objective(s)
Policy
               • Defines the environmental objectives of the organization
Planning
               • Processes required to reach the environmental objectives Legislation and regulations that business must abide to
               • Environmental Risk Assessment of the organization
               • Product/Service Life Cycle Assessment and plans to optimise them
               • Any Further Research and investigations required to reduce emissions
Implementation and Operation
               • Integration with other enterprise systems and processes
               • Training programs and communication at all levels of management
               • Ensuring preventive actions are in place For emergencies rather than reactive-Emergency response system
               • Required changes to company’s organisational chart and HR structure
Checking and Corrective Action
               • Monitoring Systems- to ensure goals are being met and training and systems are effective
Management Review
               • Continuous Improvement Cycle for environmental management system
               • Monitoring external changes that will impact the company and its environmental initiatives
               • Self and third party audits to ensure compliance and remedial actions

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