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EVORA
Last week, our Director, Paul Sutcliffe, blogged on the transition to ISO14001:2015. Paul’s blog highlighted the main changes and opportunities associated with the new standard.
As a follow-up, I provide below, a deeper delve into the new standard requirements. It’s now just a year to go until the transitional deadline on 15th September 2018, at which point certificates for the 2004 standard will no longer be valid. Is it time to hit the panic button? Certainly not, but now’s the time to take action, especially since the deadline for many will likely be much sooner.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Is it time to hit the panic button? Certainly not, but now’s the time to take action #ISO14001″ quote=”Is it time to hit the panic button? Certainly not, but now’s the time to take action, especially since the deadline for many will likely be much sooner.”]
Prioritisation is crucial – focus on integration
At this stage, prioritisation is crucial. Focus first on any changes to existing organisational processes; get this ball rolling from the outset. The key to be able to best demonstrate many of the new requirements is integration. In my experience, as both a consultant and an external lead auditor, integration of environmental management controls with existing business practices always proves to be the biggest hurdle but once achieved, the full benefits of the environmental management system (EMS) are realised.
As such, section 5.0 of the new standard – Leadership – is where initial efforts should be focused, particularly as this may involve changes to company processes which can often take time to embed. A conversation needs to be had with senior management to emphasise that they are not necessarily expected to do more, but they are expected to know more. This is best achieved through the incorporation of EMS requirements into existing business processes. For example, the introduction of environmental performance progress updates into management meeting agendas. Complying with the other requirements (known as clauses in the standard) will be made significantly easier with this approach. Clauses such as 7.0 Support, 9.0 Performance Evaluation and 10.0 Improvement heavily rely on management and so it’s important these areas are targeted in the first instance.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Focus first on any changes to existing organisational processes; get this ball rolling from the outset” quote=”Focus first on any changes to existing organisational processes; get this ball rolling from the outset”]
Prevent scope confusion – concentrate on context
Next, concentrate on the clauses where there is less of an impact on embedded company procedures, such as 4.0 Context. This clause does certainly require some thought and its importance is often overlooked. If applied correctly, it ensures continuity, clear boundaries and a sense of direction, preventing scope confusion and making everyone’s life, especially the auditor’s, much easier. Providing the previously discussed clauses have been addressed appropriately, the final two clauses left to mention, 8.0 Operation and 6.0 Planning, should be relatively straightforward to comply with. Of course, the industry type certainly makes a difference to the level of work required, particularly with the new ‘life cycle’ requirement under Operation. The ‘life cycle perspective’ sounds a lot more resource intensive than it needs to be, especially for office based companies. Remember, auditors are still finding their feet with the new requirements and will often be satisfied with evidence that this has at least been thought about, seismic changes to the company’s procurement policies are not going to be expected!
[clickToTweet tweet=”If applied correctly, it ensures continuity, clear boundaries and a sense of direction, preventing scope confusion” quote=”If applied correctly, it ensures continuity, clear boundaries and a sense of direction, preventing scope confusion”]
Practical solutions for tight deadlines
This blog is designed to provide more information on transition planning. EVORA are well versed and experienced in the transitioning process, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Of course, it should also be mentioned that certification is not always necessary and many of our clients operate environmental management systems aligned (but not certified) to ISO 14001. Regardless of certification status, the new ISO 14001 standard is a tool that if implemented correctly, provides a robust and effective framework that operates throughout the business, not alongside it. As a result, those with aligned systems should also consider changes introduced by the new standard, that will help deliver benefits.
[clickToTweet tweet=”ISO 14001 is a tool that if implemented correctly, provides a robust and effective framework ” quote=”Regardless of certification status, the new ISO 14001 standard is a tool that if implemented correctly, provides a robust and effective framework”]
