What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems. It gives you a structured way to identify how your activities affect the environment (waste, energy use, emissions, spills, noise and so on), make sure you comply with environmental law, set objectives to reduce your impact, and prove it to customers and regulators.
Who needs it?
- Construction and groundworks contractors, where environmental credentials are regularly asked for in tenders
- Manufacturers and fabricators managing waste, energy, chemicals and emissions
- Suppliers to clients with net zero or sustainability targets that cascade down the supply chain
- Any business that wants to reduce costs by cutting waste and energy use
Business benefits
Tender advantageAnswer environmental questions in tenders and PQQs with a recognised certificate.
Lower costsLess waste, lower energy use and better control of materials.
Legal complianceA clear record of your environmental obligations and how you meet them.
Reduced riskSpill response, waste controls and emergency plans that reduce the chance of incidents and fines.
How SBMS helps
- Gap analysisWe review your current environmental controls and compliance against ISO 14001.
- DocumentationWe build your environmental aspects and impacts register, legal register, objectives and operational controls.
- ImplementationWe put controls into practice, from waste transfer notes to chemical storage and spill kits, and train your team.
- Internal auditWe audit the system and your legal compliance, and support your management review.
- Certification supportWe prepare you for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits and help close any findings.
- Ongoing maintenanceWe keep your legal register current and your system working between surveillance audits.
Typical timescales
Typically three to six months. If you already hold ISO 9001, much of the system is in place and ISO 14001 can often be added more quickly as part of an integrated system.