June 2014 – New Environmental Management Standard moves forward

The ISO 14001 environmental management standard has, since 2004, provided a framework for organisations wishing to set up a certified Environmental Management System. Over 285,000 organisations in 167 countries have achieved ISO 14001 certification, including quite a few companies in Malta. Many find it is a useful tool to improve environmental performance, as well as cut costs, develop new business, enhance their brand, and reduce risks.

The International Organization for Standardization has been coordinating a review of this standard since 2010, and the revised text has recently been approved as a draft international standard (DIS).

The revised standard requires organisations to strengthen top management involvement in their Environmental Management System (EMS) and the EMS needs to be aligned to the organisation’s core business strategy and processes. Companies will also need to understand their strategic context, engage with stakeholders, focus on improving environmental performance across the value chain (such as during procurement), and ensure the quality of data they report.

The revised ISO 14001 standard is expected to be adopted and published by May 2015. Organisations that are already certified will, however, be allowed a transitional period to align themselves with the new standard.

If you would like further information about ISO 14001 and Environmental Management Systems in general, please drop us an email on info@ensure.com.mt.

Posted in Environmental news