What is ISO14001

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14001 is an externally assessed scheme where an organisations declared
environmental practices are checked against a set of rules; if successful the
organisation can use the logo to endorse the environmental management
system incorporated in the organisation.
An additional advantage is that cost savings brought about by reductions in
gas, electricity and fossil fuels can be significant.
What does ISO14001 cover?
The standard covers the impact on the environment made by the product (or
service) from customer's order through order acceptance, design and
development if appropriate, planning, production or service delivery and
control of calibration devices. Also included is training and the
selection of suppliers that are able to meet the organisation's
environmental needs, together with controls on energy usage and waste
generation.
The activities are those carried out by most 'Green' companies. Below
is the ISO14001 model which is designed to allow for continual improvement
through planned and operated policy.

As is the case with ISO9001 (Quality Management Standard) the information
gathered from the processes is fed to top management to allow for continual
improvement. In this way the organisation is able to make decisions based
on fact and so develop and evolve.
The two standards 9001 and 14001 are often integrated into a single
management system.
About the Author
Chris Eden FIBC, MISSA, ACQI is a director of Quality Matters Limited an
established independent management consultancy specializing in
ISO9001
Quality Management accreditation.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2008-05-09 14:21:26 in Business Articles