Demystify ISO 14001:2015 and plan your transition

The long awaited ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Standard has been published. It is hoped that ISO 14001:2015 will bring…

• Higher profile of environmental management within your organisation’s strategic planning processes: wider risks – threats and opportunities.
• Greater focus on leadership.
• Addition of environment protection and enhancement, not just prevention of pollution e.g. sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation.
• Lifecycle thinking when considering environmental aspects: value chain control.
• Improved communications strategy: improved performance evaluation and stakeholder engagement.

My organisation is already certified to ISO 14001:2004

Organisations already registered to ISO 14001:2004 will have three years (until September 2018) to transition to ISO 14001:2015, after September 2018, certifications to ISO 14001:2004 will no longer be valid.

My organisation is just putting in place ISO 14001:2004 as a new system – do I have to convert it to the new standard?

Organisations can still achieve ISO 14001:2004 for new systems until September 2017, and from then new systems are recommended to be developed and audited under the new 2015 standard.

Key differences of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2004

1. Understanding your organisation’s context to include internal and external issues which impact your EMS.
2. Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties.
3. Increased leadership and commitment from Top Management.
4. Determining organisational risks and opportunities.
5. Value chain control and life cycle considerations.
6. Key changes to existing clauses.

Key tips for transitioning to ISO 14001:2015

• Develop your knowledge of the ISO 14001 changes and the impact on your organisation.
• Plan your transition: develop an action plan; discuss/agree a date with management and upskill staff where necessary.
• Speak with your certification body to understand when you will be required to transition to ISO 14001:2015.

Here to help. Contact us now to plan your transition to ISO 14001:2015

Our experienced EMS Consultants can assist you to plan your transition to ISO 14001:2015 by undertaking a gap analysis and support with all aspects of the transition to ISO 14001:2015 to include:

Consultancy

• ISO 14001: 2015 gap analysis. Valuable 1-2 day project to plan your transition and development of a prioritised action plan. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and available resource and skills.
• and  slick, user-friendly legal registers and compliance audit reports/evidence to support robust compliance with obligations and enhanced awareness of compliance status.
• On or off-site support – full system revision development and implementation support.

Training

• Internal EMS auditor course.
• ISO 14001:2015 conversion course.
• Senior Management Team MasterClass (half-day/full day).
• In-company or public workshops for engaging key departments or staff including procurement/design/leadership/contractors/value chain.

Contact us to discuss your transition to ISO 14001:2015

Contact Jamie Roddie, Manager, Environment at roddie@mabbett.eu or Rob Duncan, Manager, Belfast Office at duncan@mabbett.eu to discuss your organisations transition to ISO 14001:2015.