About ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems which has a focus on enhancing a company’s environmental performance. The standard will improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, minimise costs, and most importantly, help save our planet. ISO 14001 shows employees, customers, and other stakeholders that your company’s environmental impact is being controlled, measured, and improved.
The standard is implemented by organisations in a variety of different industries such as waste management, construction, engineering, manufacturing, and more. In addition to its reputation for improving environmental performance, the standard is recognised for its benefit of ensuring legal compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Smaller businesses can often fall behind when it comes to compliance obligations with environmental laws due to a lack of resources, therefore the standard is extremely beneficial to such companies as its makes sure all requirements are met. By implementing the standard, you can have peace of mind that your organisation will not be issued costly fines for non-compliance and that your brand’s reputation is maintained.
You may be familiar with tenders and the somewhat tedious process when it comes to applying for them. ISO 14001 assists with the tendering process by enabling you to qualify for more projects or work and positions your organisation well for consideration due to being a well-respected, globally recognised accreditation. Therefore, many organisations seek to obtain ISO 14001 certification due to its competitive advantage when tendering for work.
Saving Energy
Your company can save energy so easily and you may not even be aware of it.
Rather than turning on the lights in the office during the daytime, use the natural light and avoid putting furniture in a way that could potentially block this light. Having bright walls also reflects the light much better, creating a brighter and eco-friendlier space to work in. Because no one wants to work in a dark and gloomy office, right?
If nobody works at night, let your tech devices have some rest too. When leaving the office, ensure that all computers, printers, photocopiers, and any other electronic devices are switched off.
If employees are hot in summer at the office, let fresh air from the windows cool down the office rather than racking up a high-electricity bill from air conditioning or fans and of course, save energy!
Choosing Greener Partners
When it comes to suppliers, partner with the ones who use renewable energy such as solar power, hydropower, or wind power. Your supplier can increase your carbon footprint immensely if you are not choosing them wisely. Choosing greener suppliers is also much more cost-effective.
Many supply chains cause toxic waste, damaged ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions as well as hazardous air conditions. Is this what you want your company to work with?
Greener Employees
After implementing ISO 14001, your employees will be trained on the new processes which may be put in place. However, they can still further reduce the company’s carbon footprint as well as their own. Encouraging staff to walk to work, cycle, or take public transport where possible is a great way to minimise their negative environmental impact.
Even changing the smallest things can create a big difference. Using things such as 100% recycled paper, non-toxic inks in pens & highlighters, or refillable ink cartridges can create a big difference, or even going paperless too!
During the pandemic, working from home became the norm, but reality hit us all again and it hit the planet too. Encouraging staff to still work from home most days a week reduces travel and saves energy in the office.
Implementing ISO 14001
Implementing ISO 14001 is the best way to ensure that your company is doing the most it can to become more sustainable. ISO 14001 demonstrates to other businesses and customers that you have eco-friendly processes in place. It goes without saying that this boosts your company’s reputation and helps you to win new business.
If you want your company to become more eco-friendly, then ISO 14001 is a must.
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