Environmental management is a must.
The International Organization for Standardization, commonly referred to as ISO, is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. It authorizes a set of standards for various business disciplines. Specifically, the 14001 standard is an environmental management standard that businesses may apply for. In order to obtain the 14001 certification, the following steps must be completed.
Instructions
1. Make a self-determination and self-declaration of environmental stewardship and management. Businesses seeking the ISO 14001 certification must have a written policy regarding environmental management procedures. Your organization must also perform a self audit to formally declare their commitment to environmental stewardship.
2. Confirm environmental stewardship conformance through parties with an interest in your organization, such as customers. Coordinate confirmation of your company's commitment to environmental stewardship from stakeholders through an audit and interview process. Document the interviews completely and obtain supporting documentation to detail the environmental stewardship.
3. Confirm your environmental stewardship self-declaration through a party external to your organization. Solicit an audit by an external organization that will review your company's environmental management program. The auditing firm should be a recognized entity in the field of environmental management.
4. Seek certification/registration of your company's environmental management system by another external organization, such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the state agency that handles environmental matters. Once the external audit is completed in step 3, your organization should seek either a certification or registration of environmental management excellence from either the firm that conducted the audit or from another third party organization that certifies or registers businesses for environmental stewardship or management.
5. Contact the ISO and apply for certification. During the certification process, your organization will submit all documentation pertaining to environmental management. Your organization will also submit its policies and procedures for review. The ISO will conduct on site visits, review policies and procedures, interview staff and other pertinent parties, and evaluate your organization's complete program.
6. Continue environmental management program while awaiting a decision from the ISO. The process is an arduous task, but once completed it will provide your organization with a wealth of information and reward for its commitment to the environment.
7. Celebrate! Once you receive the designation, plan an event to acknowledge and celebrate your organization's accomplishment.
