ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It equips organisations with a robust framework to reduce their environmental footprint, ensure legal compliance, and drive continuous improvement, whether in Ireland, the UK, or globally
ISO 14001 Certification Process
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Familiarise yourself with ISO 14001’s key clauses – context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement (as per HLS structure)
Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis
Map your current environmental processes against ISO requirements to identify strengths and areas for development. This provides a clear roadmap forward.
Step 3: Develop and Implement Your EMS
Draft necessary policies, objectives, procedures, and documentation. Engage your team through training and awareness activities to embed EMS into daily operation.
Step 4: Internal Audit
Run internal checks to ensure the EMS is effective and compliant. Address any non-conformities before the external audit.
Step 5: Certification Audit
A third-party accredited body will perform:
Stage 1: Documentation review
Stage 2: On-site evaluation of EMS effectiveness
Once passed, your organisation is awarded ISO 14001 certification.
Step 6: Continual Improvement and Surveillance
Maintain the system with annual surveillance audits and full recertification every three years—ensuring enduring compliance and performance enhancement.
