ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System | Certification & Implementation

ISO 14001:2015 is the most widely adopted international standard for Environmental Management Systems. It sets the framework through which a company organizes, monitors and improves its environmental performance.

It applies to all sectors (industry, manufacturing, construction, logistics, tourism, services) and can be combined with standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 to form an integrated Management System.

With certification according to ISO 14001:2015, the company demonstrates that it operates under a systematic environmental policy, reducing both risk and cost.

• Improved image towards customers, partners and authorities.
• Increased likelihood of success in projects & tenders with environmental criteria.
• Better resource management (energy, fuel, water, raw materials).
• Reduction of environmental incidents and related fines.
• Contribution to sustainable development and Corporate Social Responsibility.

The ISO 14001:2015 standard requires, among others:

• Definition of an Environmental Policy and objectives.
• Analysis of environmental aspects and impacts.
• Identification of and compliance with environmental legislation.
• Improvement programmes, monitoring and measurement of performance.
• Management of emergencies and response plans.
• Internal audits and management reviews.
• Continuous improvement of the System.

The approach for the effective development of an ISO 14001:2015 System follows a methodology similar to other ISO standards:

Phase A: Recording of Current Status & Environmental Aspects.

Phase B: Design & Development of the Environmental Management System.

Phase C: System Implementation – Staff Training.

Phase D: Internal Audit & Certification by an Accredited Body.

The above phases include, in summary:

• Initial diagnosis, recording and evaluation of the current situation.
• Identification of gaps against the standard’s requirements.
• Design and development of System procedures.
• Preparation of Procedures, Work Instructions and related forms for implementation.
• Training and guidance of company personnel.
• Consulting support up to the issuance of the certificate.
• System Audit and Certification for a 3-year period.

The time required for the Development and Certification of an ISO 14001:2015 System depends on the size of the company and the complexity of its activities. Indicatively, it ranges from 1 – 3 months, provided there is cooperation and readiness on the company’s side.

After initial certification, the Certification Body conducts annual surveillance audits, while the certification cycle usually lasts for 3 years.

The total cost consists of two main parts:

a. Consulting Support

Consulting support covers the study, development and implementation of the System, training and preparation for the certification audit. The fee level depends on:

• the number of employees,
• the number of sites/branches,
• the complexity of activities,
• the existing level of organization and the extent of required interventions.

b. Certification Body Audit Cost

The Certification Body, as an independent organization, carries out the audit and issues the ISO 14001:2015 Certificate. The cost is annual and recurring (per audit).

The Body must be accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD), so that the Certification is valid and widely recognized.

ISO 14001:2015 is often implemented in combination with:

• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System.
• ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
• ISO 50001 – Energy Management System.

Other ISO types covered