Australia is in the midst of a devastating wildfire season that is being exacerbated by climate change. But the fires, which have been burning for months and could rage on for months to come, are also impacting the earth’s climate in several ways. Some of those impacts are well understood, while others lie at the frontiers of scientific research.

Those wildfires are being fueled by a combination of record high temperatures, long-term drought, very low air and soil moisture going into the normal fire season, and human negligence. But climate change, scientists say, could make such extreme, deadly blazes three times as common by the end of the century.

Raising Awareness on Climate Change and Risks

It is a widely debated concept, but what we understand by environmental awareness is a general philosophy, a social movement and ultimately, “an attitude to life” that is concerned about protecting and improving the environment.

This awareness of the environment in which we live has become particularly important in recent years, when the scientific community established that human activity is having a direct negative impact on the environment.

How ISO 14001 relates to climate change

ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements. ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001 is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.

Why ISO 14001? 

ISO 14001 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and interested parties. Consistent with the organization's environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an environmental management system include:

• Enhancement of environmental performance.

• Fulfilment of compliance obligations.

• Achievement of environmental objectives. 

Who is ISO 14001 for?

ISO 14001 is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001 does not state specific environmental performance criteria.

ISO 14001 should be used by any organization that wishes to set up, improve, or maintain an environmental management system to conform with its established environmental policy and requirements. The requirements of the standard can be incorporated into any environmental management system, the extent to which is determined by several factors including the organization’s industry, environmental policy, products and service offerings, and location. ISO 14001 is relevant to all organizations, regardless of size, location, sector, or industry.

Where can ISO 14001 be used?

ISO 14001 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization's environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.

What topics does ISO 14001 cover?

At the highest level, ISO 14001 covers the following topics with regard to environmental management systems:

• Leadership.

• Planning.

• Support.

• Operation.

• Performance evaluation.

• Improvement.

14001:2004 vs. 14001:2015

The 2015 revision of ISO 14001 introduces a number of changes from previous versions. As part of the effort to structure all ISO standards in the same way, the ISO 14001:2015 revisions include incorporating a required high-level structure, using mandatory definitions, and incorporating common standards requirements and clauses. 10 major areas of impact of the 2015 revision:

• Expansion in EMS coverage and scope.

• Required interactions with external parties.

• New requirements for leadership engagement.

• Expanded legal compliance requirements.

• Need for risk-based planning and controls.

• New documentation requirements.

• Expanded operational control requirements.

• Changes in competence and awareness requirements.

• Impacts on the internal audit program.

• Increased certification costs.  

What is new?

ISO 14001 was 20 years old in 2016 having been originally published in 1996. The third edition was published in September 2015. It incorporates a number of new concepts as well as using the ISO common framework for management systems. For organisations with accredited certificates to ISO 14001 International Accreditation Forum has defined a three year time frame for transition to ISO 14001:2015

What are the benefits of ISO 14001?

Using ISO 14001 has many benefits for organizations with environmental management systems. Organizations and companies find that using the standard helps them:

• Improve resource efficiency.

• Reduce waste.

• Drive down costs.

• Provide assurance that environmental impact is being measured.

• Gain competitive advantage in supply chain design.

• Increase new business opportunities.

• Meet legal obligations.

• Increase stakeholder and customer trust.

• Improve overall environmental impact.

• Manage environmental obligations with consistency.

ISO 14001 Consultation in Jordan

If you are looking for ISO 14001 consultation in Jordan, you are at the right place! AAC MENA is one of the best providers to obtain the ISO 14001 certificate for your industry in Jordan at an affordable price. AAC MENA is known for ensuring customer satisfaction and business improvement.

Conclusion

As a leader in consultation services, AAC MENA offers unrivaled experience and expertise in ISO 14001 requirements. Our presence in the Middle East and harmonized approach give you access to the largest independent network of consultants and advisory services in the region.

To discuss your ISO 14001 requirements, contact us today.