Should You Certify Your ISO 14001 Environmental Management System?
- Home
- Blog
Categories
Latest Post
ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Course
ISO 14001 Foundations Course
ISO 14001 Internal Auditor Course
ISO 14001 Lead Implementer Course
It might come as a surprise, but ISO 14001 doesn’t require a third-party certification body to audit your Environmental Management System (EMS). So, why do companies opt for certification? While there are compelling reasons to have a third-party auditor review your system, there are also arguments against it. Let’s explore the pros and cons of certifying your ISO 14001 EMS.
Why Certifying is a Good Idea
Many companies implement an EMS using ISO 14001 and decide it’s beneficial to have a certification body review their system. This has several advantages:
Customer Requirements:
In some industries, customers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their processes and those of their suppliers. Some even include ISO 14001 certification in contract requirements, similar to ISO 9001. If you anticipate this from your customers, certification becomes an easy decision.
Improvement Opportunities:
Having an outside auditor with broader experience can help identify areas for improvement. This can push your EMS further than you might achieve independently. Many companies find that the cost of certification is minor compared to the overall expense of maintaining an EMS.
Motivation to Meet Deadlines:
The deadline imposed by a scheduled certification audit can motivate employees to complete their tasks. This helps manage implementation and avoid delays.
When Might You Think About Not Certifying?
If you have implemented an EMS but do not have a customer requirement for certification, you might consider claiming compliance to ISO 14001 rather than pursuing certification. Even without an external audit, ISO 14001 remains a world-class standard for environmental management systems.
Here are a few reasons not to proceed with certification:
Corporate Policy:
If your company is part of a larger corporation that requires an EMS but has decided against certification, you might follow this directive.
Second-Party Audits:
If a customer intends to audit your facility against ISO 14001, you can gain the benefits of external review without using a certification body. In this case, certification may be unnecessary.
Legal Requirements:
Some jurisdictions require an EMS in compliance with ISO 14001 but do not mandate certification. If this is your main reason for implementing an EMS, certification may not be beneficial.
The Choice is Yours
Implementing an EMS incurs a cost, but it’s beneficial for controlling your environmental impacts. If the benefits justify the expense, choose the best certification body for your company. Use certification to improve your system and ensure it meets your environmental goals.
By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that’s best for your company.
