ISO 14001 the standard for environmental management

What is ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS). This standard provides a systematic approach to improve environmental performance and contributes to sustainability. By following this standard, organisations take proactive measures to minimise their environmental footprint.

The main results of complying with the ISO 14001 standard are:

Improving environmental performance
Meeting legal obligations
Achieving environmental goals

These results are valuable to the environment, your organisation and stakeholders.

NBN EN ISO 14001:2015

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Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidelines for use

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Benefits of ISO 14001

Legal resource

By working with an environmental management system, you are future-proofing your operation for both current and future environmental performance regulations.

Cost savings and risk management

ISO 14001 helps you control expenses through more efficient use of resources, improvement of energy efficiency and smart waste management. It provides a structured approach to identifying and managing environmental risks, preventing problems and fines.

Trust from stakeholders and customers

Sustainability is a top priority for both consumers and businesses in today's world. Committing to good environmental performance builds a sustainable reputation and strengthens trust.

Operational excellence

Accurately documenting and communicating environmental indicators builds internal expertise. It also fosters a culture of continuous improvement through regular reviews and adjustment of processes and performance.

In line with the SDGs

If you're you working with an environmental management system, you're contributing to a lot of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. Consider SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land).

Suited to your needs

Public? Private? Large or small? Any organisation, no matter what sector, can customise this standard.

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By weaving environmental management into our corporate structures via a management system, we not only reduce our environmental footprint, we also make a demonstrably positive contribution, scrupulously follow environmental legislation and are committed to continuous improvement. For customers, in turn, ISO 14001 certification means that we offer some fundamental guarantees. It is a trigger to do business with us, because a certificate is objective proof that we take sustainability seriously.

Tine Moens

Energy and environmental management system coordinator at The Facility Organisation

ISO 14001 certification

ISO 14001 is the second most popular standard worldwide when it comes to certification. Only ISO 9001 scores higher.

Why ISO 14001 certification?

External audits help to better identify and manage risks and comply with environmental laws and regulations.
A certificate proves that you meet all environmental regulations, which strengthens your image and builds trust with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Certified companies have an advantage in tenders because governments often demand strong environmental performance.
Regular audits ensure continuous improvement in your environmental performance.

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Do you want to find out more about certification, which institutions certify and how to prepare your organisation for certification? Read more about certification here or in our white paper.

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Collaborate on ISO 14001

In the Belgian standards committee on environmental management, different organisations and institutions work together to reach agreements on various aspects of environmental management. Do you want to know how you or your organisation can participate in this committee? Find out how you can contribute to the development of the next version of ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management.

Frequently asked questions about ISO 14001

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Is ISO 14001 mandatory?

ISO 14001 is not mandatory. It is a voluntary standard that organisations can choose to implement to improve their environmental management systems.

Although ISO 14001 is not mandatory, compliance with the standard can provide benefits such as improved environmental performance, cost savings and a better image. In some industries or for certain contracts, environmental management certification such as ISO 14001 may be a requirement to compete for tenders or to meet customer or regulatory requirements.

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