The ISO 14000 Family: Managing Environmental Responsibilities
For companies and organizations of any type that require practical tools to manage their environmental responsibilities, the ISO 14000 family of standards provides a strategic approach to environmental issues. The best-known standard in this family is ISO 14001, which sets out the criteria for an Environmental Management System (EMS). Along with a set of supporting documents, ISO 14001 forms the foundation of the ISO 14000 family of standards.
Understanding the ISO Environmental Management Standards
The ISO 14000 family covers a range of standards that address various aspects of environmental management. ISO 14001 provides requirements and guidance for the implementation of an EMS. Other standards in the family focus on specific approaches such as audits, communications, labeling, and life cycle analysis. Additionally, these standards address environmental challenges like climate change.
The ISO 14000 family of standards is developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 207 and its various subcommittees. To access a full list of published standards in the family, refer to their standards catalogue.
ISO 14000 Certification: Ensuring Environmental Accountability
ISO 14001 is the only standard in the ISO 14000 family that can be certified. It provides a framework for companies and organizations to establish an effective EMS. Regardless of the activity or sector, ISO 14001 is designed to help organizations measure and improve their environmental impact. By obtaining certification, organizations can provide assurance to management, employees, and external stakeholders that they are actively managing their environmental responsibilities.
With over 500,000 certifications to ISO 14001 in more than 180 countries worldwide, it is evident that organizations recognize the value of this standard. The ISO survey of certifications provides further insights into the widespread adoption of ISO 14001.
To learn more about the benefits of ISO 14001 certification and its impact on organizations, we have prepared a comprehensive document that delves into the topic.