Team with us to achieve ISO14001 certification.   

Environmental management systems: Best practice, good business.

Robust environmental management systems are good for your bottom line, as well as for the environment. They help to systematically reduce waste and energy use and also increase profitability. But what exactly is an environmental management system (EMS), and how can we help you build one?

Before we go any further, there are 3 important things we want you to know:

  1. It's almost impossible to set up an EMS without external guidance, tools and templates.
  2. We've had a 100% success rate of getting clients certified to ISO14001 certification and have helped our clients achieve significant reductions in waste and energy.
  3. We’ve been working with product manufacturers for 8 years implementing  Environmental Management Systems.  We know the industry, and understand the legal requirements, and are across green design practices and Green Star and Ecolabelling requirements.  

If you would like us to manage the entire development and implementation process, we can. If you’re managing the process in-house, we can dovetail with your team. In short, we can help you with:

  • full EMS development and implementation
  • transition to ISO14001: 2015 Standard
  • audits and maintenance of existing environmental management systems
  • development of EMS ‘Do it yourself’ kits – tools, templates, manuals and documentation
  • preparation for ISO14001 EMS certification, or management of the whole certification process
  • promoting your certified EMS to build your reputation and improve sales.

 

INTRODUCTION TO ISO14001: EMS Implementation and certification

Without external guidance, implementation of ISO14001 EMS can be tricky, time-consuming and confusing.  We’ve had 8 years’ experience working with product manufacturers, so we understand and appreciate the energy and commitment it requires from management and staff to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS), and to get the system certified to ISO14001: 2015.

 

WHAT is an environmental management System?

It is a framework that helps an organisation reduce its environmental impacts and achieve its environmental goals through consistent review, evaluation, and improvement of its environmental performance. An EMS is based around the principles of PLAN, DO, CHECK and ACT.

 

THe PLAN, DO, CHECK,AND ACT MODEL

PLAN   

  • Assess the company’s environmental impacts (risks and opportunities)
  • Set objectives and targets
  • Formulate an action plan in line with compliance (legal) requirements
  • Understand what is important to your stakeholders to help determine the relevance and scope of the EMS

DO   

  • Implement processes to help reduce environmental impacts and risks
  • Look at opportunities
  • Communicating EMS requirements to staff
  • Undergo staff awareness and training
  • And allocate resources

CHECK    

  • Evaluate the performance
  • Analysis data
  • Assess staff competency
  • Conduct internal audit
  • Evaluate legal compliance
  • Ensure management input and commitment

ACT

  • Ensure continual improvement and effectiveness of the EMS to enhance environmental performance

 

ISO14001 2015 Transition

A new ISO14001 EMS standard was released in 2015. Companies who are currently certified to the ISO14001: 2004 standard have a 3 year transition period to certify to the new ISO14001: 2015 standard. There have been some fairly substantial changes, but the revised standard has some good environmental benefits. We can help you with ideas, tools, templates and implementation right up to recertification to the new standard. 

 

WHY YOU NEED 14001 certification?

1. As part of the NSW Government contracts - prequalification (scheme SCM0771) for office furniture manufacturers (for advanced registered suppliers).

2. ISO14001 certification can form a part of the tender requirements for end users and top tier construction companies etc.

3. With management buy-in and staff commitment your organisation can enhance it's performance and achieve reductions in energy and waste, which equals cost savings. 

4. It’s getting more expensive to send waste to landfill.  We've seen a 44% increase in the waste levy cost since 2009.

Some extra benefits include:

  • enhanced brand image with the public, investors and clients
  • new customers and new markets
  • compliance to Australian environmental law and other applicable regulations
  • enhanced employee moral with awareness of environmental issues and how they can contribute to lowering the company's environmental footprint
  • cost savings - reducing energy and waste saves money.

 

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL EMS?

there are 2 key points for success

1. The most important aspect is to have management commitment.

We've worked with many clients implementing environmental management systems, and the most successful are the systems where the Directors believe in the environmental cause and understand the benefits of implementing an EMS.  Directors must communicate this to their employees,  so their staff understand from the get-go, that the EMS is important, not only for the environment, but also because it benefits the business.

2. Having the right person to implement the EMS is crucial.

The consultant who is implementing the system, who is driving the project needs to have passion and energy. It’s imperative that you bring the staff along with you through the implementation process. Some of the processes can be challenging for both management and factory staff.  As the person who is managing the project, you need to be respectful of the staffs workload, but persistent in your approach to ensure you remain on track and meet key deadlines.

 

what are our METHODS OF DELIVERY?

Option 1 - Full Implementation

We guide you from start to finish. We project manage and help you through the certification process (preliminary audit and the certification audit).

Option 2 - Initial Assessment

We conduct a risk and opportunities assessment, set the plan in place and set the system up. We deliver tools and templates that help you through the implementation process.

Option 3 – As you need us

This is the same as Option 2, but we can also be on hand at any stage of the process to support you.

 

HOW does FULL IMPLEMENTATION work?

We have created a quick guide that outlines the phases involved in a full implementation. 

 

WHY chose us? 

Libby, our principal feels passionate about improving the environment and really works hard to get real results for her clients. This means waste and energy reductions, which means cost savings. It also means, getting the staff on board, and of course, getting the system certified to ISO14001: 2015.

 

what methods do we use?

We have a proven methodology. Outlined here are the steps we use for Sydney based clients.

  • Step 1 – Consult with senior management onsite and explain our processes.
  • Step 2 – Give our quote based on your needs e.g, full implementation or partial support.
  • Step 3 – Start the EMS. We work both onsite and from our office, but we are usually onsite at least once a week in the initial stages. Then in the final stages, usually once every couple of weeks.
  • Step 4 – Work with you after certification on an ongoing basis, if you choose.

we also offer OTHER EMS SERVICES

One Day consultation

We can help you on a one-off basis.  We can review your current system,  advise you and recommend improvements. This may include highlighting any government initiatives that may be available to you to help further reduce environmental impacts.

‘As you need us’ consultations

Here you are not bound by a contract, but you can engage us when you need us. This could just be a one-off visit, but it could also be quarterly or annual visits.

Internal Audits

Every EMS system requires an internal audit. We’ve audited many systems and can be there to support you with this.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much work, time and energy is required to implement an EMS?

Initially there are quite a few steps to ensure the EMS is properly implemented.  But once the system is up and running and the key staff are aware of their responsibilities and are properly trained, then ongoing maintenance should not be too arduous, though the system always requires ongoing work.

2. Do I really need this?  Am I going to get the benefit of the certification?

Yes, there are benefits, both in terms of environmental benefits, and potential cost savings in reducing energy and waste. There are also marketable benefits.

3. How long will it take?

We’ve successfully completed a full implementation of an EMS and had it certified in 3 months. This was at the request of the client, and with that, the client and their staff were fully committed to the project, so it worked. Depending on the scope of the certification and the clients requested timeframe, on average it takes anywhere from 4- 9 months.