Our environmental management system is certified to ISO 14001
What's Behind the New Certification and What's Next
Our environmental management system was recently certified to ISO 14001. This marks the completion of an important step for which various departments within the company worked together to prepare.
In the lead-up to certification, existing processes were reviewed, documents were updated, and responsibilities were clarified. Among other things, this involved waste and hazardous substances, resource use, legal requirements, and the necessary audits.
The certificate confirms that our environmental management system meets the requirements of ISO 14001. At the same time, certification is not the end of the process. The system is reviewed regularly and will continue to be refined as part of our day-to-day operations.
What exactly does the standard entail? How did the certification process work, and what does it mean for our day-to-day work? Our IMS & Compliance Manager answers the most important questions.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It helps companies systematically identify, assess, and reduce their environmental impact.
Key areas of focus include:
- Reducing waste and emissions
- Using energy and resources efficiently
- Complying with environmental laws and regulations
- Identifying and assessing environmental risks
- Continuously improving one’s own environmental performance
The standard does not prescribe specific goals that must be achieved. Instead, it establishes a binding framework: set goals, implement measures, review results, and derive improvements. In this way, environmental protection becomes an integral part of business operations.
Interview Question 1. How has your perspective on environmental management changed since you began working more closely with ISO 14001?
Answer by Christian Friedrich (IMS & Compliance Manager): Since I began working more closely with ISO 14001, my perspective on environmental management has broadened significantly. I’ve learned that environmental management isn’t limited to energy and CO₂ savings. Rather, ISO 14001 considers all of a company’s environmentally relevant aspects, such as the management of resources, waste, emissions, and other environmental factors.
While energy savings are certainly an important component, they are primarily the focus of an energy management system, such as ISO 50001. Through my work with ISO 14001, I have therefore come to realize that environmental management must be viewed holistically and should be integrated into all operational processes.
What are the benefits of certification?
ISO 14001 helps us address environmental issues according to established procedures and review them regularly. Responsibilities and points of contact are clearly defined, important inspections and documentation are recorded, and opportunities for improvement are pursued. At the same time, we can meet customer requirements when certification is a prerequisite.
What was the process for obtaining certification?
The process for obtaining ISO 14001 certification consisted of three steps:
- GAP Analysis: An external consulting firm compared our existing management system with the requirements of the standard. This revealed outstanding issues and areas for improvement.
- Readiness Assessment: The future certifying body verified whether the basic prerequisites for the actual audit had been met.
- Certification Audit: After the outstanding issues had been addressed, our environmental management system underwent a comprehensive review. Upon successful completion, we achieved certification.
Interview Question 2. How do you translate the formal requirements of the standard into understandable procedures for your colleagues?
Answer by Christian Friedrich (IMS & Compliance Manager): I have translated the formal requirements of ISO 14001 into understandable procedures primarily through internal training sessions and practical explanations. In addition, the requirements are documented in customized work instructions so that they are easy to understand and implement in day-to-day work. It’s important to me not only to convey the requirements theoretically, but also to establish a direct connection to daily tasks.
How is our environmental management system audited?
During an audit, the relevant documents and supporting evidence are first reviewed. The auditors then examine the processes and procedures on-site. The key factor is whether the requirements of ISO 14001, as well as our own environmental goals and guidelines, are being implemented.
Certification follows a three-year cycle: A full certification audit takes place every three years. In each of the two intervening years, a surveillance audit is conducted. This ensures that the system is regularly checked to verify that it is functioning properly and being further developed.
What specific measures are we already implementing?
One example is waste management. In addition to sorting waste within the company, we are working with a new, certified waste management specialist. This provides us with improved recycling options.
The waste management partner also provides documentation confirming the proper disposal and recycling of waste, as well as CO₂ reports. This allows us to better track and document the environmental impact of our waste management processes.
Interview Question 3. Which departments do you work particularly closely with in environmental management?
Answer by Christian Friedrich (IMS & Compliance Manager): In environmental management, I work particularly closely with the Purchasing department, the hazardous materials officers, and the safety officers. With the Purchasing department, for example, procuring environmentally friendly products and materials that conserve resources as much as possible is a key focus. With the hazardous materials officers, the focus is particularly on the safe and environmentally sound handling of hazardous materials, the corresponding documentation, and the hazardous materials inventory. Collaboration with the safety officers covers, among other things, occupational safety, inspections, and fire protection. Since many of these topics are interrelated, close cooperation among the various departments is essential to jointly implement environmental, safety, and legal requirements.
Interview Question 4. In your opinion, what is essential for an environmental management system to function reliably in day-to-day operations?
Answer by Christian Friedrich (IMS & Compliance Manager): In my view, an environmental management system can only function reliably in day-to-day operations if every employee participates and the relevant guidelines and regulations are consistently followed. Environmental management must be integrated into daily workflows and not merely implemented for the sake of an audit. Even seemingly minor details matter. For example, the waste containers provided by a specialized waste management company must be inspected regularly and must have the required, up-to-date inspections and certifications. It is precisely these details that show whether an environmental management system actually works in day-to-day operations. It is therefore important that every employee takes responsibility, remains vigilant, and directly addresses and reports any irregularities or deviations.
Environmental Management Remains a Shared Responsibility
Certification does not mark the end of environmental management. Rather, it establishes the framework for continuous improvement. It remains crucial that we adhere to guidelines in our day-to-day operations, take responsibility, and address deviations early on.
