NEWS

The Benefits of ISO 14001 – A Strategic Advantage in Environmental Management

Welcome to the July edition of our QHSE ABERDEEN Newsletter!

This month we are concentrating on Environmental and Carbon Measuring.

The Benefits of ISO 14001 – A Strategic Advantage in Environmental Management

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability and environmental stewardship have become pivotal concerns for organisations across the globe. As businesses face increasing pressure from stakeholders to adopt greener practices, the implementation of ISO 14001 has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing environmental performance. This internationally recognised standard provides a robust framework for managing environmental responsibilities and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Here’s how ISO 14001 benefits organisations and is perceived in the wider business community.

1. Understanding ISO 14001 – A Brief Overview

ISO 14001 is part of the ISO 14000 family of standards for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a structured approach to managing and improving environmental performance, helping organisations minimize their environmental impact, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and achieve continual improvement. ISO 14001 can be implemented by any organisation, regardless of size, sector, or location, making it a versatile tool for global sustainability efforts.

2. Key Benefits of ISO 14001

Implementing ISO 14001 offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond mere regulatory compliance. Here are some of the core advantages…

  • Enhanced Environmental Performance – By adopting ISO 14001, organisations can systematically identify, control, and reduce their environmental impacts. This leads to improved resource efficiency, reduced waste, and lower emissions, contributing to the overall health of the planet.
  • Compliance and Risk Management – The standard helps organisations stay ahead of regulatory requirements and manage environmental risks proactively. This reduces the likelihood of legal issues and fines while ensuring adherence to environmental laws.
  • Cost Savings – Improved efficiency in resource usage, such as energy and materials, can result in significant cost savings. Reducing waste and improving operational efficiency also contribute to lower operational costs.
  • Improved Stakeholder Confidence – ISO 14001 certification signals to customers, investors, and other stakeholders that an organisation is committed to environmental stewardship. This can enhance brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and provide a competitive edge in the market.
  • Employee Engagement and Morale – Employees often feel more motivated and engaged when they work for organisations that prioritize environmental responsibility. This can lead to a more productive and committed workforce.
  • Global Market Access – Many international markets and clients prefer or require ISO 14001 certification as part of their supply chain standards. Achieving certification can open doors to new business opportunities and partnerships.

3. ISO 14001 in the Eyes of Other Organisations

Organisations worldwide view ISO 14001 as a strategic asset. Here’s how it is perceived across different sectors –

  • Large Corporations – For multinational corporations, ISO 14001 is a badge of honour that showcases their commitment to global sustainability standards. It is often a prerequisite for doing business in certain regions or with certain clients.
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – SMEs see ISO 14001 as a way to level the playing field with larger competitors by demonstrating their dedication to responsible business practices. It also helps them improve efficiency and reduce costs, which are crucial for their growth and sustainability.
  • Public Sector and Non-profits – Government bodies and non-profit organisations use ISO 14001 to lead by example, showing their commitment to the environment and encouraging others to follow suit. It also helps them meet the growing demand for transparency and accountability in their operations.
  • Supply Chain Integration – Many organisations require their suppliers and partners to be ISO 14001 certified, ensuring that their entire supply chain adheres to high environmental standards. This fosters a culture of sustainability throughout the business ecosystem.

4. Conclusion

As environmental concerns continue to dominate the global agenda, ISO 14001 provides a clear pathway for organisations to achieve and demonstrate superior environmental performance. It not only helps companies comply with regulations but also drives cost savings, improves stakeholder relationships, and opens up new market opportunities. By adopting ISO 14001, organisations position themselves as leaders in sustainability, ready to meet the challenges of a greener future.

Embracing ISO 14001 is not just about compliance; it’s about committing to a sustainable business strategy that benefits both the organisation and the planet.

In tandem with ISO 14001, carbon counting has become a crucial aspect of environmental management for organisations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Accurate measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions allow businesses to identify reduction opportunities, set tangible sustainability goals, and track their progress over time. In the UK, legislation such as the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework mandates that large companies annually report their energy use, GHG emissions, and energy efficiency actions. Compliance with these requirements not only ensures legal adherence but also positions organisations as transparent and accountable leaders in the fight against climate change. By integrating carbon counting into their ISO 14001 EMS, companies can robustly address environmental impacts and align with national and global sustainability objectives.

Carbon

Carbon Footprint

QHSE Aberdeen has seen a significant increase in requests for help with Carbon Footprint / Greenhouse Gas emission measurement this year.

This reflects an increased awareness of climate change through news articles about the implementation of city-centre Low Emission Zones (LEZ’s); extreme weather events; population movements due to continued droughts and the potential spread of previously tropical diseases.

There is also an increased requirement for emissions figures to be included within bids & tenders, particularly those from national governments, local authorities, and large corporations.

Organisations seeking to record and monitor their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can feel confused by the bewildering array of carbon trackers available online, some free, some not so free…

These often only claim to give an estimate of your emissions and usually involve a standardised template, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

In addition to our ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 capability, QHSE Aberdeen have a specialist Environmental Team who have more than 20 years of experience in GHG monitoring.

At QHSE ABERDEEN LIMITED, we can offer a customised GHG Tracker, completed by staff trained in ISO 14064 (Specification with guidance at the organisation level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions & removals) and PAS 2060 (Carbon Neutrality) standards, which will give an accurate assessment of your organisation’s GHG emissions.

GHG Tracker

We offer three levels of service support and CO2e Measurement Assessment:

· Level 1 – Direct Site Emissions (Scope 1) and Energy Consumption (Scope 2)

Assessment.

· Level 2 – as Level 1 plus Scope 3 directly associated with the business

(business travel; homeworking; commuting; waste; water)

Assessment.

· Level 3 – Full Carbon Footprint Assessment including your supply chain.

Levels 2 & 3 could then offer the option of formal Verification.

*Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from your site,

*Scope 2 refers to electricity consumption,

*Scope 3 is all other emissions…

Carbon / GHG emissions should already be part of your ISO 14001 Aspects and Impacts procedure.


As QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) experts, we specialise in helping organisations implement effective management systems that enhance their operational efficiency and sustainability. Our expertise spans across multiple industries, providing insights into best practices for achieving compliance and excellence in environmental management.

Training Courses

Our next ISO 14001 Environmental Courses are ..

ISO 14001 Foundation                 1 Day    2nd September

ISO 14001 Internal Auditor        2 Days  3rd September

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor              5 Days  2nd September

We also have our ISO 9001 Auditor Courses scheduled for the 5th August and our IMS (Integrated Management System) ISO 9001/14001/45001 Internal Auditor Course scheduled for the 24th September.

See our website for more information.. https://www.qhseaberdeen.com/iso-courses/

QUALITY ISO 9001 Foundation

ISO 9001 Internal Auditor

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

ENVIRONMENTAL ISO 14001 Foundation

ISO 14001 Internal Auditor

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

HEALTH & SAFETY ISO 45001 Foundation

ISO 45001 Internal Auditor

ISO 45001 Lead Auditor

INTEGRATED SYSTEM ISO 9/14/45 Internal Auditor

INFORMATION SECURITY ISO 27001 Foundation

ISO 27001 Internal Auditor

ISO 27001 Lead Auditor

API API Q1 & Q2 – Foundation


We selected 2 questions that were sent in from clients this month …

QUESTIONS?
  1. To complement our ISO 45001 certification, are there any memberships I should consider demonstrating a focus on health and safety?

ANSWER – There are a lot of industry-specific bodies like Step Change in Safety and bodies like The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) that can be useful for a company for training and recognition awards. IOSH is good for CPD, support forums, and companies can get Group Membership that can help demonstrate that their organisation supports its employee’s development & professional competency.  However, once you have determined the best membership(s), it is strongly recommended to identify one or more “membership champions” who can be accountable for advocating the membership and getting the most out of it, so that it helps improve safety culture, knowledge, awareness and training.

  1. Is a mental health first aider (MHFA) a good idea?

ANSWER – The simple answer is yes.  However, you need to have the right person/people who are approachable and discreet, and the right type of work culture to fully get the benefit from this type of training.  Although a lot of improvements have been made, there can still be a stigma in the workplace regarding mental health and asking for help.  The addition of MHFAs should be driven by a campaign and/or policy that reassures employees that their company fully supports staff and the ability to discreetly talk to the MHFA during working hours should be facilitated.

Career

Finally, due to the increased workload we are experiencing, we have a couple of new vacancies for Advisors. If you know of anyone who might like to join our team, then please send our details and ask them to get in touch. https://www.qhseaberdeen.com/careers/

That’s all for this issue of our QHSE Newsletter! We hope you found the information valuable and time well-spent. Remember, investing in QHSE best practices leads to improved performance, increased stakeholder confidence, and a safer work environment. Stay tuned for our next issue, packed with more useful tips and updates.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you’d like us to cover. Until next time, stay safe, and keep up the great work!

If you want to feature in our Newsletter drop us a line (info@qhseaberdeen) with your QHSE Experiences.

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