INSTITUTE FOR STANDARD AND QUALITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

The Importance of ISO 14001 in the Context of Climate Change

30/12/2021


Following the success of the ISO 9001 standards, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issued ISO 14001 specifically for environmental protection and environmental management.

The period of industrialization and modernization has significantly transformed all aspects of human life and society. However, every activity has both positive and negative impacts. The increase in production activities has led to many consequences, especially environmental issues. Air pollution, water pollution, waste, and noise are becoming major threats to human health and mental well-being, particularly in many industrialized countries that lack proper environmental management planning.

To establish a specific strategy and bring environmental benefits on a global scale, in 1993 ISO decided to establish the ISO/TC 207 Technical Committee on environmental management. By 1996, ISO 14001 was officially issued.

Versions of ISO 14001

Many people may wonder why ISO 14001 has different designations such as ISO 14001:1996 or ISO 14001:2015. The number following the ISO 14001 name indicates the year in which that version was issued.

Over time, the ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System standard has undergone the following stages:

  • ISO 14001:1996
  • ISO 14001:2004
  • ISO 14001:2015

Production Sectors with Potential Environmental Risks

According to Decree No. 40/2019/ND-CP dated May 13, 2019 of the Government, detailing the implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection, production and business sectors that may pose environmental risks include:

Group 1

  • Mining and processing of ores and toxic minerals
  • Metallurgy and ship dismantling
  • Paper and fiberboard manufacturing
  • Production of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides
  • Textile dyeing and washing processes
  • Leather tanning
  • Oil refining and petrochemical processing
  • Coal production and processing

Group 2

  • Waste treatment and import of scrap materials
  • Electroplating and chemical metal surface cleaning
  • Production of batteries and accumulators
  • Clinker production

Group 3

  • Natural rubber processing
  • Processing of starch, monosodium glutamate, industrial alcohol
  • Sugar processing
  • Seafood processing and livestock/poultry slaughtering
  • Manufacturing of electronic components and equipment

Objectives

The application of the ISO 14001 standard helps organizations and enterprises enhance responsibility and effectiveness in environmental management. ISO 14001 contributes to minimizing resource waste for enterprises, controlling pollution, protecting the environment, and implementing timely corrective measures.

Ranked just after ISO 9001 – Quality Management System, ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System has been widely adopted in most countries worldwide. The application of ISO standards helps organizations demonstrate compliance with legal requirements as well as their responsibility in addressing environmental pollution risks that may affect human health and development.

In addition, consumers always prioritize using products and services from organizations that have implemented an Environmental Management System. This shows that ISO 14001 is an important condition for enterprises to build customer trust, increase profits, and reduce costs. In particular, ISO 14001 helps organizations maintain market stability and gain competitive advantages over competitors.

ISO 14001:2015 Certification

ISO 14001:2015 is currently the latest version with improved structure and content suitable for socio-economic realities. Certification to ISO 14001:2015 at the ISSQ Institute for Quality Development Studies will help customers improve environmental performance through efficient use of resources and waste reduction. Accordingly, ISO 14001:2015 supports customers in understanding their actual conditions to better manage risks and seize opportunities.

During cooperation with the ISSQ Institute for Quality Development Studies, customers will receive dedicated guidance from a team of experts, helping them carry out the ISO 14001:2015 certification process clearly and cost-effectively.

The ISSQ Institute for Quality Development Studies is always ready to accompany companies in the period of integration and development.

Please contact us via hotline: +84 981851111 | +84 2422661111 or email: vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn

Posted date: December 30, 2021


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