Firms to fall short on ISO 14001 upgrade: warning 02 October 2014

Companies, plants and factories are in danger of falling short next year (2015) when the main environmental management standard ISO 14001 will be upgraded – and some could potentially lose out as a result.

That's the warning from manufacturers organisation EEF, which reveals that new research shows companies across a range of sectors are unprepared for the changes.

EEF warns that the upgrade significantly changing the way firms will have to view and apply their environmental management systems (EMS).

However, EEF's study shows that: 90% of companies EMSs are not fully fit for purpose; and 80% do not have sufficient top level support to meet the new requirements – with management largely not interested.

Further, less than half of companies (49%) are investing appropriately in their environmental performance and competence, while just one in ten (11%) are maximising the benefits of EMS by ensuring it takes into account the complete lifecycle of their product or service.

Greg Roberts (pictured), EMS expert at the EEF, warns that biggest change in ISO 14001 will be a much greater emphasis on leadership and commitment – an area where many firms already fall down.

"These findings show that for many businesses and for many senior management teams, having an environmental management system is simply a box ticking exercise," states Roberts.

"They are not grasping the full potential and opportunity of this powerful approach which, if treated strategically, can drive real value," he continues."

Roberts argues that companies are facing new and difficult issues, such as the scarcity of resource and material supply, climate change and stakeholders who want more, demand more and know more.

"Implementing a well-designed, fully thought-through and completely integrated EMS can help firms tackle these issues, while grasping the very many opportunities that are there for the taking too," he insists.

ISO 14001 will continue to be a voluntary standard. However, more than 15,000 certificates have already been issued in the UK and there is growing demand from customers for firms to attain it.

It can also reduce the cost of an environmental permit and be a condition of getting a permit, says Roberts.

For more information or to access EEF's online gap analysis tool, use the links below.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
EEF (Engineering Employers Federation)

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