International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 (Environmental)
Introduction
The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) is pleased to offer an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification Program based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 Standard - Environmental Management Systems.
Environmental protection is increasingly becoming a major concern. Issues such as climate changes, ozone layer depletion, soil and groundwater contamination, atmospheric pollution and disposal of hazardous wastes are the focus of governments, industry and the general public globally. This growing interest and attention, as well as concerns from organizations of all kinds to facilitate sound environmental management, were the driving force behind the development of ISO 14001.
The ISO 14001 standard does not guarantee good environmental performance or replace legislative and business requirements, but it:
- will provide a standardized procedure for complying with those requirements;
- may help to prevent environmental requirements from becoming trade barriers;
- may, in part, be a means to demonstrate due diligence with respect to environmental liabilities; and
- should encourage employees to improve their own environmental performance.
The program provides a cost effective, convenient and systematic way to demonstrate environmental stewardship and accountability to interested parties, such as government, the public, environmental groups, investors and others.
Certification Program
The EMS Certification Program was developed by CGSB to distinguish organizations that wish to demonstrate, through third-party certification, their conformance to ISO 14001.
The program is based on compliance with environmental legislation and other requirements, prevention of pollution and a commitment to continual improvement. To become registered, an organization must demonstrate that it has a fully functioning EMS in accordance with ISO 14001.
The certification process consists of reviewing the organization's EMS documentation, assessing the level of commitment to improved environmental performance, and assessing the implementation of the organization's EMS procedures through an on-site audit process. After certification, follow up audits are carried out, usually on an annual basis. These audits assure CGSB and others that the EMS continues to conform to ISO 14001.
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