How Can Going Green with the ISO 14001 Benefit a Business?

20 Aug, 2014

There’s been a lot of discussion regarding the ISO certifications that concentrate on the eco-friendly nature of a business, namely the ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). Initially it may seem as though ISO certification and going green are unrelated yet when we delve a little deeper we can identify why they are so intrinsically entwined.

The ISO 14001 and Going green is not only about using energy efficient appliances or renewable energy sources, it covers so much more, including areas where health and safety are paramount.

For example, the ISO 14001 in particular focuses on:

Waste Management – Both in the handling and the recycling of waste material. Training in these areas not only helps to reduce waste and make employers more conscious of materials used but it also deals with the disposal of hazardous materials. As any employer understands, failure to comply with HSE standards surrounding this issue results in huge fines.

Energy Efficiency and Pollutants – Going green does of course focus on becoming energy efficient but this in turn improves safe practice across a whole company. Swapping for more energy efficient machinery ensures every employee is updated in its use, which in turn enhances the health and safety aspect. Furthermore, it also reduces the risk of electrical surges as voltage is optimised for each appliance.

In the world of ISO certification, updating appliances and reviewing energy sources can kill two birds with one stone. In addition to this, pollutants are explored and more specifically the pollutants your business emits. Understanding your effect on the environment can be an eye opener which also opens many doors for cheaper, more cost effective fuel options.

Distribution – Along with providing guidelines to follow for the emissions from your business address, the environmental ISO also looks at distribution costs and the impact on the environment. Reducing your carbon emissions goes hand in hand with cutting costs and companies following the greener guidelines will notice great savings on expenses as a result.

The Benefits for Business

Of course, going green is the right thing to do for the environment but you are a business and one that needs to turn a profit. How can the ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard boost your business? There are a number of ways.

1. It cuts costs dramatically as you discover alternative energy solutions that are cheaper and more efficient.
2. It raises your reputation as a green company and brings you a whole new demographic of customers as many will choose a company based on their impact on the environment.
3. It enhances your ethos of caring about your community
4. You become eligible for tax breaks
5. It reduces your waste, your costs and of course handling of hazardous materials

These are just five of the benefits you’ll see as a business, you’ll notice many more when you take the green road with the ISO 14001.

In addition to this, for those companies who have already achieved standards such as ISO 9001, achieving the environmentally friendly ISO 14001 certification is in most cases a seamless experience.

If you’d like any more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.