ISO 14001 is a standard that provides a framework for
Environmental Management System (EMS). An EMS is a management approach that
enables an organization to identify, manage, monitor, and control its
environmental impact. ISO 14001 certification is a
process by which an organization's EMS is audited by an independent third-party
to verify that it meets the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
The certification process typically involves the following
steps:
Gap analysis: The organization conducts a review of its existing
environmental management practices to identify any gaps between its current
practices and the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
Implementation: The organization develops and implements an EMS that
meets the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
Internal audit: The organization conducts an internal audit of its EMS
to ensure that it is functioning effectively and meets the requirements of the
ISO 14001 standard.
Certification audit: An independent third-party auditor conducts a
certification audit of the organization's EMS to verify that it meets the
requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
Certification: If the organization's EMS meets the requirements of the
ISO 14001 standard, it is awarded ISO 14001 certification.
ISO 14001 certification is valid for three years, after
which the organization must undergo a recertification audit to maintain its
certification.