Corporate sustainability. Being green. Carbon footprint. Energy reduction. Social responsibility. Waste management. Today the pressure on organizations to be responsible stewards of the environment is enormous. These terms are now evolving into business practices that must be incorporated into every aspect of our operations, including supply chains. So how do organizations develop comprehensive environmental policies, plans and actions that incorporate these factors? A strong first step is to develop a business framework by certifying to ISO 14001:2004.
ISO 14001 and Corporate Sustainability
As much as 50% percent of a company’s carbon footprint stems from its supply chain. Therefore, it’s no surprise businesses are looking to improve their sustainability and are turning the spotlight on their suppliers. Corporate sustainability describes business practices built around social and environmental considerations. It is a business approach that creates long-term consumer and employee value by considering every dimension of how a business operates. Under the umbrella of this business approach can rest implementation of an environmental management system or EMS, like ISO 14001.
While ISO 14001 does not specify levels of environmental performance, the intention of ISO 14001 is to provide a framework for a holistic, strategic approach to the organization’s environmental policy, plans and actions. ISO 14001 provides a foundation for corporate sustainability because it frames an underlying system for continual improvement of environmental performance.
Does ISO 14001 Make My Business "Green"?
The term “being green” is generic and is an umbrella for a multitude of philosophies, ideas and practices regarding the environment. The answer can be unique to the organization, its products and services and its customer’s requirements, whether legal or regulatory. Stating that you recycle and then adding a seal to your website will add little value to your business in terms of supply chain requirements. The concept of “being green” doesn’t necessarily equate to an environmental management system.
If you are serious about implementing an environmentally responsible approach to business, whether the need is based on a customer’s request or a corporate strategy, we suggest focusing on ISO 14001. ISO 14001 is an audited quality standard that provides a framework for continual improvement of environmental performance. This is critical, because with many other green initiatives, claims are often not measured or substantiated, let alone audited.
The Value of ISO 14001 Certification
Like ISO 9001, a company can gain a competitive edge from implementing ISO 14001 by decreasing their costs and improving productivity. Additionally, ISO 14001 certification can increase your company's marketability because your organization can demonstrate environmental leadership. Customers want to do business with organizations that are committed to protecting the environment. ISO 14001 can help to establish your company’s environmental credibility and foster improved relationships with shareholders and environmental organizations. Read more about an interesting study conducted on the subject of shareholder valueand ISO 14001.
Emerging supply chain trends regarding corporate sustainability will inevitably transition into required business practices in the decades to come. You can get in front of these trends by positioning your organization to be better environmental stewards now, while potentially increasing your profitability and marketability, by implementing an EMS like ISO 14001.
Our ISO 14001 Implementation Program
ISO 14001 is increasing as a supplier requirement and BIZPHYX offers a novel approach in assisting clients with ISO 14001 implementation. We have developed a program where companies can obtain certification to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 at the same time, thereby addressing both environmental and industry specific quality requirements.
Dual implementation, which may be achieved through our proprietary webinar-based program (based on the size and scope of your organization), is very time efficient as much of the documentation between ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 can be tied together. As TL 9000 experts, we are able to work with clients in the telecommunications industry to implement all three standards at the same time, using the same approach. We also work with clients to upgrade their existing QMS to include ISO 14001. Our unique program is very cost-effective and makes dual certification achievable with even the smallest of organizations.
Why Choose BIZPHYX?
We know you have a choice when it comes to consultants. BIZPHYXdoes not bill by the hour and we complete turnkey projects for a
single price, agreed upon with our clients.
Nationally recognized as TL 9000 Experts, BIZPHYX is certified to both ISO 9001 and TL 9000. Few quality management consulting firms are certified to the standards they implement. This level of expertise translates into results for our clients, as evidenced by an unprecedented 100% client certification rate.
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BIZPHYX consultants, trainers and project managers are highly skilled in the standards and practices we support. If you have an immediate question regarding ISO 14001 implementation, you can contact one of our experts directly:
