ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems and its impact on Sustainability

What is sustainability all about?

Sustainability is simply the risk-based forward strategic thinking where we plan on meeting the needs of the present without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Three main themes have always been the focus of sustainability: people (social interaction), planet (solar energy, biodiversity and nutrient cycling) and economic profits. Therefore, environmental sustainability plans are implemented to ensure we conserve available natural resources and protect global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future. 

As stated by WHO (2021) the global population exposed to air pollution levels which puts them at increased risk for diseases not limited to heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and pneumonia was put at 99%. Furthermore, according to the Vision 2030 of Sustainable Development Goals of UN, Going Green is an integral part of the sustainability action involving guiding principles to provide the deepest view on how businesses can impact our planet and build a better life for future generations. 

Environmental sustainability is geared towards impacting all key components affecting the air, water, and land management by engaging the relevant environmental regulatory compliance and risk reduction mechanisms to ensure the availability of Earth’s essentials. These essentials as defined in Sustainable Development Goals include renewable energy, clean water supply, and food security.

Using ISO 14001 as a framework to address environmental sustainability 

As discussed by Morelli (2011), if it can be agreed that a sustainable environment is a necessary prerequisite to a sustainable socio-economic system, then simultaneously the actions we implement to avoid threats to and foster environmental sustainability should affect this system. 

Environmental Management System (EMS) based on ISO 14001 which is a set of interacting processes and practices becomes a ready global tool that can be assessed by organizations to enable them to reduce their environmental impacts while addressing their need to increase operating efficiency. To meet the environmental sustainability plans, ISO 14001 can act as a viable tool to ensure any organization establishes, implements, monitors and continually improves by taking actions where necessary on environmental performances. Thus, striking an equilibrium between the needs of present people, planet, and making profits without compromising those of the future generations.

ISO 14001 provides needed framework based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, which an organization can use to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic needs. Organizations that have implemented an Environmental Management System based on ISO 14001 or other relevant environmental frameworks have put in place environmental policy that can ensure that they have an enhanced environmental performance, fulfilled compliance obligations, and achieve their own set environmental objectives. Areas related to energy conservation, operational control and accountability can be addressed by implementing an EMS based on ISO 14001:2015 in any organization.

How will ISO 14001 impact on environmental sustainability?

Organizations will continue to review and evaluate their EMS to identify opportunities for implementing and improving their set environmental objectives and targets. By addressing regulatory requirements, a systematic and cost-effective proactive bias is created to help organizations reduce the risk of non-compliance, reduce issues related to health and safety of their workers and public.

In addition, several other issues can be addressed by implementing ISO 14001, including but not limited to: