Boost Your Business Eco Credentials: Your guide to ISO 14001

You may have heard about ISO standards but what are they exactly and what does ISO stand for? Here I answer your questions.

ISO standards

ISO standards are created by the International Organisation for Standardisation who bring together global experts in the relevant subject fields. These experts agree the specifications that provide a framework for ensuring quality, safety and efficiency in systems, services and products. ISO was officially founded in 1947 and since then the body has developed and updated a range of standards. These standards cover areas such as quality management, health and safety, food safety and environmental management.

Boosting Business with ISO 14001: Why Going Green Is More Than Good PR

ISO offers a range of standards that focus on the environment. The most popular of these is 14001 (it’s a catchy name, right!). As countries, government bodies and organisations look to lower their carbon footprint to slow climate change they are increasingly asking their suppliers for ISO 14001 certification.

So, what’s behind these numbers? The 14001 standard provides a framework for an organisation to design and implement an environmental management system, and to continually improve their environmental performance. It is an internationally recognised standard which has just been reviewed in 2025 by leading experts around the globe to ensure it is still relevant in today’s marketplace. The international element is important as it enables exporters and importers to know that the organisations they are doing business with meet the same universal standard.

By following the ISO 14001 standard, organisations can ensure they are taking proactive measures to minimise their environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements and achieve their environmental objectives.

What are the key benefits?

• Regulatory Confidence - Stay ahead of legal requirements and reduce the risk of fines or sanctions. ISO 14001 creates a proactive culture of compliance within your organisation.

• Cost Efficiency - Reduce waste, save energy, and streamline resource use. Many organisations report lower operating costs after implementation.

• Reputation & Market Advantage - Show customers, partners, and investors that you're committed to sustainability. It can be a powerful differentiator in competitive markets.

• Employee Engagement - Sustainability initiatives often lead to higher staff morale and involvement, as employees see their company contributing positively to the planet.

• Risk Management - ISO 14001 helps organisations identify environmental risks early and address them systematically.

• Continuous Improvement - The standard fosters an iterative approach, encouraging regular review and enhancement of environmental practices.

Real world impact

Imagine a retailer reducing its electricity consumption by 30% in one year, or a manufacturing firm reducing its water usage by 25% over the same period. Or a logistics company transitioning to electric vehicles and slashing their carbon emissions. These aren’t just wins for the environment, they are also cost savings and great ways to boost your brand.

What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

An EMS will help an organisation to prevent environmental damage, fulfil legal requirements and continually improve its environmental performance.

In its simplest form, it is a framework that supports an organisation to achieve its environmental goals through consistent review, evaluation and improvement. An organisation sets its own environmental objectives, and the EMS will support the organisation to review its progress as well as helping to establish policies and processes.

No two management systems will be the same as you tailor it to your company and your objectives and targets. However, every EMS will contain certain elements such as identifying and managing environmental issues, compliance duties and addressing risks and opportunities. The EMS also needs to be audited internally to ensure that it conforms to the organisation’s and ISO’s requirements. This internal audit programme can either be carried out by the organisation’s own employees, or it can be carried out by an external contractor. Be Your Best Version offers an internal audit service which can be tailored to meet your specific needs, email contact@beyourbestversion.co.uk to find out more.

What organisations benefit from ISO 14001?

Every organisation! Organisations of all sizes and sectors around the world can benefit from the ISO 14001 standard. If your organisation wants to reduce its environmental impact, ensure regulatory compliance and show its commitment to a sustainable future then you should consider implementing ISO 14001.

Eco-conscious consumers and investors are on the rise, implementing ISO 14001 is the strategic move that makes both ethical and economic sense.

Certification vs. Compliance

ISO itself doesn’t certify organizations. Instead, third-party auditors assess whether a company meets the requirements of a specific ISO standard. Certification is often valid for three years, with regular audits to maintain it.

Want help developing or auditing your ISO 14001 Environmental Management System? I’d love to help you. Email contact@beyourbestversion.co.uk and let’s arrange an informal chat.