Introduction

The logic of ISO 14001 is illustrated in Fig. 5.1. In this chapter we consider how to follow the logic, by creating a programme that will lead from the initial decision to create an environmental management system to a successful assessment to ISO 14001.

Figure 5.1: The logic of ISO 14001

The programme falls into 11 steps, as follows:

• commitment

• resources

• communication

• environmental legislation and environmental aspects

• management objectives and policy

• procedures

• writing the manual

• implementation

• auditing

• choosing your assessor

• assessment

Step 1: Commitment

Unless there is full commitment from the top to the bottom of the organisation, the process of creating and implementing your environmental management system and then going forward for assessment will be difficult, or could even fail. Even if you are ultimately successful, the timetable will become so drawn out that people will lose interest.

Clause 4.2 of the Standard requires the organisation to have an environmental policy, but it is difficult to write a policy in sufficient detail until some of the work, e.g. defining the environmental aspects, has been carried out. So, in order to set the process in motion, a statement of intent should be written and well publicised. This should be signed by the chairman, managing director, chief executive, general manager, or whoever is the top person at the site involved. It would be even better if the members of the board, or the senior managers, all signed the statement.

Suitable wording is shown in Fig. 5.2.

Figure 5.2

This statement...