Today, environmental issues are becoming a primary concern in society. As a result, organizations and enterprises are paying more attention to building systems to reduce the negative impacts arising from their production activities. Therefore, ISO 14001:2015 certification was established to address these concerns.

What is ISO 14001:2015 Certification?

ISO 14001:2015 specifies requirements for an environmental management system. It provides a framework that organizations can follow rather than establishing specific environmental performance requirements.

Organizations can voluntarily obtain ISO 14001:2015 certification. It can be integrated with other management system standards, most commonly ISO 9001, to further support the achievement of organizational and business objectives.

Its purpose is to provide organizations and enterprises with a framework to protect the environment and respond effectively to changing environmental conditions.

What is an Environmental Management System Based on ISO 14001 Certification?

An environmental management system, abbreviated as EMS, includes policies, procedures, plans, implementation processes, and records that define how your organization applies environmental management practices.

What is the Latest Version of ISO 14001 Certification?

ISO 14001:2015 is currently the latest version applied by organizations and enterprises in environmental management systems. This version was updated from ISO 14001:2004. The revision incorporates a high-level structure and mandatory definitions.

Comparison Between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2004

• Expanded scope of the environmental management system
• Mandatory interaction with external parties
• Leadership participation requirements
• Planning and control based on risk
• New documentation requirements
• Expanded requirements for controlling environmental activities
• Changes related to awareness and competence
• Impacts on internal audit programs

Organizations That Should Apply ISO 14001:2015 Certification

This standard should be used by any organization wishing to improve, establish, and maintain an environmental management system in accordance with established environmental policies and requirements. These requirements can be applied to any environmental management system. The scope is determined by several factors, including environmental policy, industry sector, products and services, and organizational location.

According to Decree No. 40/2019/ND-CP Guiding the Implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection, industrial production sectors with environmental pollution risks were required to apply and obtain ISO 14001 certification before December 31, 2020, including:

Group 1

• Processing of natural rubber latex
• Processing of cassava starch, beer, alcohol, monosodium glutamate, and industrial alcohol
• Sugarcane processing
• Processing of seafood, livestock, and poultry
• Manufacturing of electrical and electronic components and equipment

Group 2

• Mining and beneficiation of toxic mineral ores
• Metallurgy, refining, and processing of toxic minerals
• Production of pulp, paper, and fiberboard (MDF or HDF)
• Production of chemicals, chemical pesticides, and chemical fertilizers
• Fabric dyeing, washing, and yarn dyeing
• Leather tanning
• Petroleum refining
• Coal-fired power generation, coal gasification, nuclear power, and coke production

Group 3

• Waste treatment and recycling, import of scrap materials as production inputs
• Production processes involving electroplating or surface cleaning using metals or chemicals
• Battery and accumulator manufacturing
• Clinker production

What Should Organizations Do When Conducting ISO 14001:2015 Certification Assessment?

• Clearly understand legal and environmental regulations: Regularly update environmental regulations when implementing ISO 14001:2015 certification to meet legal requirements. According to Article 25 of Decree 40/2019/ND-CP under the Law on Environmental Protection, “Production, business, and service facilities already in operation that fall into industrial production sectors with potential environmental pollution risks as specified in Appendix II.A Section I of the Appendix issued with this Decree, and that are required to prepare environmental impact assessment reports, must implement an environmental management system based on the national standard TCVN ISO 14001.”
• Identify environmental emission sources: Organizations must determine sources of emissions affecting the environment based on annual Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports or emission source logs.
• Prepare adequate personnel resources to develop and implement an environmental management system – ISO 14001:2015 certification.

The above information is shared by ISSQ Institute of Quality Research as an overview of ISO 14001:2015 certification.

We hope this article provides useful information for you and your business.

ISSQ Institute of Quality Research is always ready to accompany companies during the period of integration and development.

Please contact hotline: +84 981851111 or email vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn. We are honored to serve our valued customers.

Published date: 06/06/2023