We provide low-cost consultancy services for the design and implementation of a tailor-made Environmental Management System (EMS). Having a documented EMS system based on the ISO 14001:2015 standard ensures that your policies are effectively understood and implemented, and that your EMS is an integral part of your overall management system.

Furthermore the system ensures that your organization, not only increases its competitiveness, but also manages and reduces the environmental impact of their operations.

The consultants of the Center of Business Excellence have a time proven four-phase System Implementation Procedure which has guided a large number of companies through the implementation and development of their Environmental Management System as follows:

Phase 1: Gap Analysis

We identify the gap between the standard’s requirements and the current condition of the organization. This is achieved by collecting information about the current practices used within the existing management system and by comparing them with the requirements of the standard to see whether they are satisfied or not.

Phase 2: Design and Development

The consultant and the client draw up the framework for the design and development of the system. To be more specific in this phase the middle and top management team are educated on the requirements of the standard. Then with the guidance of our consultants the management defines the scope of the management system, the organization’s policy, the objectives/goals and the structure. Once this is clear the consultants proceed with the development of the updated Management System.

Phase 3: Implement and Improve

We run the Management System, monitor it, measure it and review it with the intention to collect information to confirm that it runs smoothly. Also in this phase all the activities and their updates are presented to the employees and they are trained so as to conform with the updated system. Any required changes are carried out in order to ensure smooth operations.

Phase 4: Assessment and Review

A management review and internal audit are held, followed by an external audit. To be more specific in phase 4, we work alongside top and middle management and we are focused on the effectiveness and the efficiency of the management system. This is achieved through the internal audit and the management review where we review and address the processes and the organization performance (this includes any resistance to the system and/or embedding desired culture and behavior changes).Also we identify further opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the management system. Once these actions are completed we proceed with the external audit the third party certification.

What is ISO 14001:2015

The ISO 14000 family addresses various aspects of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It provides practical tools for companies and organizations looking to identify and control their environmental impact and constantly improve their environmental performance. ISO 14001:2015 focus on environmental management systems.

ISO 14001:2015 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It does not state requirements for environmental performance, but maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector. Using ISO 14001:2015 can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.

The fundamental principle and overall goal of the ISO 14001 standard, is the concept of continual improvement. ISO 14001 is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology which has been expanded to include 17 elements, grouped into five phases that relate to Plan-Do-Check-Act.

The five phases are the following:

Phase 1 – Environmental Policy

The organization must have an environmental policy statement (written) which is relevant to the business activities and approved by top management. The policy must demonstrate the top managements commitment to regulatory compliance, pollution prevention and continues improvement. The standard clearly sets out what to cover in the policy.

Phase 2 – Planning

To be successful, the system must be organized. This includes establishing as organizations structure, promoting internal and external communication and identifying environmental impacts. Communication and participation are essential to ensure success, especially in top management positions.

Phase 3 – Implementation & Operation

Measure and monitor processes. Report data and results.

Phase 4 – Checking and Corrective Action

Ensure that objectives are being met through a planned management review. Data gathered in step 3 is used to determine if any corrective action is needed. Make all necessary changes (corrective actions).

Phase 5 – Management Review (continues improvement)

Senior management must routinely review the EMS activities to ensure that all activities are appropriate.