The Impact of ISO 14001:2015 on the Environment and the Workplace

Earth Day is April 22^nd which is right around the corner and we are reminded how important it is to remember our corporate responsibility to the environment when we approach our daily tasks.  Every organization is different and so is its impact on the environment. Those that hold an ISO 14001:2015 certification ensures they are being good stewards of our environment.

An ISO 14001 certification ensures that there is “a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system,” per the International Standards Organization (ISO). “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.”

A workplace can be affected by company moral, especially when it is low. Allowing employees to see and experience firsthand an organization that has processes and procedures in place to protect the environment not only boosts moral but has been shown to improve the corporate image to its customers and to the public. When employees take part in company improvements, they are more apt to engage in other aspects of the company.  In fact, when potential job candidates are given the option to work for a company that shows they care and are concerned with the environment over one that does not, the majority prefer the first.  Employees who are involved in a group effort to decrease the company’s environmental footprint will often have an increased employee focus and retention, and it is simpler and less costly to keep employees than it is to recruit and train new ones.

Organizations using ISO 14001 have found success across a range of areas, including:

• Reduced energy and water consumption
• A more systematic approach to legal compliance
• Improved overall environmental performance

As we acknowledge the significance of each person and organization to participate in being good stewards of our environment, our goal is that you understand the benefits of obtaining ISO 14001 certification and remember to do your part to care for Mother Earth.