Climate change has moved up the agenda, biodiversity loss is a critical issue, and raw material availability is crucial. Using ISO 14001 as a tool to evaluate and control all of these business issues makes sound sense.

With this in mind, IEMA’s Environmental Management Network Steering Group have produced an advice note to help members make the most of the Environmental Management System within organisations, entitled ‘The case for applying ISO 14001 in the fast-moving landscape of corporate sustainability’, acknowledging that the sustainability agenda is critical to many businesses.

The standard itself is used at a global level, though the reasons for its uptake are many and varied. Results from a recent survey highlight factors influencing the adoption of ISO 14001 including: Customer requirement (94%) Commitment to environmental protection & conservation (97%) Reduction of risk related to adverse environmental impacts (96%) Opportunities for integration with other management standards (87%) Public image (95%) Cost savings/financial benefit (81%) Government/regulatory agency requirement (79%) One of the requirements of ISO14001:2015 places leadership centre and foremost.

This can pose challenges to organisations which do not appreciate how to embrace this. The advice note looks at ways for leaders to ensure the use of the standard helps to deliver for them, engaging with a meaningful strategy which can drive better business outcomes. The advice note also includes two case studies, demonstrating the advantages of using the standard to drive a more sustainable business.

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