ISO 14001 > FAQ

ISO 14000 is a series of international standards that deal with environmental issues. Some key standards in the series are ISO 14001, which deals with environmental management systems, and ISO 14010, which covers environmental auditing.

According to ISO 14001, it is the part of an organization's overall management system that deals with developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing, and maintaining the organization's environmental policy. It includes the organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes, and resources.

Environmental concerns are at the forefront of corporate issues today. Having a documented environmental management system helps ensure that your policies are effectively understood and implemented, and that your environmental management system is an integral part of your overall management system.

Like other international standards (such as ISO 9001), ISO 14001 is a voluntary standard adopted by consensus of the world's standards organizations. Third-party registration by an accredited certification body certifies that your organization's management system meets ISO 14001 criteria.

Yes. Although subtle differences do exist, it is possible to integrate an ISO 14001 EMS with your ISO 9001-compliant management system. The year 2000 revision to ISO 9001 has greatly enhanced its compatibility with ISO 14001.

A variety of companies are focusing their attention on ISO 14001 environmental management systems, primarily manufacturers in automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, as well as utilities, printing, metalworking, and assorted manufacturing companies. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense and many other government agencies are showing an active interest in ISO 14001.

Yes. Attending a 5-day registered lead auditor training program will satisfy the minimum training requirements for applying for registered lead auditor status. Other requirements apply; please check directly with the RABQSA for specific requirements.