New ISO 14005 standard facilitates implementation of environmental management system in SMEs

The second most popular standard of management systems in the world is ISO 14001, with over 350,000 certified organizations. However, many small and medium enterprises lack the time and resources to successfully implement an environmental management system based on this standard.

A change is about to occur, the Kvalitet portal writes. With the new ISO 14005 standard (Environmental management systems – Guidelines for the phased implementation of an environmental management system), a system can be implemented in phases and in line with the company's needs. Also, the standard allows for the advantages of an efficient environmental management system to be used gradually.

Considering that the environment changes fast, each organization must meet the challenges of the future. The environmental management system based on the ISO 14001 standard will be very useful in that respect. For example, such a system allows the organization to better manage the natural resources and energy, to better comply with its legal obligations and to build a strong brand image.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also aware of the many advantages of ISO 14001.

– These companies now have guidelines for a flexible, progressive and adapted approach. This way, they get visible results from the beginning and gradually move toward a full implementation of the ISO 14001 standard – says Martin Baxter, Chair of the ISO subcommittee that developed the standard.

Martin Baxter

environmental management systems standard ISO 14001

implementation of environmental management systems standard

ISO 14005

management of natural resources and energy

small and medium enterprises