For many businesses looking to develop compliant, safe working processes across their operations, the cost of doing so is often prohibitive towards their wider goals. It is not that businesses do not want to certify to an internationally recognised Business Management System, but rather that they are on a tight budget which does not allow for the project. For example, businesses looking to minimise the environmental impact of their operations may be interested in certifying to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, yet find the cost for doing so exceeds their budget. However, a simple workaround solution is available for businesses, where they work to ensuring their operations is ISO 14001 compliant, without being certified to the Standards. This costs just half the price of the certification process, while still helping companies to achieve a range of goals.

ISO 14001 compliance helps companies develop socially sustainable practices

The ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is an internationally recognised Business Management System designed to help organisations mitigate the impact of their operations on the environment. This is achieved by auditing their existing operational practices against their workplace environmental obligations and goals, and developing straight-forward strategies for achieving their objectives. For example, ISO 14001 helps businesses develop strategies for minimising their energy usage, cutting down wastage, developing more efficient, cost-effective processes, and so on.

However, some small businesses may feel that the cost of ISO 14001 certification exceeds their budget, despite really wanting to implement it, and recognising the value it offers. For these businesses there is an interim solution available, where they work to become ISO 14001 compliant, without being certified. This means that all their business processes will comply with the standards outlined in ISO 14001, without being certified to be in conformance of them. This process is a cost-effective stop-gap solution for companies wanting to experience the real benefits that an Environmental Management System offers to businesses, without exceeding their budget.

The central benefit of working towards ISO 14001 compliance is that all the documents you receive are personalised and applicable to your operations, and you will be clearly implementing its policies and procedures. Further, achieving ISO 14001compliance makes it easier for businesses to certify to it later, as the compliance documents will help the business pass the certification process.

By complying to ISO 14001, your business can take the first steps towards developing more effective, efficient operational practices, identifying convoluted, unwieldy procedures and substituting them for more efficient methods, and demonstrating a commitment to socially conscious practices to its staff, stakeholders, and customers. Further, as the ISO 14001 Standards help businesses develop more socially sustainable, cost-effective operational processes, companies will begin to notice a reduction in expenses, making it easier for them to justify the transition to full certification later.

Our ISO 14001 consulting specialists can help with this process

This article has briefly touched on some of the benefits of ISO 14001 compliance. However, there are many more, from opening trading doors, enhancing your businesses reputation, and improving staff morale; the specific benefits your business stands to receive will depend upon its industry, size, location, and so on.

Please contact our ISO 14001 consulting specialists today by filling out this simple contact us form, or by phoning them on 1300 802 163 for a quick, obligation-free consultation about the ISO 14001 compliance process, and how it can benefit your business. Give them a quick rundown of your operations, including its industry, size, and scope, and they can discuss with you the specific ways ISO 14001 can help your company achieve its goals, in a cost-effective manner. Doesn’t that sound like a smart idea?

Please click here to read about how ISO 14001 creates a great working environment.