ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems

A high-potential tool which combines development, competitiveness and environmental integrity

ISO 14001 "Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use" is a voluntary international standard applicable to any type of public or private organisation, which specifies the requirements of an environmental management system. 

ISO 14001 certification helps identify, manage and monitor the environmental impacts of an organisation’s activities. By improving its environmental performance and its processes, every organisation can benefit from certification, because it helps build customers’ trust and helps keep control of the business’s responsibilities in relation to sustainability and the environment.

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is recognised as a standard for certifying the Environmental Management System of organisations of all sizes. Based on the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” method, it provides a systematic framework for integrating practices designed to protect the environment by preventing pollution and reducing waste and the consumption of energy and materials.

The benefits of ISO 14001 certification

Certifying your Environmental Management System to ISO 14001 is a strategically valuable operation. An Environmental Management System enables organisations to pursue objectives and implement policies that take account of legal requirements and information relating to significant environmental aspects. Specifically, developing an Environmental Management System certified to UNI EN ISO 14001, enables companies to manage the environmental aspects of their processes systemically, with a view to enhancing efficiency and environmental performance, thus reaping various benefits, including:

  • reducing operating costs by streamlining the use of raw materials
  • reducing waste and emissions
  • cutting energy costs
  • reducing insurance premiums
  • monitoring fulfilment of the relevant legal requirements
  • fast-tracking permit applications to regulatory authorities
  • protecting the environment and making informed use of resources
  • improving your business’s image among stakeholders.

Since the administrative responsibility of companies has now been extended to certain types of environmental offences, it is possible to develop an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System in conjunction with an organisational model in accordance with Legislative Decree 231/01, so as to provide evidence that your business has put systems in place to prevent unlawful conduct.

Why opt for certification from IMQ?

The more authoritative the awarding body, the higher the value of your management system certification in the market. IMQ is Italy’s leading conformity assessment body and is one of the top players by number of certifications issued, within the framework of management system certification. Its auditors operate nationwide and, backed up by long experience and up-to-date skills, provide a useful service not only to organisations, but also to the latter’s customers, consumers and stakeholders.

 Certification for CSQ schemes is awarded to organisations that operate in accordance with the applicable standards. Certificates are valid for three years. The audits are planned on the basis of the customer’s requirements and in accordance with international standards. After the award of the certificate, the organisation undergoes periodic audits and an overall system review every three years. The auditors make on-site visits to organisations to analyse their ability to plan and manage their business processes. Management system certification is the endorsement enjoyed by organisations that have chosen to equip themselves with efficient management systems and suitable skills and structures, aimed at continuous improvement. And the higher the prestige of the awarding body, the higher the value of the guarantee. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, our laboratories have full capability to put products through all the checks required by the major European directives and international standards. The certifications issued by IMQ are synonymous with trust. They guarantee safety, performance, efficiency and quality standards. More than 10,000 companies have turned to IMQ to certify their products and stand out on the market. Notified body for the main EU directives, IMQ offers tests and CE certifications to assess the conformity of the products to the requirements required to be marketed on the European market. Inspections and audits validate the conformity of electrical installations, equipment, supplies and services with the applicable technical and legislative specifications.