At GMT, we take our environmental and energy management processes seriously, to ensure we are as environmentally and energy conscious as possible. In order for us to do this, we need to make sure the correct systems are in place so that we can manage our operations efficiently and ensure that we are mindful of our environmental impact.

ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 are two different frameworks that help with environmental and energy management systems. In this post, we describe what both of these frameworks include, as well as discussing their benefits so that you can see the mindful processes we adhere to at GMT without compromising on quality.

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is a framework that helps companies devise policies and processes to help improve their environmental awareness and impact. By following the framework, a plan can be created by a company that ensures you are legally compliant and in control of the environmental aspects of your business.

Below is a breakdown of what topics are covered as part of the ISO 14001 fundamental elements framework:

• Context of the organisation
• Leadership
• Planning
• Support
• Operation
• Performance Evaluation
• Improvement

Benefits of 14001

Here are a few benefits of 14001 outlined below:

1. Efficient environmental resource management

Ensuring your resources are reduced, and the larger environmental impact is minimised and managed successfully without affecting business.

2. Staying up to date with regulations

Allows you to be fully aware of the associated environmental legal requirements your business needs to conform with and the impact that can have on customers.

3. Operational cost reductions

Learning how to become more efficient with water and energy use can mean a reduction in operational costs when done effectively.

What is ISO 50001?

An ISO 50001 accreditation gives companies the tools to manage and develop their energy management systems. All companies want to manage and reduce their energy usage, but their approach to this needs to be balanced and managed correctly, so the business isn’t affected negatively.

Framework

The ISO 50001 framework is developed based on the four-step system; plan, do check and act. Below is a brief summary of what is involved in each one of these four stages; the process works in a continuous cycle to help businesses create policies and systems to help preserve and reduce energy use.

Plan

– Responsibility of top management

– Energy policy review

– Management representative

– Objectives and action plans

Do

– Implementation of the constructed plan

– Communication, training and awareness

– Operational control

Check

– Monitoring and analysis

– Corrective and preventive action

– Internal audit

Act

– Management review

– New strategic goals

– Optimisation

Benefits of ISO 50001 Certification

There are many benefits to having an ISO 50001 certification. We’ve outlined a few below that are designed to help both the environment and business.

1. Reduced carbon footprint

The framework and encouragement for the development of new processes can help companies to set goals and gradually reduce their carbon footprint over time.

2. Building positive business relationships

When it comes to procurement, a lot of businesses require certification to supply. With more and more companies becoming more energy and eco-friendly, having accreditations can get you started on the right foot with prospective customers.

3. Effective use of resources

Adhering to the correct legal standards provided in the framework, companies can really help to improve the efficient use of resources and may even lower the levels of regulatory reporting.

Overall, we take our obligation to be mindful of our energy use and the environment seriously. We reflect this mindset in our processes following the framework for both ISO 14000 and ISO 50001. To find out more about us and the other accreditations we hold, then please contact us. You can also get in touch to learn more about the many different industries we work with and the many products we have in our range.