Environmental management system according to ISO 14001

The implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) according to ISO 14001 provides organisations with the opportunity to systematise in a simple way the environmental aspects that are generated in each activity they develop, in addition to promoting environmental protection and pollution prevention from a balanced perspective regarding social-economic aspects. Thus, the organisation can position itself as socially responsible, differing from the competition and reinforcing, in a positive way, its image vis-à-vis customers and consumers.

Among other environmental advantages, it will optimise the resource and waste management, it will reduce negative environmental impacts derived from its activity or those risks associated to accidental situations.

From an economic point of view, in addition to strengthening innovation and productivity, the organisation will have the possibility to reduce costs relating to waste management or insurance premiums, to withdraw barriers to exports, reduce the risk of lawsuits and sanctions, gain further access to subsidies and other preferable ways of financing or decrease occupational risks motivating the personnel.

As well as being the starting point from which to progress towards other environmental schemes (Ecodesign, EMAS, Kyoto Protocol...), ISO 14001 proposes a similar structure to that of Quality management systems (ISO 9001) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHSAS 18001), providing also with the possibility of integrating all three systems into one, therefore optimising the process and reducing auditing times and costs.

 AENOR's Environmental Management Mark

This is a mark providing conformity to standards. With it, it is understood that the System of the company that has been granted the mark has been subject to the assessments and controls established in the certification system and that AENOR has reached the required level of confidence in its conformity with UNE-EN ISO 14001.

AENOR's Environmental Management Mark enables the organisation to prove the implementation of an effective environmental management and, therefore, its commitment to the preservation of the environment.

AENOR Certification Process

The process starts once the certification application has been received. This process is made up of a series of phases that can be divided into the following:

1. INITIAL CERTIFICATION AUDIT
The initial certification audit shall be conducted in two phases:

Phase I Audit:
The auditing team will visit the organisation facilities aiming to:

• Conduct an audit of the system documentation.
• Gather the necessary information relating to the scope of the management system, the processes and locations of the organisation, as well as the relevant legal and regulatory aspects and their compliance.
• Assess the location and specific conditions of the organisation and exchange information in order to determine the preparation status for the Phase II audit.
• Evaluate whether internal audits and management review are planned and carried out.
• Review the allocation of resources and plan the Phase II audit.

Phase II Audit:
The aim of the Phase II audit is to assess the implementation of the management system, including its effectiveness.

To this end, during the audit, the auditing team analyses the management system on the basis of the requirements of the standard and of the provisions established in the documents integrating the system.

The result of this analysis will lead to the second part of the "audit report".

The organisation has a month to submit a corrective action plan to AENOR aiming to overcome the non-conformities detected in the audit and eliminate their causes.

Decision:
The audit report and, if applicable, the corrective action plan, will be assessed within AENOR in order to determine the degree of compliance of the management system with the requirements established in the applicable Standard, and determine the level of confidence inspired by said system.

Upon completion of this process, the relevant recommendations are submitted to the competent bodies within AENOR in order for a decision to be adopted regarding the issuing of the certificate.

If the result is favourable, the certificate will be awarded and will be in force for three months. During this period the management system is subject to an annual follow-up audit.

If the result is unfavourable, the organisation will have a period of six months to adapt said management system and be able to conduct an extraordinary audit.

2. FOLLOW-UP AUDITS
During the three-year period for which the certificate is valid, annual follow-up audits are conducted aiming to verify that the management system certificate is maintained and, if possible, improved in terms of its adaptation and effectiveness.

The date of the first follow-up audit after the initial certification shall not be conducted after more than 12 months since the last day of the Phase II audit.

3. RENEWAL AUDIT
Prior to the end of the certificate validity period, the certificate will be renewed following an audit aiming to evaluate the continual compliance with all the requirements of the management system standard.

In the event there is a positive result, the certificate will be renewed and a new certificate issued, extending the validity period for another three years, with the subsequent follow-up audits, repeating the same cycle every three years.