Environmental Certification
What is CARES Environmental certification to ISO14001?
An environmental management system (EMS) to ISO14001 provides a framework for a structured, systematic approach to the achievement of its aims and objectives. Like ISO9001, it is a ‘common sense’ set of requirements designed to monitor and improve environmental performance, putting in place a basic set of management controls in place within a formalised documented system. It can be applied to a business of any size and discipline and therefore is suitable for use by firms in the reinforced concrete and steel manufacturing and processing sectors.
Why is it needed?
From a manufacturers perspective, the key benefits to be gained from the implementation of an effective EMS include:
- operating in a cost efficient and environmentally responsible manner
- the identification of relevant legislation
- improved communication within the organisation
- potential of greater cost savings
- addressing local concerns leading to improved relationships with these stakeholders
- minimising the potential for environmental incidents and mitigating any impacts
Construction clients, designers and contractors are under ever increasing pressure to be ‘best practice’ operators in many respects and environmental considerations are becoming much more important in this respect. They therefore look to suppliers of products and services to also behave in a responsible manner, with accompanying the credentials.
Environmental management system certification therefore makes sense!
How do you achieve certification?
Firms wishing to achieve certification must operate in accordance with a documented quality management system that satisfies the requirements of ISO 14001. Firms that wish to embark on the path to environmental management systems certification can contact CARES to obtain some guidance on how to proceed. The assessment procedure commences with a detailed review of the Quality Manual against the requirements of ISO 14001. Providing the Quality Manual meets the requirements of ISO 14001, an assessment of the firms system is carried out. The assessment team may comprise one or more auditors depending upon the size and complexity of the firm's activities. After a successful assessment and the payment of fees a Certificate of Approval will be issued.
Why choose CARES?
Achieving certification to ISO 14001 requires considerable effort and commitment from a company. It is often the beginning of improved process and business performance. CARES provides free marketing support to promote successful certification and allows a certificated firm to display the relevant CARES "quality mark" on publicity and stationery. All Approved companies are automatically included in the CARES Approved Firms section of this website.
Having invested so much in an Environmental Management System, please entrust an assessment to a certification body that understands the product, processes and supply chain.
