ISO 14001:2015 FAQ

An environmental aspect is an activity, product, or service that interacts with the environment. An environmental impact is the resulting change to the environment, such as pollution, waste generation, or resource depletion.

Yes. ISO 14001 can be integrated with standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 45001. An integrated management system can combine suitable processes while addressing the specific requirements of each standard.

Yes. ISO 14001 certification may cover multiple locations if the organization meets the applicable certification requirements and the certification scope accurately covers the relevant activities and sites.

Yes. Small businesses can obtain ISO 14001 certification by establishing an Environmental Management System appropriate to their activities, environmental risks, and operational requirements.

ISO 14001 recertification is the reassessment of an organization's Environmental Management System at the end of its certification cycle to determine whether certification can be renewed.

Surveillance audits are periodic assessments conducted during the certification cycle to verify that an organization's Environmental Management System continues to meet applicable requirements.

An ISO 14001 certification cycle is commonly three years, subject to applicable certification requirements and successful completion of surveillance audits.

The organization must address the nonconformity through corrective action according to the certification body's procedures. Relevant evidence may be reviewed before the certification decision is completed.

Stage 1 evaluates the organization's EMS readiness and documentation. Stage 2 assesses the implementation and effectiveness of the Environmental Management System against ISO 14001:2015 requirements.