28 Feb ISO 14001 Gap Analysis – What You Need To Know
ISO 14001 Gap Analysis is an important part of achieving and maintaining ISO 14001 certification. Here we will define the ISO 14001 standard, answer common questions regarding gap analysis, and other ISO 14001 related topics.
What Is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is the international standard that outlines an effective environmental management system. It is used to map out the necessary criteria for a company of any size to follow regardless of the industry or sector it operates under. Becoming certified with the ISO 14001 framework ensures that a firm’s environmental impact is being measured and constantly improved, this is extremely beneficial for both employees and stakeholders.
The ISO 14001 framework provides requirements for use that relate to environmental systems. It focuses on specific approaches such as audits, communications, labelling, life cycle analysis, and general environmental challenges (e.g. climate change).
Why Is This Important?
Key benefits of becoming ISO 14001 certified include:
- Increased cost control
- Increased rate of success when implementing changes
- Increase operational process efficiency
- Increased customer engagement & credibility
- Reduced employee turnover
What Is A Gap Analysis?
An ISO 14001 gap analysis is an objective evaluation of an organization in comparison to the ISO standards. Traditionally, it is the starting point for a firm that is looking to improve their systems and ultimately want to become accredited.
The gap analysis will highlight any issues or ‘gaps’ within your current Environmental Management System (EMS). This analysis will allow you to create a project plan to fill those gaps. Identifying these gaps early on reduces the number of non-conformances raised during an audit, which grants accreditation sooner.
What Are The Steps In Conducting A Gap Analysis?
The first step in conducting a gap analysis is to choose who will be reviewing the current systems and processes. This is normally done by a third party such as an auditor or consultant, however, this can be performed in house. From here the key areas of focus are addressed in regards to the ISO framework looking to be accredited in. This allows you to focus your efforts and not spend time on unnecessary areas, this is usually conducted by the project management team.
ISO 14001 Gap Analysis: Critical
From here, a critical analysis of the firm’s current EMS in relation to the ISO 14001 framework is conducted. This is usually conducted through interviews with key staff members who are directly involved with the EMS, the key findings are then compared to the control requirements of the standard.
Once the research has been collected a report is finally produced, the report should highlight not only the gaps but also provide recommendations which form a priority list. This list will act as a guide that will need to be addressed in order to meet the requirements needed to become certified.
Why SafeWrite?
At SafeWrite, we have a solution that equips our users with an interactive self-assessment tool, fitted out with all the questions needing to be asked to ensure that you are on the right path for compliance. Upon completion, you immediately will be able to generate a professionally formatted report that identifies your scores, gaps and recommended action plan as your next steps.
SafeWrite Simplifies ISO Certification and ISO 14001 Gap Analysis
The SafeWrite platform even has pre-built ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 documentation templates to help businesses adopt best practice frameworks. With roughly 70 – 90% of the content is already built out before you make a single update, your goal obtaining accreditation has never been easier!
Get in touch with the SafeWrite Team to find out more!
