ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification
A standards-based approach to managing your environmental risk
LRQA is a market leader in ISO 14001 certification
ISO 14001 calls on organisations to proactively manage their environmental impact through a commitment to pollution prevention, legal compliance, and continual improvement. Environmental Management System (EMS) certification to the ISO 14001 standard helps organisations demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improving environmental performance. The standard was revised in 2015, then reviewed and confirmed in 2021, to ensure that its aims and purpose support the changing needs of today’s world and reflect the increasingly complex environment in which organisations operate. Benefits include:
- Manage and improve environmental performance in key areas such as energy usage and waste reduction,
- A systematic approach to identifying and addressing legal requirements,
- Greater credibility and competitive advantage.
- Check out the Frequently Asked Questions for more information about how to get ISO 14001 certification and our offerings.
Our ISO 14001 services
Our auditors are well-versed in assessing against ISO 14001, ensuring that your environmental management system aligns with the latest requirements and guidelines. They can help you demonstrate your commitment to best practice and establish credibility and reliability.
Training
We go beyond providing certification services with our industry-leading training programmes which have been deigned to upskill your team.
Gap Analysis
An optional service where one of our expert auditors helps you identify any weak areas or non-conformities prior to your formal ISO 14001 audit.
Accredited Certification
An independent two-phase approach that provides a clear statement of your capabilities. Accredited certification helps you build and maintain trust with your stakeholders and win new business.
Integrated Audits
By partnering with us, you can consolidate your efforts, maximise resources, and unlock the benefits of a harmonised approach to management system certification, setting the stage for long-term success.
Download our training course listing for 2025
Discover LRQA’s management systems training including classroom, eLearning, virtual and inhouse options. You’ll find courses for all levels, which are delivered by our team of expert trainers. Download the listing to see all the courses at a glance.
Download our training course listing for 2025
Why work with us?
Global capability
With highly qualified auditors worldwide, we can provide a local service with a globally consistent dedication to excellence. Our people are technical experts with in-depth knowledge of environmental management. Wherever you operate, we will be able to support you.
Flexible delivery
In most cases, our ISO 14001 training and certification services can be delivered on-site or remotely using safe and secure technology. If you opt for our remote delivery methods, you’ll receive the same high-quality service with several added benefits, including flexibility, fast delivery and access to global expertise.
History of firsts
We were the first to receive UKAS accreditation to deliver certification services for a range of standards across the globe. We continue to be instrumental in developing a variety of specific standards and frameworks across different sectors.
Total assurance
LRQA's technical experts were part of the ISO technical committee that developed ISO 14001:2015 and can provide first-hand insights into the requirements of the standard and the logic behind them. Our assessors are chosen for their sector-specific knowledge and expertise, which means you can be confident that they'll understand the environmental challenges you face and the opportunities open to you, whatever industry you are in.
What is the meaning of ISO 14001?
Providing a framework to meet the requirements of international standards for environmental management systems (EMS), ISO 14001 requires organisations to manage their environmental impact through a commitment to pollution prevention, legal compliance, and continual improvement.
Environmental Management System certification to the ISO 14001 standard helps organisations demonstrate a commitment to improving environmental performance. The standard has been comprehensively reviewed and updated to ensure that it supports changing organisational needs in today’s world and reflects the complex environment in which businesses operate.
What is an environmental management system?
An environmental management system (EMS) is a framework that an organisation can implement to measure and minimise the environmental impact that is caused or could be caused by its processes, operations and products/services.
What is the latest version of ISO 14001?
ISO 14001:2015 puts greater emphasis on proactively improving environmental performance and embeds environmental management within an organisation's strategic plans. It is suitable for organisations of any size and in any sector. LRQA's technical experts were part of the ISO technical committee that developed ISO 14001:2015, so can provide deep insights into the requirements and rationale of the standard.
What are the benefits of ISO 14001 certification?
Certification from a globally recognised brand like LRQA gives customers, employees, and stakeholders added confidence that environmental performance improvement is an organisational priority.
Environmental compliance
ISO 14001 certification can help you comply with legal requirements by providing a systematic approach for identifying and addressing current and future legislation.
Managing environmental risk
ISO 14001 can help to manage and improve performance in key areas such as energy usage, waste reduction and sourcing of raw materials – reducing the likelihood of clean-ups, litigation and associated reputational damage. Certification demonstrates that environmental risks are being managed, and improvements against specific targets are always being made.
Credibility and competitive edge
Being independently assessed against ISO 14001:2015 increases your credibility and provides a competitive edge over non-certified businesses when competing for business.
Cost reduction
By promoting continual improvement against environmental objectives, ISO 14001 can help drive more efficient use of raw materials and enhanced performance, leading to cost reductions.
Easy integration
ISO 14001 follows the Annex SL framework, the high-level structure for modern ISO Standards. The Annex SL structure ensures consistency and compatibility between the different management system standards and allows for a straightforward and harmonised implementation of multiple standards (integrated management systems). ISO 14001 easily integrates with all new and revised ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001.
How are ISO 14001 audits conducted?
Our services blend remote and on-site audits activities to provide unrivalled insight and expertise. Using secure, remote technology, we can provide a fast and flexible way to maintain your audit schedule, help reduce carbon footprint associated with travel, and minimise health and safety risks for people working on hazardous sites or hard-to-reach areas. Outcomes are consistent with on-site audits, so the integrity of your audit and accredited certification remains exactly the same.
How do I get ISO 14001 certification?
The path that your organisation takes to achieve ISO 14001 certification often depends on your business's size, maturity, and existing approach to managing risk, amongst other factors. But the standard process to becoming ISO 14001 certified includes three main steps.
Stage 1 Audit – document review and planning: Your auditor will review the design and documentation of your management system – in most cases, this is carried out remotely.
Stage 2 Audit – evaluating your implementation: Your auditor will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of your existing EMS in line with the requirements of ISO 14001. If there are no non-conformities, you’ll receive your certification. This stage can be carried out remotely or on-site.
Promote your ISO 14001 certification: Your certification demonstrates a commitment to internationally recognised best practices and continual improvement – helping you win new business and meet stakeholder demands. If your organisation uses more than one management system, such as Quality (ISO 9001), or Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001), LRQA can provide a coordinated assessment and surveillance programme to avoid duplication, save time and reduce costs.
How much does it cost to get ISO 14001 certified?
Certification costs will depend on the size and complexity of your organisation and the maturity of its existing management system.
What is the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is the globally recognised standard which certifies environmental management systems, whereas ISO 9001 is the globally recognised standard which certifies a business’s quality management system (QMS). ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 both follow the Annex SL framework and can be easily integrated.
What are the ISO 14001 requirements?
Clauses 0 to 3: Introduction, Scope, References, Terms and Definitions
Clause 4: Context of the organisation
Clause 5: Leadership and commitment
Clause 6: Planning for the QMS
Clause 7: Support & resource management
Clause 8: Operational planning and control
Clause 9: Performance evaluation
Clause 10: Improvement actions
Are you already certified to ISO 14001 and would like to transfer?
If you hold a valid accredited certificate of approval with another provider and you are considering making the move, transferring your ISO 14001 certification to LRQA is simple. We'll work with you to ensure your transfer is as smooth as possible.
