Strategic Solutions for Rapid Environmental Management System Certification
Summary
ESGineering Consulting developed and executed a strategic roadmap to secure ISO 14001:2018 certification for a manufacturing site within four months. Leveraging existing resources, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring effective project management, we overcame significant challenges. This resulted in timely certification, improved environmental performance, and praise from the ISO External Auditor for exemplary audit processes.
Situation
Facing an unexpected shift from divestiture to ongoing operations, a leading manufacturing site had only four months to secure ISO 14001:2018 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification. The site had minimal experience with environmental management systems and needed to navigate the complexities of the newly revised ISO standard and integrate it into existing processes amidst resource constraints.
Challenges Faced
Tight Schedule:
Only four months to achieve certification due to the abrupt change in the site's operational status.
Limited Expertise:
Minimal experience with environmental management systems at the site, complicating the implementation process.
New Standard:
Significant changes introduced by ISO 14001:2018 such as:
High-Level Structure (HLS): alignment with other ISO standards for better integration.
Context of the Organization: a new requirement for organizations to understand internal and external issues affecting their EMS.
Leadership and Commitment: Emphasized the role of top management in the EMS.
Risk-Based Thinking: Incorporated risk and opportunities related to environmental aspects.
Lifecycle Perspective: Included the requirement to consider environmental impacts across the lifecycle of products and services
Our Approach
Project Management:
Appointed a dedicated project manager to ensure timely task completion and resource allocation.
Leveraging Existing Resources:
The site’s FDA Quality audit team was repurposed as backroom support for the ISO 14001:2018 certification audit, which allowed the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) team to engage with the auditors and significantly increased Quality Team participation and understanding of the ISO 14001 program.
Context Matrix:
Developed a matrix to identify and prioritize internal and external issues, aligning the EMS with strategic goals.
Audit Expertise:
Utilized the FDA Quality Audit team to create a best-in-class audit process, earning praise from the ISO External Auditor.
Comprehensive Training:
Trained employees and contractors on EHS management systems elements and environmental impacts, ensuring audit readiness.
Clear Communication:
Maintained regular updates and coordination between ESGineering and the site’s ISO recertification team.
Outcome and Impact
Timely Certification:
Achieved ISO 14001:2018 certification within the four-month deadline, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Improved Environmental Performance:
Established a robust Environmental Management System (EMS), enhancing the site’s sustainability practices for the future.
Recognition:
Received commendation from the ISO External Auditor for implementing a best-in-class audit process.
Conclusion
ESGineering Consulting demonstrated its expertise in managing rapid and complex certification processes under stringent deadlines. Our strategic approach—focused on leveraging existing resources, comprehensive training, and effective project management—ensured the manufacturing site achieved ISO 14001:2018 certification promptly and improved its environmental performance management systems for the future. To discover how ESGineering Consulting can help your organization achieve its sustainability and compliance goals, schedule your free assessment with us today. We are committed to driving exceptional results no matter how simple or complex the problem at hand.