ISO 14001 Guidance Manual

Abstract

This manual has been developed and organized to assist all interested organizations in the development of an Environmental Management System (EMS) that is consistent with the ISO 14001 Standard, achieves EMS Registration, and improves the overall environmental performance of the organization. Because each organization is different, NCEDR has tried to create a document that is specific enough to give the tools needed to set up and implement an EMS, but general enough to allow the flexibility for addressing unique characteristics. The various sections of the manual describe each element of the ISO 14001 standard and provide step-by-step procedures, sample documents or templates, and tips for developing and implementing an EMS that is appropriate to the organization and its operations. Please remember that this is a guidance document and not a rigid instruction manual. All of the ISO elements must be addressed in your program and meet the ISO requirements, but you will notice there is much flexibility allowed in meeting the requirements. There are some procedures that should be followed “to the letter”. These procedures should be self evident, but for your convenience, each one of these pertinent procedures will be identified appropriately.