ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 focus on two variations of management systems, quality and environmental respectively. Due to their shared focus on effective management practices, there are many common elements. Here are a few examples:

KEY PRINCIPLES

They are both based on the same management system principles, including Leadership Commitment, Process Approach and Continuous Improvement.  Principles that are essential for effective implementation and form the basis of both standards.

DOCUMENTATION

Sharing essential document requirements, such as a Competence Matrix & Training Records. Documents that can be integrated, where the Quality & Environmental Management System requirements are combined, preventing unnecessary duplication. 
 

CONTROL MEASURES

Internal audits and management reviews are examples of control measures that are common to both ISO 9001 and 14001. Activities that can also be combined to meet both standards’ requirements, streamlining the management systems and avoiding duplicated effort.
 

Achieving ISO 9001 certification can provide a solid foundation and valuable experience that can make it easier to achieve ISO 14001, due to the similarities and overlapping requirements of the two standards.  However, it’s important to recognise ISO 14001 introduces additional environmental focus and requirements beyond ISO 9001.  

For companies already certified to ISO 9001 and considering ISO 14001, they are likely to be meeting many of the requirements and be part way through the journey. This can expedite the process of achieving ISO 14001 certification. Alternatively, for organisations new to management systems and where both quality and environmental aspects are being considered, integrating the two systems from the start can efficiently address both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification requirements simultaneously.

From personal experience, clients commonly request support with Environmental Management Systems (EMS), 12 – 36 months after implementing their Quality Management System (QMS).  Focusing on the QMS first as it’s often seen as a foundational aspect of business operations. Once experiencing the benefits, they tend to extend their attention to the environment. This often occurs as they recognise the importance of environmental sustainability and the increasing expectations of interested parties, including customers, regulators and the community.

For large customers, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification may be explicitly requested in tender documents or contracts, especially for larger projects or contracts where environmental performance is a significant consideration. This can drive organisations to implement an EMS to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

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If you would like to know more, feel free to send a LinkedIn DM to: Aniela Tallentire   or Tallentire Consultancy Ltd. 

Alternatively, request to join our QMS & ISO 9001 LinkedIn Group.
 

QMS SUPPORT OPTIONS (including proven Project Plan & Document Templates):

1. An on-demand video training course: A SIMPLE GUIDE TO QMS & ISO 9001.

Modelled on tried & tested one-to-one business coaching sessions, with the benefit of flexible, convenient, self-paced learning, plus, optional weekly coaching calls. Comprising of six modules structured around the ten ISO 9001 clauses. Including bite-sized sessions designed to support your implementation journey. 

and/or

2. One-to-one business coaching.

Available as a combination of on-site and/or online meetings.