Newly released data on the uptake of the international Environmental Management Systems standard ISO 14001 shows an 8% growth over the last year in the number of certificates issued worldwide.
It has been reported by IEMA that data published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) displays an increase of over 25,000 certificates between 2014 and 2015. The take up of ISO 14001 more than doubles the average 3% increase in the number of all ISO certificates issued in 2015.
ISO 14001 is the worlds most used environmental management standard, and the second most used standard used by companies to manage performance, with certifications in 201 countries.
IEMA’s Chief Policy Advisor and the UK’s appointed expert to the ISO’s environmental management systems committee, Martin Baxter, commented: ''8% annual growth in ISO 14001 accredited certification shows that environmental management systems remain a key business performance tool for improving performance. This is particularly important as companies transition to the new EMS standard, which raises the bar on the expectations it sets for how organisations manage their environmental performance, and will lead to a positive outcome for businesses around the world.''
A total of 319,324 ISO 14001 certificates are now accredited worldwide.
In the global league table, the UK has held onto fourth position with 17,824 certificates, behind China with 114,303, Italy with 22,350 and Japan with 26,069.
Editor's note:
IEMA is the professional home of over 15,000 environment and sustainability professionals from around the globe. IEMA's role is to support individuals and organisations to set, recognise and achieve global sustainability standards and practice. To find out more, visit iema.net.
