Recent data released on the update of the international Environmental Management Systems standard ISO 14001 has shown that the number of certificates issued worldwide has increased by 7% over the last year. This brings the worldwide total to 324,148.
The data was published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) have reported in depth on the results. There has been a year-on-year increase of over 22,500 certificates between 2013 and 2014, and ISO 14001 is the second most used standard globally that companies use to manage their performance, with certifications in 170 companies. This data is revealed just one week after the revised version of the standard was published, following a three year review process.
Martin Baxter, IEMA’s Chief Policy Advisor and the UK’s appointed expert to the ISO 14001 revision working group, commented: "The growth we’re seeing in the uptake of ISO 14001 is incredibly encouraging. The new standard 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".
Editor's note:
The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (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.
