The following are some suggested initial steps.

Step 1:

Acquire a price quote on a certification and maintenance package from an RAB certified registrar.

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The internet is a good place to start. There are approximately 72 companies that currently offer these services.

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Keep in mind that you should get at least three quotes from different registration companies.

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The registration companies will all offer something slightly different, so consider the proposals closely to be sure they match your company’s needs.

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Don’t forget to check references!

Step 2:

Top management will assign a Management Representative.

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This person should be someone with enough authority to effectively implement a management scheme.

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They should have, or be able to quickly develop, a working knowledge of ISO 14001.

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Other key attributes to consider are:

Choosing the right person will make the process less time consuming and lead to a higher likelihood of passing the certification audit the first time.

Step 3:

Top management will meet.

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This meeting should be to discuss the overall goals, objectives, and expectations of becoming ISO 14001 certified.

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It is vital that all management who is directly, or indirectly, involved in Management Review (ISO 14001 sub-clause 4.6), have a general understanding of the process, requirements, and top management expectations.

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It is also vital that any manager who will be sharing headcount (in order to provide the necessary human resources to the Management Representative per ISO 14001 sub-clause 4.4.1) have a general understanding of the process, requirements, and top management expectations.

Step 4:

Begin work on your environmental policy.

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The Management Representative can develop or write the policy, but steps must be taken to ensure that top management is involved and approves of the final version of the policy.

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Many organizations currently have a policy that can be modified to include the “commitments” listed in the ISO 14001 sub-clause 4.2.

Step 5:

Consider the use of a consultant.

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Consultants have experience in helping companies like yours implement an Environmental Management System that will conform to the ISO 14001 standard.

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Consultants can make the process seem much less overwhelming for the chosen Management Representative.

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Although hiring a consultant costs money, their experience can save you valuable time and effort, and in the end will undoubtedly save you considerable time and money.

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Consultants are familiar with the way an auditor will evaluate your system and how the ISO 14001 standard may be interpreted by an auditor.

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Many companies consider a consultant only after failing a Phase 1 audit. This results in having to pay for an extra auditor day (at considerable expense) plus the use of a consultant.

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Often consultants have worked with certain auditors in the past and are well prepared to guide you through the entire certification audit from finding a registrar to helping management know what to expect from the auditor during the actual audit.