ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems. The standard describes requirements for an EMS (Environmental Management System): a structured way to manage and reduce the environmental risks of your business operations.
Manufacturers, construction companies, logistics service providers, and organisations that value sustainability or must meet environmental requirements from clients.
Small (5-50 FTE)
Rule of thumb for SMEs: Count on €3,000 - €8,000 for the audit in the first year. With consultant guidance: €15,000 - €25,000 total.
Prices indicative, excl. VAT. The audit price depends on the chosen certification body.
Full cost breakdown- Which parts of your company do you want to certify? Which environmental aspects are relevant? You can start with one location.
- Map your environmental aspects: energy, waste, emissions, water. Record processes and set goals.
- Your system must be demonstrably functioning for at least three months before you can become certified.
- Check yourself whether everything works before the certification body arrives.
- Request quotes, compare and choose.
- The certification body carries out the audit in two phases.
Your certificate remains valid during and after the switch. The new certification body takes over the certification for the same standard and within your existing certification cycle. There is no interruption in your certificate status.
SwitchingA surveillance audit every year. A full recertification every three years. Your certificate is valid for three years, provided you pass the annual audits.
RecertificationNo, ISO 14001 is voluntary. But more and more clients require it in tenders, especially government bodies. Some municipalities ask for it with environmental permits. Check whether your customers or sector require it.
ISO 9001 focuses on quality management and customer satisfaction. ISO 14001 focuses on environmental management: energy, waste, emissions and sustainability. Both standards share the same structure and combine well in one integrated system.
Yes, you can. Especially if you already have experience with management systems or ISO 9001. Many SMEs do it themselves with templates and online resources. A consultant can speed up the process, but is not required.
Accreditation means that a certification body is checked by a national body such as the Dutch accreditation body, UKAS (UK) or DAkkS (Germany). Through the IAF agreement these certificates are recognised internationally. Always choose an accredited certification body, otherwise your certificate is often not recognised.
An ISO 14001 certificate is valid for three years. A surveillance audit follows every year. After three years you need a full recertification.
Yes, and that is often smart. Both standards share the same structure (High Level Structure). You can set up one integrated management system and have combined audits carried out. That saves time and money.
Completed in 5 minutes. Then tailored quotations from certification bodies that suit you.
