What is it?
First published in September 1996 and revised in 2004, the ISO 14001 standard specifies the requirements for an environmental manangement system. The environmental aspects that are within the control and influence of an organisation, from energy consumption to waste disposal to modes of transport for staff, are all covered by the standard.
It does not lay down specific criteria for environmental performance because every building will be unique in its location and design. What it does provide is a framework for an organisation to implement, maintain and improve upon an EMS, and for an organisation to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and its own environmental policies. Ultimately, it facilitates certification of an EMS by an external authority.
ISO 14001 in the Scottish Government
The Environmental Management System at the Government's Victoria Quay building achieved registration to ISO 14001 in 1998, with the award ceremony carried out on Friday, June 5th of that year.
Victoria Quay was the first and largest UK Central Government building of its kind to be awarded this accreditation: an indication of the scale of the achievement. The award is testimony to the team effort made by staff and others and demonstrates that the Government means what it says, with respect to its environmental policy. Victoria Quay continues to be at the leading edge of environmental management and recognises the contribution made by a variety of staff including the network of Environmental Guardians.
The way forward
The task does not end with an initial certification because the award demands continuous and year on year improvement of a building's environmental performance. In order to retain the award for Victoria Quay, the support of all staff is required in striving to lessen the building's impact on the environment and in achieving our overall environmental aims. The Victoria Quay EMS is audited by an external party on a regular basis.
The Government is developing a corporate EMS, covering 14 target buildings. Each building has an important part to play in helping to ensure that the targets agreed by senior managers are met and improved upon.