Process Option Questions

ISO 14001: 1996 VEMS Requirements

Who will be involved in developing the policy?

“(T)op management shall define” – but the standard does not restrict involvement to top management.

How will the process of writing the policy be defined/described?

No specific requirements on what process should be used, but subject to requirements for document control (see below).  “Procedures and responsibilities shall be established and maintained concerning the creation and modification…”

How will the process involve aspects and impacts information?

Policy must be “appropriate to” impacts.  Implied requirement to use impacts information in setting policy.

How should the policy be made available to the public?  Via an annual report?  Website?  Newspaper?  Posting in public areas of facilities?  Available on request?

Policy must be available to the public; no requirement on how.  Requirement is passive; it does not require action to ensure that the policy is communicated.

What should be included in the policy statement?  Other commitments?  Language addressing relationship to impacts?  Performance intentions?  Guiding principles?

Typically three requirements (see also Figures 1-25):

• Must be “appropriate” to environmental impacts of activities, products, and services.
• Must include commitments to continual improvement, and compliance.
• Must provide framework for setting objectives and targets.

What format should be used for the policy?  Should there be more than one format for different audiences?  Should it be signed?

Only format requirement is that the policy be documented.  ISO 14001 allows paper or electronic format.  Since the policy statement is a VEMS document, it must be managed under the document control system; the requirements of Clause 4.4.5 apply (including requirements regarding date, current version, etc.).  From a practical standpoint, this implies a need for both controlled and uncontrolled copies of the policy statement.