Monitoring
and
Measurement

Introduction

One of the key aspects of an EMS is monitoring and measuring environmental performance. In this article, we will discuss the monitoring and measurement requirements of ISO 14001.

Monitoring and Measuring Environmental Performance

ISO 14001 requires organizations to establish and maintain procedures to monitor and measure their environmental performance. These procedures should cover all aspects of the organization's environmental performance, including emissions to air, water, and land, waste generation and disposal, energy consumption, and the use of natural resources.

The monitoring and measurement procedures should be designed to provide reliable and accurate data on the organization's environmental performance. The data should be collected at regular intervals, and the results should be analyzed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

ISO 14001 also requires organizations to establish performance indicators to measure their environmental performance. Performance indicators are quantitative measures that provide an indication of how well the organization is performing in relation to its environmental objectives and targets.

Performance indicators should be relevant to the organization's environmental impacts and should be easy to understand and communicate. They should also be measurable and should be based on reliable and accurate data.

Calibration of Monitoring and Measurement Equipment

ISO 14001 requires organizations to establish and maintain a documented procedure for the calibration of monitoring and measurement equipment. This procedure should ensure that the equipment used to monitor and measure environmental performance is accurate and reliable.

The procedure should include requirements for the calibration of equipment, including the frequency of calibration, the methods used, and the documentation required. The calibration records should be maintained and should be available for review by the organization's management and external auditors.

Evaluation of Compliance

ISO 14001 also requires organizations to establish and maintain a documented procedure for the evaluation of compliance with legal and other requirements. This procedure should ensure that the organization is aware of and complies with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements.

The procedure should include requirements for the identification of applicable legal and other requirements, the evaluation of compliance, and the documentation of compliance. The compliance records should be maintained and should be available for review by the organization's management and external auditors.

Conclusion

The monitoring and measurement requirements of ISO 14001 are essential to the effective implementation of an EMS. By establishing and maintaining procedures for monitoring and measuring environmental performance, organizations can identify opportunities for improvement and take action to reduce their environmental impacts. Performance indicators, calibration of monitoring and measurement equipment, and compliance evaluation procedures are all critical elements of an effective monitoring and measurement program. By complying with these requirements, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and improve their environmental performance.