ISO 14000 Store Launched by Document Center Inc.

Document Center has launched the ISO 14000 Store now that the new 2015 Edition of the ISO 14001 is here!  You’ll reach this new Document Center store at http://iso14000.document-center.com.  It allows you to order and download the ISO 14001 2015 Edition immediately, as well as  all the other ISO standards related to Environmental Management Systems.

Why set up a ISO 14000 Store?  We know that many standards users have specific challenges to solve when coming to our standards store.  So we’re developing a whole series of specialized stores to help you easily find and keep track of the documents that matter the most to your business.  After all, with over 800,000 standards in our catalog, that’s a lot of information that you really don’t need or want to know about.  We make it easy.  Interested in Environmental Standards?  Go direct to our ISO 14000 store!

How does the ISO 14000 store work?  It’s easy and it’s fast.

Find the standards you need one of 3 ways.  First, when you get to http://iso14000.document-center.com, use the scroll bar on the right side to see all the standards in this collection.  Second, use the ICS code classifications on the left hand side to find the Environmental standards for such groups as “bundles” (the two standards collections available for this series), transport (nested under services), and so on. Third, use the search box at the top to search for a standard included in this grouping.

Add the standards you need to your cart.  You’ll be required to log in at this point.  If you’re a regular Document Center customer, the new stores will require a separate registration, but it’s quick and easy.  The log in page has a link for registering and you’ll define your own user name and password at this point.

Another thing to note about the stores is that they use credit card payment and provide you with an immediate pdf download for the standards you need.  No need to wait, as can be the case with our main catalog and store (www.document-center.com).  However, if you prefer to use Purchase Orders (our U.S. customers only) or need delivery in paper format, you’ll want to stick with our main site.

Will there be more topic-specific stores from Document Center Inc.?  You bet!  We’re launching an ISO 9000 store now as well and I’ll give you more information on that next week.

These Document Center stores have an additional benefit for the standards community.  They include various Toolboxes, which are white papers, links, and videos that contain valuable information for people using these standards.  So if you have any collateral material that would be helpful to people using the ISO 14000 series of standards, please get in touch.  We’d love to add your material to our Toolboxes.  While it’s not an endorsement of your organization, it will provide you with valuable exposure to folks who are looking for expert advice.

Test out the ISO 14000 store from Document Center Inc. today!  You’ll find it easy to use, with the immediate satisfaction of getting your standard right as you purchase it!

ISO 14001 2015 is here!

ISO 14001 2015 Edition, “Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use,” has just been released.  This long-awaited 3rd Edition replaces the 2nd Edition from 2004, which is now obsolete.  This is the document that you need to use when preparing for certification to the ISO Environmental Management System itself.  So if you’re registered for ISO 14001, you’ll need this new copy before your next audit is due.

How can I get a copy of ISO 14001 2015 now?

Document Center Inc. has set up a special page at our webstore specifically for ISO 14000 management system users.  You’ll be able to order and download this new edition immediately with the use of a credit card for payment.  The cost is $173.00 per copy.  Your single user licensed standard will come with the right to print one paper copy as well.  Just go directly to ISO14000.document-center.com now!

Prefer to use the www.document-center.com catalog?  This site allows you to choose either a pdf copy or paper format.  You can order today and we’ll ship the 2015 Edition to you.  Tomorrow our site will be updated with the new information.

What are the key changes in the new ISO 14001 2015 Edition?

  • Greater focus on leadership
  • Better integration with an organization’s strategic planning processes
  • Addition of proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation, such as sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation
  • Improving environmental performance has been added
  • Lifecycle thinking is now necessary when considering environmental aspects
  • The need for a communications strategy has been added

You’ll also notice that the organization of the standard itself has been modified.  This is to bring all the management system standards into a “harmonized” state so that one set of terms and definitions, for example, are the same throughout all the various series.

How soon do I need to comply with the ISO 14001 2015 Edition?

The committee in charge of the document has mandated a three-year transition period.  So for sure, you need to have moved from the 2004 requirements to those of the new 2015 edition within 3 years from today.  However, since there’s always the possibilities of delays, Document Center Inc. strongly suggests that you give yourself a cushion and choose an earlier date for your transition.

Will there be more Editions of the ISO 14001 available?

Yes, many standards jurisdictions will be adopting this document and issuing their own versions.  So, for example, if you are required to meet EN standards, you’ll probably want to get an EN ISO 14001 2015 adoption which is already available in some national editions today.  So go ahead and order the BS EN ISO 14001 2015 Edition from us now!  Other options are sure to follow shortly.

Still have questions?  Just contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’ve been working with standards since 1982 — Make us your Standards Experts!

New ISO 14001 2015 Final Draft released

ISO 14001, “Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use,” is now available as a final draft for the upcoming 2015 Edition.  This final draft document contains the final wording submitted by the committee to ISO for approval and publication.  It is expected to be issued as the authorized 2015 Edition on September 23, 2015.  You can get a copy if you need it from Document Center Inc., an authorized distributor of ISO standards.

What is the ISO 14001 2015 Final Draft?  A final draft is the last stage in the ISO process towards publication as an authorized standard, technical specification, guide or other authorized release.  It is the document that contains the final text for adoption and publication.  It is not an authorized edition so it cannot be used in lieu of the eventual 2015 update.  However, it can certainly be used for gap analysis and preparation for transition.

When will the authorized ISO 14001 2015 Edition be released?  This new 3rd Edition is slated for public release at the end of September.  This 3rd Edition will be the authorized edition, so if you purchase the final draft you will need to repurchase the 3rd Edition as well.

What are the changes to this new update?  Firstly, all the management standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and so on) are all being reformatted in order to provide consistency.  This will allow those organizations that certify to more than one management standards scheme to better meet the requirements of them all.  Then there are changes meant to improve the focus on leadership as well as to better integrate and highlight environmental management into a company’s strategic planning.

Additionally, ISO notes the following updates in the new edition:

  • Addition of proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation, such as sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation
  • Improving environmental performance added
  • Lifecycle thinking when considering environmental aspects
  • Addition of a communications strategy

How much time do I have to make the transition?  You will need to transition to the new 2015 Edition of ISO 14001 within three years of the publication date of the authorized revision.  Some companies try to be ready by their next audit, others take the full three year transition period.  You may want to work with your registrar to set up your schedule.

Who can help me make the necessary changes within my organization?  If you already have a trusted registration company, it’s likely that they have plenty of written material to assist you.  You may also want to take a look at the transition planning document for the ISO 14001 put out by the IAF, International Accretitation Forum.  This publication provides suggestions for ISO 14001 certified companies, for the CAB’s (conformity assessment bodies, one of which you’ll choose for registration) and the accreditation bodies that certify the CAB’s.  Again, registrars are likely to have the best information to help you make a smooth transition.

Where can I get a copy of the ISO 14001 Final Draft if I need one?  Since all ISO publications are copyright, you’ll want to make sure you’re using an authorized dealer whenever you procure ISO standards.  Document Center Inc. is such a distributor.  Standards are available at our website, www.document-center.com.  Here’s a link directly to the ISO 14001 2015 final draft order page.  Want more help?  Contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’re your Standards Experts!

ISO 50001 2011 Edition tackles the problem of Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use

The new ISO 50001:2011 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system.  The new document, titled “Energy management systems — Requirements with guidance for use,” is expected to be adopted by the European Union as EN-ISO-50001 and will replace EN-16001.

ISO 50001:2011 specifies requirements applicable to energy use and consumption, including measurement, documentation and reporting, design and procurement practices for equipment, systems, processes and personnel that contribute to energy performance.  And Annex A provides informative guidance on its use.

The ISO standard applies to all variables affecting energy performance that can be monitored and influenced by the organization. However, it does not prescribe specific performance criteria with respect to energy.

ISO 50001 has been designed to be used independently, but it can be aligned or integrated with other management systems.

It is applicable to any organization wishing to ensure that it conforms to its stated energy policy and wishing to demonstrate this to others, such conformity being confirmed either by means of self-evaluation and self-declaration of conformity, or by certification of the energy management system by an external organization.

Energy management can reduce energy consumption, leading to:

  • Reduced energy costs
  • Reduced carbon emissions
  • A more secure supply of energy
  • Improved reputation when implemented with certification
  • ISO 50001 enables organizations to take a systematic approach to energy management. It’s goal is to help companies achieve continual improvement of energy performance, energy efficiency and energy conservation.

    Who should buy this standard?

  • Anyone who wants to reduce their energy costs, reduce carbon emissions or improve their organization’s reputation
  • Those who want a better understanding of international best practice energy management
  • Users of ISO 14001 who want to further develop their management of energy and increase their performance and savings
  • Those responsible for planning and implementing an energy management system
  • ISO 50001:2011 is available from Document Center Inc. at our website, www.document-center.com.  Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).   We have been an authorized distributor of ISO standards since the 1990’s.