EMS Implementation. Our experienced project managers are trained to assist clients in strategic planning and implementing the ISO 14001 certification process. These services are customized to meet our clients' objectives and requirements. Tools that we have developed to facilitate efficient and cost-effective ISO implementation include:

• Implementation training manuals with guidance instructions;
• Sample procedures, work instructions, and forms;
• Step-by-step project Gantt charts identifying program milestones and responsibilities;
• Instructions for integrating ISO 14001 and ISO 9000 systems;
• Internal auditor training manual and sample audit checklists; and
• Facility awareness and train-the-trainer guidance documentation.

EHS and EMS Integration. Many companies seeking ISO 14001 Certification have sought to integrate aspects of their Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program into their Environmental Management System (EMS). Integrating these requirements at the outset can significantly reduce the costs of implementing each program separately. EMS and EHS program integration involves:

• Integrating aspects of an existing EHS program with business operations into a single management framework of objectives, targets, and operational management;
• Realizing the cost savings associated with a single ISO implementation program and a single document control system; and
• Protecting the organization’s profitability by focusing management review toward identifying and reducing risks and maximizing cost savings through optimization of manufacturing processes.

Post-Certification Support. In the year immediately following ISO certification, elements of an organization’s EMS may become non-compliant with the ISO 14001 Standard thereby risking de-certification. To assist clients in preparing for post-certification surveillance audits, we perform facility visits to re-evaluate and, if warranted, correct non-conforming elements of the ISO 14001 program.

Promotional Support. Certification is an important ingredient to effective, long-term program integration. Promotional materials have been successfully implemented to effect a “cultural change” in how employees view and perform their jobs and to promote EMS implementation within organizations. The specific material developed will depend largely on the maturity of the EMS program, client-specific objectives, and deficiencies that are identified during ongoing program auditing and assessment. We offer in-house resources including graphic artists and World Wide Web (WWW) services to customize promotional tools and devices (e.g., posters and signs, brochures and newsletters, audiovisual clips, on-line interactive training, employee incentive programs, promotional events, and staff meeting scripts), and to assist clients in efficiently and effectively promoting “buy-in” of their ISO 14001 program.

Web-Based Document Control. Electronic document control and communication systems are critical to successful ISO 14001 implementation because they effectively facilitate the internal dissemination of information. The cost savings from employing these approaches, as compared to manual transfer of information, is unmatched. Additionally, web-based service capabilities are easily upgraded to include links to offsite EMS resources, posting of news events, and adding an employee bulletin board for information dissemination.

Web-Based, On-line Training. On-Line Facility Awareness Training is another service that readily provides a return on investment. Because this training is available 24/7/365, employees can complete required ISO training at times that are conducive to company production schedules. Workers can also proceed at their own pace, with the added benefit of automated test scoring and tracking of the Awareness Training program.

Web-Based Data Management. Web-based data management is an enhancement of the document control and on-line training services described above. The data management system is based on an underlying relational database that focuses on those key characteristics of the significant aspects evaluation, defined ISO program objectives, and pollution prevention initiatives. In addition to being able to navigate to facilities located throughout the world, features of the EMS data management system include user-friendly data collection screens, automated graphic portrayal of data sets, and a report generator.