Environmental Aspects in ISO 14001 - Identification and Evaluation

Environmental aspects are one of the essential factors to identify when establishing an Environmental Management System. In this article, let's explore the environmental aspects in ISO 14001, how to identify and evaluate them effectively with KNA CERT.

• What are environmental aspects?
• Definition of environmental aspects
• Environmental aspects refer to all the smallest elements in the production and service activities of your organization that impact the environment. This impact can be negative or positive.

For example, human manufacturing activities may emit CO2, a gas that can contribute to the greenhouse effect, causing climate change.

 

What are environmental aspects?

Classification of environmental aspects

The environment is gradually threatened by unsustainable human activities. To better understand the environmental condition and identify appropriate protective measures, classifying environmental aspects is crucial. Generally, environmental aspects are categorized into six main types:

a. Air Emissions

This environmental aspect refers to the release of pollutants into the air, such as CO2, greenhouse gases, and other air pollutants. These gases contribute to climate change and pose health risks to humans. Minimizing air emissions is a critical goal in environmental protection.

b. Soil Pollution

This aspect focuses on soil pollution issues, including the intrusion of hazardous chemicals, industrial and agricultural waste. Soil pollution affects the quality of crops, the health of the plant ecosystem, and groundwater.

c. Wastewater Discharge

Discharging wastewater from industrial, household, and agricultural sources can lead to surface water and groundwater pollution. Water pollution significantly impacts underwater ecosystems and water resources.

d. Use of natural materials/resources

The exploitation of natural resources such as wood, minerals, and surface water leads to resource depletion and changes in the environmental landscape. Sustainable resource management is necessary to ensure the existence of ecosystems.

e. Solid waste management

Population growth and production have resulted in the generation of large amounts of solid waste. Waste must be managed throughout its lifecycle, including reduction, separation, collection, storage, transportation, reuse, recycling, treatment, and disposal. Proper solid waste management is essential to prevent environmental pollution, protect human health, and maintain ecological balance.

g. Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste contains toxic, radioactive, infectious, flammable, explosive, corrosive, or otherwise harmful substances. Safe disposal of hazardous waste is a crucial issue to avoid negative consequences for the environment.

→ Classifying environmental aspects helps organizations identify specific issues affecting the environment. Understanding and addressing each aspect positively contribute to protecting the planet, maintaining ecological balance, and laying the foundation for a sustainable future for future generations.

Examples of environmental aspects
Each environmental aspect may encompass various factors. Below are examples of six environmental aspects.

a. Emissions

• Carbon dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas and a major contributor to the greenhouse effect.
• Sulfur oxide (SOx): Specifically sulfur dioxide, a chemical compound with the formula SO2. SO2 is produced by volcanoes and in industrial production processes such as coal and oil refining.
• Nitrogen oxide (NOx): Nitrogen oxides are emitted from high-temperature combustion processes and are also generated in thunderstorms due to electrical discharge.
• Carbon monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless, toxic gas. It is a product of incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, coal, or wood.

• ....

b. Sources of Soil Pollution

Plastic waste
Oil spills
Mining and operations of other heavy industries
Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
Coal ash
...
c. Wastewater Discharge

Direct discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment
d. Use of Natural Resources/Materials

Forest resources: trees, mushrooms, animals,...
Marine resources: shrimp, crab, fish,...
Mineral resources: iron, steel, coal, petroleum,...
...
e. Solid Waste

Plastic bottles, plastic containers
Rubber
Paper
Glass
Iron, aluminum, copper, zinc
Used items
Plastic packaging,
Household waste
...
g. Hazardous Waste

Hazardous chemicals
Pesticides
Radioactive materials
Hazardous industrial waste
...
Environmental Aspects in ISO 14001

Clause 3.2.2 of the ISO 14001:2015 standard on Environmental Management Systems (EMS) provides a clearer definition of environmental aspects:

"Environmental aspects are elements of an organization's activities or services that interact or can interact with the environment.

Environmental Aspects according to ISO 14001

Environmental aspects can cause one or more significant environmental impacts. An environmentally significant aspect must be identified by the organization by applying one or more criteria."

Why Identify and Evaluate Environmental Aspects?

Identifying and evaluating environmental aspects is an integral part of fulfilling social responsibility and protecting the environment. Below are some reasons why this is crucial for organizations and businesses.

Compliance with Legal Regulations

Most countries have legal regulations related to environmental protection. Businesses need to comply with these regulations to avoid legal violations, fines, and penalties, as well as to ensure their reputation and image in the community. Identifying environmental aspects helps organizations control factors that may negatively impact the ecosystem, ensuring legal compliance.

Building a Positive Image

Organizations that are concerned and take action to protect the environment, including identifying environmental aspects, often have a positive image in the eyes of customers, the community, and business partners. This can create a competitive advantage and build trust from customers.

Risk Reduction

Assessing environmental aspects helps businesses identify environmental risks and hazards that may affect their operations. By identifying and managing these factors, businesses can minimize financial, reputational, and legal risks.

Optimizing Resources and Reducing Costs

Effectively assessing and managing environmental aspects helps businesses optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and minimize costs. For example, implementing energy and resource-saving measures can reduce electricity and water bills, while also contributing to environmental protection.

Pursuing "Green" Development

Evaluating environmental aspects provides information to develop and provide environmentally friendly products/services. Customers are increasingly interested in shopping and partnering with businesses that have a "green vision."

Identifying environmental aspects helps businesses align with a "green development" direction.

→ Identifying and evaluating environmental aspects within a business is not only a social responsibility but can also bring economic benefits to the enterprise. Implementing environmental protection measures can improve business performance, foster innovation, and build a sustainable future.

8 Steps to Identify and Evaluate Environmental Aspects

Identifying and evaluating environmental aspects within a business requires a specific and planned process. Below are the main steps that businesses can apply:

Step 1: Identify Important Environmental Aspects

First, identify the environmental aspects relevant to your business activities. This may include factors such as energy consumption, resource usage, waste management, local ecological impacts, and activities generating emissions and pollution.

Step 2: Collect Data

Collect data related to the identified environmental aspects. This data may include information on energy consumption, waste volume, resource usage, and other factors relevant to the environment. Establish continuous monitoring and recording systems to obtain reliable data.

Step 3: Assess Environmental Impacts

Assess how your business activities impact the environment. This involves determining the potential effects of your business on space, water, air, land, and ecosystems. Evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts.

Step 4: Define Environmental Objectives and Indicators

Based on data and assessment, define specific environmental protection objectives that the business aims to achieve. This may include reducing emissions, optimizing resource usage, efficient waste management, and various other objectives.

Step 5. Analyze and Plan

Analyze the collected data and information to assess the feasibility of implementing the objectives and address challenges. Based on this analysis, develop a plan on how to implement specific measures to control environmental aspects.

Step 6: Implement Measures and Monitor

Implement the planned measures and monitor the implementation process. Ensure that the measures are having the intended impact and make adjustments if necessary.

Step 7: Report Results

Create a report on environmental aspects and the progress in achieving objectives. Share this report with stakeholders, investors, customers, and the community to demonstrate the organization's commitment to environmental protection.

Step 8: Continuous Improvement

Continuously monitor, evaluate, and improve the process of identifying and assessing environmental aspects. This ensures that the business adapts to the current context and improves environmental performance over time.

→ Identifying and evaluating environmental aspects within a business is an ongoing process that requires commitment from all levels within the organization.

The above information covers environmental aspects. If a business needs assistance in identifying and evaluating environmental impacts according to the International Standard ISO 14001 and obtaining ISO 14001 certification, please contact KNA CERT at the hotline: 0968.038.122 or Email: salesmanager@knacert.com for prompt support.