Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISO 14001 Development and Implementation Training Course is designed to equip participants with the in-depth knowledge, tools, and practical skills necessary to develop, implement, and maintain an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) based on the ISO 14001:2015 standard.

This course moves beyond theory, focusing on real-world application, system integration, legal compliance, risk management, internal auditing, and continuous improvement strategies necessary for successful EMS certification and sustainable environmental performance.

It is ideal for SHEQ professionals, environmental managers, implementation teams, and anyone responsible for embedding environmental management systems into organizational operations.

Duration: 5 Days

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and interpret ISO 14001:2015 requirements in-depth.
• Design an Environmental Management System (EMS) framework tailored to their organization.
• Conduct environmental aspects and impacts assessments (identification, evaluation, and controls).
• Develop ISO 14001-aligned documentation including policies, objectives, procedures, and records.
• Plan for system integration, compliance obligations, and operational control.
• Lead the implementation phase with engagement across organizational levels.
• Prepare the organization for internal audits, management review, and certification audits.
• Foster continual improvement through monitoring, measurement, and corrective actions.

Course Content

Day 1: ISO 14001 Fundamentals and Planning the EMS

• Module 1: Overview of ISO 14001 and Environmental Management Principles
  • Introduction to Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
  • Purpose, Benefits, and Business Case for ISO 14001
  • Review of ISO 14001:2015 Structure (Annex SL High-Level Structure)
• Module 2: Context of the Organization and Leadership Requirements
  • Understanding Internal and External Issues
  • Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties
  • Leadership Commitment, Environmental Policy, and Organizational Roles

Day 2: Risk-Based Thinking, Legal Compliance and Objectives

• Module 3: Planning for the EMS
  • Environmental Aspects and Impacts Identification
  • Risk and Opportunity Management (Risk-Based Approach)
  • Compliance Obligations and Legal Registers (NEMA, OHS Act, Local By-Laws)
• Module 4: Setting Environmental Objectives and Planning Actions
  • Defining Objectives and Targets
  • Action Planning and Program Development

Day 3: Operational Control and Documentation Development

• Module 5: EMS Operational Planning and Control
  • Operational Controls, Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Outsourced Processes and Contractor Management
  • Life Cycle Perspective and Resource Efficiency
• Module 6: EMS Documentation and Recordkeeping
  • Required and Recommended Documents
  • Writing Procedures, Work Instructions, and Forms
  • Document Control Systems and Best Practices

Day 4: Implementation and Monitoring Strategies

• Module 7: Implementing the EMS
  • Communication and Awareness Programs
  • Competence Requirements and Training Plans
  • Roles and Responsibilities for Implementation Teams
• Module 8: Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis and Evaluation
  • Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Internal Audits and Inspection Programs
  • Environmental Non-Conformance, Corrective Action and Reporting

Day 5: Internal Audits, Certification Readiness and Continual Improvement

• Module 9: Preparing for Certification Audits
  • Gap Analysis and Certification Body Expectations
  • Management Review Process
  • Certification Timeline Planning
• Module 10: Driving Continual Improvement
  • Corrective and Preventive Actions
  • Lessons Learned and Best Practice Integration
• Practical Group Exercise:
  • Develop a Mini-EMS for a Sample Organization
  • Draft an ISO 14001 Implementation and Readiness Plan Presentation

Course Difficulty: Intermediate to Advance