ISO 14001:2015 Clause 7.1 Resources

The organization shall determine and provide the resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the environmental management system.

As per Annex A (Guidance on the use of ISO 14001:2015 standard) of ISO 14001:2015 standard it further explains:

Resources are needed for the effective functioning and improvement of the environmental management system and to enhance environmental performance. Top management should ensure that those with environmental management system responsibilities are supported with the necessary resources. Internal resources may be supplemented by (an) external provider(s). Resources can include human resources, natural resources, infrastructure, technology and financial resources. Examples of human resources include specialized skills and knowledge. Examples of infrastructure resources include the organization’s buildings, equipment, underground tanks and drainage system.

1) Determining the resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the environmental management system.

Determining the resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001:2015 is a critical aspect of effective environmental management. The process involves careful planning, assessment, and allocation of various resources to support the EMS. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the organization can determine these resources:

1. Identify EMS Requirements: Review ISO 14001:2015 and other relevant environmental regulations and standards to understand the requirements for an effective EMS. Identify the scope of the EMS, including the environmental aspects and impacts of the organization’s activities, products, and services.
2. Define Objectives and Targets: Establish environmental objectives and targets based on your organization’s environmental policy and significant aspects. These objectives guide resource allocation and prioritization.
3. Assess Current Resources:Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s existing resources, both human and financial. This includes personnel, equipment, technology, infrastructure, and budgetary constraints.
4. Identify Resource Gaps: Compare the identified requirements from Step 1 and the objectives and targets from Step 2 with the available resources from Step 3. Identify any gaps or deficiencies.
5. Prioritize Needs: Prioritize the resource needs based on the significance of environmental aspects, regulatory requirements, and the potential impact on achieving objectives and targets.
6. Allocate Human Resources: Determine the personnel required for EMS roles and responsibilities, including the Environmental Manager, EMS Coordinator, and other relevant positions. Ensure that individuals assigned to EMS-related roles have the necessary skills and competencies.
7. Allocate Financial Resources: Budget for EMS-related expenses, such as training, audits, monitoring equipment, environmental initiatives, and corrective actions.Consider long-term financial commitments, including investments in sustainable practices or technologies.
8. Allocate Physical Resources: Identify and allocate physical resources needed for environmental management, such as monitoring equipment, waste management facilities, pollution control measures, and sustainable infrastructure.
9. Consider Information Resources:Ensure access to relevant environmental information and data required for decision-making and reporting. This may involve investing in data collection and management systems.
10. Develop Resource Plans: Create resource allocation plans that specify the allocation of personnel, financial, and physical resources to support the EMS. Document these plans in the EMS manual or related documentation.
11. Monitor Resource Usage: Regularly monitor and track the allocation and utilization of resources to ensure they align with EMS requirements and objectives.
12. Review and Adjust:Periodically review and assess resource needs, especially when there are changes in the organization, environmental regulations, or objectives and targets. Adjust resource allocation plans as necessary to address changing circumstances.
13. Communicate and Train: Ensure that all relevant employees are aware of the resource allocation plans and understand their roles in efficiently using these resources.
14. Document Resource Management: Maintain records of resource allocation and utilization to demonstrate compliance with ISO 14001 requirements and for use during audits.
15. Continuous Improvement: Continuously assess and improve resource allocation and utilization to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the EMS.

By following these steps, the organization can effectively determine the resources needed to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve its Environmental Management System, ensuring that it remains aligned with environmental objectives and regulatory requirements.

2) Providing the resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the environmental management system.

Providing the necessary resources for the establishment, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001:2015 is essential for the system’s effectiveness. Here’s how the organization can ensure the provision of these resources:

1. Leadership Commitment:
   • Ensure that top management is committed to providing the resources needed for the EMS. This commitment should be reflected in the organization’s environmental policy and communicated throughout the organization.
2. Allocate a Budget:
   • Allocate a specific budget for the EMS. This budget should cover various aspects, including personnel, training, equipment, technology, infrastructure, and ongoing operational costs.
3. Resource Planning:
   • Develop a resource allocation plan that outlines how resources will be allocated to support the EMS. This plan should include a breakdown of budgetary allocations for different EMS components.
4. Assign Responsibility:
   • Assign responsibility for resource allocation and management to a designated individual or team within the organization. This may include an Environmental Manager or EMS Coordinator.
5. Identify Resource Needs:
   • Identify the specific resource needs for different aspects of the EMS, such as:
     • Human Resources: Determine the personnel required for EMS roles and responsibilities. Ensure that they have the necessary skills and training.
     • Financial Resources: Set aside funds for activities like training, audits, environmental initiatives, monitoring equipment, corrective actions, and sustainability projects.
     • Physical Resources: Identify and acquire physical resources required for environmental management, such as monitoring equipment, waste management facilities, and pollution control measures.
     • Information Resources: Ensure access to relevant environmental data and information required for decision-making and reporting.
6. Approval Process:
   • Establish an approval process for resource requests related to the EMS. This may involve a review and approval by relevant managers or committees to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
7. Communicate Resource Needs:
   • Clearly communicate the resource needs and allocation plans to all relevant stakeholders, including top management, department heads, and employees involved in EMS-related activities.
8. Training and Awareness:
   • Allocate resources for training and awareness programs to ensure that employees are knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities within the EMS.
9. Documentation:
   • Document the resource allocation and management processes as part of the EMS documentation. This may include resource allocation plans, budgets, and records of resource usage.
10. Monitoring and Review:
    • Regularly monitor and review the allocation and utilization of resources to ensure they remain aligned with EMS requirements and objectives.
11. Continuous Improvement:
    • Continuously assess and improve resource allocation processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the EMS.
12. Audits and Assessments:
    • Include resource management as part of internal audits and assessments to verify compliance with ISO 14001 requirements and identify areas for improvement.
13. Feedback and Adaptation:
    • Solicit feedback from employees involved in EMS implementation to identify resource challenges and adapt resource allocation plans as needed.

By following these steps, an organization can ensure the provision of the necessary resources to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve its EMS, fostering environmental sustainability and compliance with ISO 14001 standards. To establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001:2015, an organization requires various types of resources. These resources encompass human, financial, physical, and informational aspects. Here is a breakdown of the resources needed:

1. Human Resources:
   • Environmental Manager or EMS Coordinator: Responsible for overseeing and coordinating the EMS, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
   • Trained Personnel: Employees in various roles with specific environmental responsibilities, such as EHS coordinators, waste management personnel, and pollution control experts.
   • Training and Awareness Programs: Resources for training employees on environmental policies, procedures, and their roles in the EMS.
   • Competency Development: Investment in developing the competencies and skills of personnel to effectively manage environmental aspects and impacts.
2. Financial Resources:
   • Budget: Allocations for EMS-related activities, including training, audits, monitoring, corrective actions, sustainability initiatives, and compliance with environmental regulations.
   • Funding for Capital Expenditures: Provision for investing in equipment, technology, and infrastructure required for environmental management.
   • Sustainability Initiatives: Financial support for sustainability projects, energy efficiency improvements, waste reduction programs, and other environmentally responsible initiatives.
   • Cost of Compliance: Funds for ensuring compliance with environmental laws, permits, and regulations.
3. Physical Resources:
   • Monitoring and Measurement Equipment: Instruments and tools for monitoring air emissions, water quality, waste generation, energy consumption, and other relevant parameters.
   • Pollution Control Measures: Physical infrastructure and systems to control and mitigate pollution, such as scrubbers, containment systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
   • Waste Management Facilities: Facilities for the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials.
   • Infrastructure: Physical infrastructure enhancements to support sustainable practices, such as renewable energy installations or green building initiatives.
4. Information Resources:
   • Data and Information Systems: Access to accurate and up-to-date environmental data and information systems for tracking and reporting environmental performance.
   • Environmental Documentation: Resources for creating and maintaining EMS documentation, including environmental policies, procedures, records, and reports.
   • Environmental Management Software: Software tools for data management, reporting, and analysis related to the EMS.
   • Access to Environmental Regulations: Resources to keep up with and comply with environmental laws and regulations applicable to the organization’s operations.
5. Communication Resources:
   • Internal Communication: Resources for communicating EMS objectives, policies, and progress to all employees.
   • External Communication: Resources for engaging with stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and the public, regarding environmental performance and initiatives.
6. Expertise and Consultation:
   • External Experts: Access to external consultants or experts in environmental management, legal compliance, and sustainable practices.
   • Technical Support: Resources for seeking technical support and guidance in addressing complex environmental issues or challenges.
7. Time and Commitment:
   • Management Commitment: The commitment of top management and their allocation of time and effort to lead and support the EMS.
   • Employee Engagement: The active involvement of employees at all levels in EMS activities, including participation in improvement initiatives and adherence to environmental policies and procedures.
8. Continuous Improvement:
   • A culture of continual improvement, where resources are dedicated to reviewing and enhancing the EMS based on lessons learned, audits, assessments, and changing environmental conditions.

Documented Information required

There is no mandatory requirement for documented information for this clause . The following documents and records can be used as an evidence for the compliance of this clause.

Documents:

1. Resource Allocation Plan: A documented plan that outlines how the organization allocates resources, including human, financial, physical, and informational resources, to support the EMS. This plan should specify budgets, responsibilities, and timelines for resource provision.
2. Human Resource Documentation: Records related to human resources, including job descriptions, competency assessments, training plans, and records of training completed by EMS personnel. These documents demonstrate that personnel are appropriately qualified and trained for their roles.
3. Financial Budget: Documentation of the budget allocated for EMS-related activities, which may include training, monitoring, audits, corrective actions, sustainability initiatives, and compliance efforts. This budget helps ensure adequate financial resources for the EMS.
4. Physical Resource Inventory: Records of physical resources acquired or allocated for the EMS, such as monitoring equipment, pollution control infrastructure, waste management facilities, and energy-efficient technologies.
5. Information Systems Documentation: Records related to information resources, including data and information systems used for monitoring, measuring, analyzing, and reporting environmental performance. This may include software documentation and data management procedures.
6. Environmental Documentation: Documents related to environmental policies, objectives, targets, and procedures that guide the allocation and management of resources for environmental management.

Records:

1. Resource Utilization Records: Records that demonstrate the allocation and utilization of resources over time, ensuring that the resources are being used effectively and efficiently to support the EMS.
2. Training Records: Records of training provided to personnel involved in EMS-related roles, including details of the training content, dates, and attendees. These records verify that personnel are adequately trained.
3. Financial Expenditure Records: Records of actual financial expenditures related to EMS activities, including invoices, receipts, and financial reports, to track and manage the budget.
4. Physical Resource Maintenance Records: Maintenance records for physical resources, such as equipment calibration and maintenance logs, to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.
5. Data and Information Records: Records of environmental data and information collected and managed as part of the EMS, including monitoring data, reports, and data analysis records.
6. Resource Review Records: Documentation of periodic reviews of resource needs and allocations to assess their adequacy and make adjustments as necessary.
7. Communication Records: Records of communication related to resource allocation, including memos, emails, meeting minutes, or other forms of communication regarding the provision of resources.

Example for Procedure of Resource Determination and Provision for EMS

Objective: To ensure that the organization identifies, allocates, and manages the resources required for the effective establishment, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in compliance with ISO 14001:2015.

Responsibility: Environmental Manager or designated EMS Coordinator.

Procedure Steps:

1. Identification of Resource Needs:a. The Environmental Manager or EMS Coordinator shall initiate the resource determination process in coordination with relevant department heads and personnel.b. Identify and document the specific resource needs for the EMS, considering the scope of the system, environmental aspects, objectives, and targets.
2. Resource Categories:a. Categorize resource needs into the following categories:
   • Human Resources: Personnel required for EMS roles and responsibilities.
   • Financial Resources: Budgetary allocations for EMS-related activities.
   • Physical Resources: Equipment, technology, infrastructure, and facilities.
   • Information Resources: Data, information systems, and databases.
3. Resource Assessment:a. Assess the organization’s current resources within each category to determine what is already available.b. Identify gaps or deficiencies in each resource category compared to the identified needs.
4. Prioritization:a. Prioritize resource needs based on:
   • The significance of environmental aspects and impacts.
   • Regulatory requirements and compliance obligations.
   • Achieving environmental objectives and targets.
5. Resource Allocation Plan:a. Develop a resource allocation plan that specifies:
   • The budget allocated for each resource category.
   • Responsible individuals or departments for resource management.
   • Timelines for resource allocation and utilization.
6. Budget Approval:a. Submit the resource allocation plan to the appropriate decision-makers or management for budget approval.b. Upon approval, allocate the budget accordingly to support the EMS.
7. Human Resources Allocation:a. Identify and assign personnel to specific EMS roles and responsibilities based on competency and expertise.b. Ensure that individuals in EMS-related roles receive the necessary training and development.
8. Financial Resources Allocation:a. Allocate funds for EMS-related activities, including training, audits, monitoring, corrective actions, and sustainability initiatives.
9. Physical Resources Allocation:a. Procure or allocate physical resources required for EMS implementation, such as monitoring equipment, pollution control measures, and waste management facilities.
10. Information Resources Allocation:a. Ensure access to relevant environmental data and information systems required for decision-making, reporting, and documentation.
11. Communication and Training:a. Communicate resource allocation plans and EMS resource needs to relevant stakeholders, including employees, managers, and departments involved in EMS implementation.b. Provide training and awareness programs to ensure that employees are informed about their roles in resource utilization.
12. Record Keeping:a. Maintain records of resource allocation plans, budget approvals, and resource utilization to demonstrate compliance with ISO 14001 requirements and for auditing purposes.
13. Monitoring and Review:a. Regularly monitor and review resource allocation and utilization to ensure alignment with EMS requirements, objectives, and targets.
14. Continuous Improvement:a. Continuously assess and improve resource allocation processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the EMS.
15. Audits and Assessments:a. Include resource management as part of internal audits and assessments to verify compliance with ISO 14001 requirements and identify areas for improvement.
16. Feedback and Adaptation:a. Solicit feedback from employees and stakeholders involved in EMS implementation to identify resource challenges and adapt resource allocation plans as needed.