FAQ

What needs to be considered in the risk assessment?

As part of the inclusion of significant environmental aspects (impacts) and binding commitments, the risks associated with the environmental aspects (= ignorance of hazards and opportunities) must also be assessed. The reason for this is to gain more certainty in order to actually achieve the targets set and, if necessary, to introduce measures to minimise risks.

Which activities and products are affected by the consideration of the "life cycle"?

The aim is to consider the environmental aspects and the associated impacts that can be caused by activities and products. However, it must be possible for the organisation to monitor and influence these aspects. The "life cycle" of a product can also include, for example, raw material extraction, development, production, transport, use and disposal.

Are the terms "measures to manage risks" and "measures for environmental objectives" the same?

The measures relating to environmental objectives are specific measures that are usually implemented once to achieve a defined objective - ISO 14001 still refers to this as an "environmental programme". Where possible, the effectiveness of the programme should be measurable.

The measures for dealing with risks serve in particular to counter unforeseen or not always obviously foreseeable developments and dangers in normal day-to-day business. In terms of probability and chance, these developments and hazards may never materialise. However, the organisation must be permanently prepared for them (emergency concept).

Does a documented description of the communication have to be created?

ISO 14001:2015 requires documented information as proof of communication. And as it is also a duty to plan the communication process, a documented description is recommended.

How is "continuous improvement" proven?

Here, it is best to refer to environmental indicators that show the improvement in environmental performance.

Improvements in the area of "soft factors" or the improvement of individual system elements (e.g. awareness-raising, communication, training) can represent an improvement in the system, but cannot be considered sufficient as a stand-alone improvement in the long term.

Does the standard require a life cycle assessment?

Although the standard does not explicitly require life cycle assessments of products and processes, companies must consider the environmental aspects of the activities, products and services that they can control and those that they can influence, taking into account the life cycle.

I have included the Environmental Protection Act in my legal register, is that enough?

That is not enough: 

• The Environmental Protection Act is a "framework law".
• It formulates the intentions and principles of environmental protection.
• Most of the specific detailed requirements are laid down in the ordinances relating to environmental protection.