ISO 14001 Foundation Certification ISO 14001 Foundation EMS Concepts and Vocabulary 1

Question 1

Under ISO 14001, what is an 'environmental impact'?

Accepted Answer

A change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, resulting from an organization's environmental aspects

Answer

ISO 14001 defines an environmental impact as any change to the environment—positive or negative—that results wholly or partly from an organization's environmental aspects. It is distinct from the aspect itself, which is the element of activities, products, or services that can interact with the environment.

Question 2

In ISO 14001, which term refers to the documented commitment made by top management regarding an organization's environmental intentions and direction?

Accepted Answer

Environmental policy

Answer

The environmental policy is the formal statement made by top management that articulates the organization's intentions and overall direction related to its environmental performance. It provides the framework for setting environmental objectives and targets.

Question 3

What does 'continual improvement' mean within the context of ISO 14001?

Accepted Answer

A recurring process of enhancing environmental performance in line with the organization's environmental policy

Answer

In ISO 14001, continual improvement refers to the ongoing, recurring process of enhancing environmental performance consistent with the organization's environmental policy. It does not require improvement in every area simultaneously, nor does it demand immediate perfection.

Question 4

According to ISO 14001 vocabulary, what are 'interested parties' (also called stakeholders)?

Accepted Answer

Persons or organizations that can affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by an organization's environmental performance

Answer

ISO 14001 defines interested parties broadly as any person or organization that can affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by the organization's environmental decisions and performance. This includes regulators, communities, customers, suppliers, and employees.

Question 5

In ISO 14001 terminology, what is an 'environmental objective'?

Accepted Answer

A goal set by an organization consistent with its environmental policy that it intends to achieve

Answer

An environmental objective is a goal, consistent with the environmental policy, that the organization sets for itself and intends to achieve. Objectives may be strategic, tactical, or operational and should be measurable where practicable.

ISO 14001 Foundation Certification Practice Test

ISO 14001 Foundation Certification Practice Test

ISO 14001 Foundation Certification ISO 14001 Foundation EMS Concepts and Vocabulary 1