Every business needs to be environmentally smart. Here’s how to begin

According to PwC Australia’s 2023 Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Trends Report, more than 60 per cent of people are basing their purchasing behaviours on sustainability and ethical criteria, and this is growing by 10 per cent each year. They’re also prepared to pay more for ethically sourced, sustainably made products.

PwC’s report also found:

• In a recent internet sweep of 250 Australian businesses, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identified 57 per cent as making false, misleading, unclear, or unsubstantiated claims, commonly known as ‘greenwashing.’
• The public and private sectors are under ever-increasing scrutiny, and consumers now have the power to call out misleading or unprovable sustainability claims.
• Greenwashing has the following consequences: brand damage, ongoing scrutiny from regulators, and the risk of fines and litigation. Investors, too, are becoming more discerning about the Environmental Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) status of their investments and could be quick to divest if they don’t feel a company’s ESG is genuine.
• Consumers, shareholders, investors, employees and broader stakeholder groups will expect increasingly noble ESG performance as they “put their money where their values lie.”

The report urged Australian businesses to challenge themselves by expanding their ESG targets, increasing transparency around sourcing and environmental management, disclosing more, and ‘walking the talk’ by translating ambition into action.

With the seriousness of ESG growing year after year, it’s easy to see how embracing ESG as a priority can drastically increase favour among the public. This is where being ISO certification can help distinguish your business from its competitors.

Building trust in an era of scepticism and greenwashing

Regardless of where your business is with its ESG journey, there are a few ways to shore up your commitment to sustainability – and one of them is ISO certification.

ISO 14001 is an internationally-recognised standard that sets out the requirements for a robust and effective environmental management system. It requires you to consider all environmental issues related to your business, its operations, and other key functions including air pollution, water and sewage issues, waste management, soil contamination, climate change mitigation, and resource use and efficiency.

What are the benefits of being ISO 14001 certified?

ISO 14001 certification benefits for your business include:

• Enhanced overall environmental performance;
• Reduce energy usage and waste production;
• Minimising your negative environmental impact
• Maximising your resources;
• Increasing efficiency and improved sustainability;
• Demonstrating your commitment to the environment; and
• Fulfilling your compliance with international standards.

On top of the major benefits to the environment, you’ll also be meeting the expectations of your clients, customers, and stakeholders.

ISO 14001 is a generic management system standard that can be applied to any organisation regardless of size, scope, or sector. Once implemented it works to minimise a business’s environmental impact, efficiently manage resources, and improve processes.

QMS Certification Services are the experienced experts to lead you towards achieving your environmental ISO

Having helped thousands of businesses across many ISO achievements, our team will guide you through the certification process by simplifying the application and auditing process. From providing audit outcomes that add value to your organisation to implementing best-practice processes, our auditors aim to help your business achieve its ISO certification goals.

Ready to get ISO 14001 certified? Connect with our trusted and experienced team at QMS Certification Services to discuss your needs.

Considering certification? To find out if your business is ready for certification today, download our self-assessment checklist here: