Implementing an ISO 14001 system and passing the audit to be registered is similar to ISO 9000, with a few exceptions. In ISO 9000 you are already doing what the standard asks for. In ISO 14000 you are asked some interesting questions which you have not typically addressed.
The key question is about the "environmental aspects" of your activities. You have to "identify the environmental aspects of its activities, products or services that it can control and over which it can be expected to have an influence, in order to determine those which have or can have significant impacts on the environment." We recommend doing this with an EISA (Environmental Impact Significance Assessment) which is similar to a FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis). The full program is described below:

Midwest Quality Focused ISO 14001 Implementation Program

Midwest Quality, Inc. offers an audit-proven implementation program which prepares your organization for registration to ISO 14001 in 100 days. The program consists of a 5 day on-site ISO 14001 workshop, two progress audits of the system, participation in the preliminary audit and correction of any deficiencies found, and an audit of the finished system 3 months after registration.

You select a team of "Champions" who will learn about the standard, and write simple procedures which describe how your organization addresses the ISO requirements. There are typically from 7 to 14 Champions who will spend an average of 50 hours (including the Midwest activities) working on the program during the 100 days of preparation. The Champions should be a cross-functional multi-disciplinary team, and should include the location manager. One member is the team leader responsible for the satisfactory completion of the registration.

Midwest Quality, Inc. provides you with the tools which make ISO 14001 understandable and easy. These include the EASA (Environmental Aspect Significance Assessment) which helps you determine the significant environmental impacts of your activities, products, or services. The Significant Environmental Aspect Matrix which ensures that you consistently address the requirements for controlling environmental aspects. A Document Control system, a Recordkeeping system, Internal EMS Audit system and checklist, Nonconforming and Corrective Action system, and Management Review plan. Midwest has audit-proven solutions to the major difficulties you will face in implementing ISO 14001. And the solutions are presented by a person who ensures that your Champions understand and implement correctly. The details of the program are:

1. ISO 14001 Boot Camp day 1-5: a 5 day intensive workshop for the implementation team which explains the standard, trains the Champions in use of the proven Midwest ISO 14000 tools, and has them write the basic procedures with professional assistance. The internal auditors will be trained, the finished procedures will be audited and a report generated, and management lead through an initial review of the system. At the end of the week you will have a basic documented Environmental Management System in effect, though details may remain to be completed. This is important because registrars require 3 months of system operation prior to registration. Not everyone is occupied all the time, and there is homework. But the pain is worth it, and certificates are awarded.

2. ISO 14001 Rough-Cut Audit day 35-36: An internal audit of the system established during the workshop and operated for a month to determine compliance, and see that any open issues have been addressed. The remaining open issues will be addressed for completion prior to the Fine-Cut. This provides practice in being audited, practice for your auditors in auditing, answers questions, and confirms the effectiveness of the system. A full report is generated.

3. ISO 14001 Fine-Cut Audit day 67-68: Similar to the rough cut, but uses the same criteria for acceptance as the registration audit. This is the test of the completed system, and no loose ends should remain. At this point the final "go" is given your registrar.

4. Preliminary Audit assistance day 82-84: Midwest participates in your preliminary audit with your registrar and ensures that any issues are fully understood and corrective action completed. This is also practice for the upcoming registration audit.

5. Registration Audit day 100-104: Midwest Quality, Inc. does not plan to participate in the registration audit. By this time the system should be solid and the Champions well prepared for the activity. It is much more satisfactory to the team members to pass on their own. The goal is that there are no open nonconformances by the closing meeting so that registration will be immediately recommended.

6. Internal Audit day 195-6: 3 months after registration Midwest leads your auditors in a complete audit of the system, ensuring that it is alive and well, and focusing on the continuous improvement and health of the team. This is also a preparation for the registrar's six-month surveillance audit.

Midwest Cost: The Midwest Quality, Inc. ISO 14001 implementation program costs surprisingly little, and is based on the number of days professionals will be on site at your location. There is no additional charge for reviewing procedures, answering questions, or providing other appropriate support to your team. We want you to succeed, and bend over backwards to make that happen. Ask for a list of our satisfied customers.

Other Costs: In addition to the Midwest Quality, Inc. program, your organization will have to contract with an accredited registrar to perform the preliminary and final audits which result in registration to ISO 14001. You will also have to provide Midwest a recent (within 2 years) environmental assessment of the location including reference to all applicable legislation and environmental risks, performed by a competent environmental engineer (or equivalent documentation). Note: your registrar will want this as well.