A question we get asked a lot is whether a company should first go for ISO 9001 or ISO 14001? A good question!
In general we believe you are usually better off going for ISO 9001 prior to, or alongside, 14001. This is because it is more widely known, considered a core part of many PQQs and tender processes, and because some of the elements are fundamental to a client responsive and continually improving organisation. These are key building blocks. We suggest getting these up and running first. After that, it is usually a relatively simple job to ‘add-on’ the environmental management system. However, there is an important caveat: if you are operating in a medium or high risk area, or ‘the environment’ is a core part of organisational or brand value then ISO 14001 may be the logical first, or only, management system.
