ISO 14001 is a standard that provides guidance on environmental management systems (EMS). The four elements for the planning of ISO 14001 are:
Environmental Policy: The organization should establish an environmental policy that outlines its commitment to protecting the environment, complying with relevant environmental laws and regulations, and continually improving its environmental performance.
Environmental Aspects and Impacts: The organization should identify the environmental aspects of its activities, products, and services, and assess their potential environmental impacts. This includes examining the use of resources, emissions to air, water and land, and waste generation.
Legal and Other Requirements: The organization should identify and understand the environmental laws and regulations that apply to its operations, as well as any other requirements it needs to meet, such as industry standards or voluntary agreements.
Objectives, Targets and Programs: Based on the environmental policy, aspects and impacts, and legal requirements, the organization should establish measurable objectives and targets for improving its environmental performance. It should also develop programs and action plans to achieve these objectives and targets, and allocate resources as necessary.
These four elements form the foundation for developing an effective environmental management system that enables an organization to identify and manage its environmental impacts and continuously improve its environmental performance.