1. Knowing the requirements of ISO 14001 and the associated documented information

The implementation or maintenance of an environmental management system (EMS) should lead to the recognition of its relevance, suitability and effectiveness. This is clearly stated in note A7.5 below.

An environmental management system must not be a cumbersome, ill-adapted documentary system. It must be operational, and a clear and precise means of control, for management as well as for all employees involved in the environmental approach.

It is therefore essential to identify the "essential" requirements of ISO 14001, to judge what documented information is really necessary and relevant, and to understand how to implement and control this documented information.