how iso 14001:2015 can help kenyan companies combat climate change Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns. It is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate change has a significant impact on the environment, economy, and society, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, food and water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Urgent action is needed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change to ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Under the Paris Climate Agreement ,countries agreed to hold the global temperature to below 2 °C, aiming at 1.5 °C. Kenya has taken concrete strides to domesticate this agreement by enacting the climate change act into law in 2016. Despite these developments, climate change still poses significant challenges for Kenya. Climate change has had a significant impact on Kenya, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the economy. The country has experienced reduced crop yields due to droughts and floods, leading to food insecurity and increased prices of food. Climate change has also led to the loss of biodiversity, with some plant and animal species becoming extinct or endangered. The increased frequency of extreme weather events has also led to increased property damage and loss of lives. To mitigate these impacts, Kenyan companies can play a critical role by adopting sustainable practices that reduce their carbon footprint. One way to achieve this is by implementing ISO 14001, an international standard that provides a framework for environmental management systems. In this article, we will explore how ISO 14001 can help Kenyan companies combat climate change. What is ISO 14001:2015? ISO 14001:2015 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). The standard provides a framework that helps organizations to identify and control their environmental impact, improve their environmental performance, and comply with environmental regulations. The standard is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which involves continuous improvement of an organization’s environmental management system. How can ISO 14001 help Kenyan companies combat climate change? Improve resource efficiency ISO 14001 requires organizations to identify and evaluate their significant environmental aspects, including the use of natural resources, and to develop objectives and targets to improve their resource efficiency. This can involve implementing measures such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources. Through ISO 14001, Kenyan companies can establish and maintain a structured approach to identify, measure, and monitor their resource use and identify areas for improvement. By implementing an effective environmental management system, companies can optimize their use of resources, improve their environmental performance, and contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change. Identify and control environmental impact ISO 14001 requires companies to identify and control their environmental impact, which includes greenhouse gas emissions. By identifying their environmental impact, Kenyan companies can take measures to reduce their carbon footprint, such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and improving waste management practices. This will not only help combat climate change but also reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Organizations can take measures such as investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, companies can invest in energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as LED lighting and energy-efficient machinery. These measures can help combat climate change while also reducing operational costs, which is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. Compliance with environmental regulations ISO 14001:2015 standard requires companies to comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, including those related to climate change. The Kenyan government has enacted various laws and regulations to promote environmental protection and combat climate change. The 2016 climate change act established the National Climate Change Council which has the power to impose climate change obligations to companies. The Kenyan government’s Energy Act of 2019 requires companies to reduce their energy consumption by 30% by 2030. Additionally, companies can comply with the Kenyan Government’s Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff, which provides incentives for companies to invest in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This can help Kenyan companies to avoid fines and legal issues, as well as improve their reputation as responsible corporate organizations. Improve stakeholder relationships ISO 14001 requires companies to engage with stakeholders on environmental matters. This involves engaging with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices. Kenyan companies can take measures such as organizing community outreach programs, partnering with local organizations, and participating in government-led initiatives. By enhancing stakeholder engagement, Kenyan companies can promote a culture of environmental responsibility and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Increase environmental awareness Clause 7.3 of ISO 14001 requires organizations to ensure that employees are aware of the environmental policy, their contribution to effectiveness of the environmental management systems and the implications of not conforming with the EMS requirements; including not fulfilling the organization’s compliance obligations. Raising environmental awareness can enhance environmental knowledge on issues of climate change within the company. These employees can in turn champion climate change mitigation measures to persons outside the organization. In conclusion, ISO 14001 provides a framework for Kenyan companies to manage their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint. By implementing this standard, organizations can achieve cost savings, comply with regulations, improve their reputation, and contribute to the fight against climate change. With the growing threat of climate change in Kenya, ISO 14001 is a critical tool for companies seeking to remain competitive and responsible while addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing the country. Valuemax Consulting Popular posts 02 Sep 2023 Combatting Cyber Threats with ISO 27001:2022 06 Mar 2024 HOW ISO 14001:2015 CAN HELP KENYAN COMPANIES COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE 07 Mar 2024