What are the “Intended Outcomes” of an EMS?

Posted on Posted in Compliance Obligations, Performance Requirements

In several placed in ISO/DIS 14001, reference is made to the “intended outcomes” of the EMS.

What are “intended outcomes” of an EMS?

This is an important question.  Reference is made to the “intended outcomes” of the EMS in several clauses:

  • In 4.1 – related to determining the context of the organization
  • In 5.1 – making Top Management accountable for ensuring the EMS achieves its intended outcomes
  • In 6.1.4 – in determining the risks to be addressed in the EMS (which then need to be addressed in 8.1 through the implementation of operational controls)

“Intended outcomes” is not a defined term in the Standard.  According to the Annex, it means what the organization intends to achieve by implementing its EMS, including

  • enhancement of environmental performance,
  • conformance to compliance obligations and
  • fulfillment of environmental objectives.

These are considered “minimal, core outcomes” for all organizations.

NOTE – For a discussion of the difference between outputs and outcomes, click here.