ISO 14001:2015 Overview for Managers (EMS)

Empowering management with EMS knowledge and responsibility

This half-day course introduces the key principles and requirements of ISO 14001:2015, tailored specifically for managers and organisational leaders. It offers an essential overview of how Environmental Management Systems (EMS) can be integrated strategically within organisations to improve environmental performance and ensure compliance with legal and stakeholder expectations.  Delivered through practical, real-world examples, the course equips participants with the knowledge to confidently support or lead EMS initiatives. It is also suitable for those seeking to embed environmental best practices without necessarily pursuing formal certification. 

Delivery Mode

  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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Course Code
HS013

What's covered?

The course presents the ISO 14001:2015 standard in a concise, practical format, allowing learners to understand what is required for successful EMS implementation and management. 

Topics include: 

  • Introduction to Environmental Management Systems 
  • ISO 14001:2015 requirements & Annex SL 
  • EMS terminology and key definitions 
  • Organisational context and stakeholder analysis 
  • Leadership responsibilities under the standard 
  • Identification and management of environmental aspects 
  • Legal compliance and regulatory expectations 
  • EMS policy and integration with company strategy 
  • Required documentation and records 
  • Internal communication and employee engagement 
  • EMS auditing, reviews and continuous improvement 
  • Emergency preparedness and response 
  • The role of third-party certification bodies 

Content can be tailored for in-company delivery to align with sector-specific environmental goals. 

Who should participate?

This course is ideal for managers, supervisors, or team leaders who play a role in environmental performance and compliance. It is also highly relevant to personnel considering the implementation of an EMS or those looking to update their knowledge in line with ISO 14001:2015. 

Ideal participants include: 

  • Operational and facility managers 
  • Environmental compliance officers 
  • Team leaders responsible for sustainability goals 
  • Departmental heads aligning strategy with environmental policy 

Participants from organisations aiming to reduce their environmental impact—whether or not pursuing certification—will find this course particularly valuable. 

English Language Competency
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme.

What will I learn?

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Describe the structure and key components of ISO 14001:2015 
  • Understand the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 
  • Identify EMS-related terms and definitions 
  • Evaluate their organisation’s context and relevant stakeholders 
  • Distinguish key changes from ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015 
  • Outline leadership responsibilities under ISO 14001 
  • Determine resources, documentation and evidence requirements for EMS 
  • Understand performance evaluation and correct action and environmental management review 
  • Recognise the importance of compliance with environmental legislation 

These outcomes support practical understanding and improved organisational readiness for EMS implementation or improvement. 

Who are the tutors?

Elizabeth Walker

Elizabeth has extensive industry experience planning, establishing, implementing and maintaining management systems. These systems include Quality, Food Safety, Energy, Environmental and Health and Safety. Elizabeth holds a BSc Degree in Industrial Biology, Diploma in Food Technology and is a competent Integrated Management System Auditor.

Elizabeth has considerable experience in the implementation of & transition to ISO 9001:2015. Auditing experience includes carrying out internal audits and supporting third party audits (Customer/Regulatory & Certification) of clients Quality Management System. Elizabeth also delivers training programmes in ISO 9001:2015 implementation and internal auditing and lead auditor training programmes.


Finbarr Stapleton

Finbarr Stapleton, Antaris, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and is a member of IOSH. He has over thirty years experience, initially as Laboratory Manager in an Analytical Laboratory, a number of years experience as an EHS Manager in the Food Industry and subsequently in technical consultancy.

He has successfully implemented OHSAS 18001/45001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 in a large number of industries. He has extensive experience of quality management and environmental and health and safety management systems, energy management, waste management as well as environmental and health and safety legislation. He is a qualified Auditor of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 management systems. Finbarr has also extensive experience of energy management systems such as ISO 50001. He has carried out a number of projects on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
He regularly carries out audits and risk assessments for client companies. He has also qualified as a dangerous goods safety adviser.

Finbarr has assisted a number of companies in making successful applications to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for an IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control) licence and has also carried out Environmental Impact Assessments for a number of companies.

Finbarr also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education. He is the lead tutor for the Nebosh International Certificate and Diploma courses.


Gerry Higgins

With extensive experience of implementing quality, environmental, health and safety, asset, energy and information security management systems and advising companies on how to integrate them, Gerry adopts a very practical approach to designing, implementing and maintaining management systems and brings this expertise to any training course, which he delivers.

Gerry has carried out first-, second- and third-party audits in a number of jurisdictions and across a range of organisations involved in manufacturing and service industries in both the public and private sector. He has also assisted many companies to demonstrate compliance with their statutory and regulatory requirements.

He has consulted with companies on developing appropriate sustainability, decarbonisation and energy transition strategies and on enhancing their circular value chains.

He has a degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Limerick and is a chartered engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He is also a Fellow and chartered environmentalist through IEMA and holds a Certificate in Circular Economy & Sustainable Strategies from the University of Cambridge

Gerry founded Antaris in 1994 and now works as a consultant to the company. Antaris is at the forefront of climate action in Ireland and is a signatory to the science-based target initiative (SBTi), which commits us to reducing our absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year, and to measure and reduce our scope 3 emissions. Antaris is also a member of 1% for the Planet, committing us to donating 1% of our annual gross revenue (sales, not profit) to grassroots environmental organisations dedicated to protecting our planet.


Nick Smyth

Nick Smyth graduated from the University of Limerick in 1981 with a BSc in Manufacturing Technology having taken the Materials Engineering specialisation. He has worked as a Technical, Q.A./Materials Engineering and E.H.S. professional for 24 years, which included management roles in Intel Ireland, Johnson and Johnson, DeBeers Industrial Diamond, SPS International, Abbott Ireland and Fulflex International. He holds qualifications in Quality Assurance/Management, Lead Auditing, Safety Health and Welfare at Work, Occupational Hygiene and Environmental Management.

Nick also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education, and a CAE certificate in Accessible Environments and the Disability Discrimination Act.
He joined Antaris in June of 2005 and provides consultancy and SQT training services in his areas of experience and expertise.


How do we train and support you?

Our training approach combines expert instruction with practical examples to create an engaging and applicable learning experience. 

  • Pre-training consultation for in-company courses to customise delivery 
  • Access to comprehensive course materials 
  • Expert tutor support during and after training 

Class sizes are generally limited to 12-15 learners to ensure personalised support and interaction. 

How can you progress?

Learners who complete this course are well positioned to continue their environmental training development. Suitable next steps include: 

  • ISO 14001:2015 Internal Auditor
  • Environmental Legislation Awareness
  • ISO 14001:2015 Implementation
  • Integrated Management Systems (IMS)

These programmes further develop practical auditing, compliance and strategic integration skills. 

Nick Smyth

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Nick Smyth

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