ISO 14001
International standard for environmental management systems
EN 1090
EU harmonized standard for steel and aluminium structures execution
Quick Verdict
ISO 14001 provides voluntary EMS framework for global environmental performance improvement, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium via FPC. Companies adopt ISO 14001 for sustainability gains; EN 1090 for legal market access.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
Key Features
- Risk-based planning for environmental aspects and opportunities
- Lifecycle perspective across supply chain and operations
- Annex SL alignment for integrated management systems
- PDCA cycle driving continual environmental improvement
- Top management leadership and strategic integration
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-4) scaling requirements
- Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Bodies
- Mandatory CE marking and Declaration of Performance
- Welding quality management aligned with ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT inspection regimes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 14001 Details
What It Is
ISO 14001:2015 is an international certification standard specifying requirements for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It provides a process-based framework for organizations to manage environmental responsibilities systematically, focusing on risk-based thinking, continual improvement, and compliance with obligations. Applicable to any organization regardless of size or sector, it uses the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- Emphasizes environmental aspects, lifecycle perspective, and documented information.
- Built on Annex SL High-Level Structure for integration with standards like ISO 9001.
- Certification via accredited bodies with audits every 3 years.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances environmental performance and compliance.
- Reduces risks from incidents and regulations.
- Delivers cost savings via efficiency and market access.
- Builds stakeholder trust and ESG credibility.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, planning, deployment, monitoring, certification.
- 6-18 months typical; scalable for SMEs to globals.
- Involves training, audits, and top management commitment.
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is the harmonized European standard (EN 1090-1/2/3) for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components/kits under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). Its risk-based approach uses Execution Classes (EXC1-4) to scale requirements by failure consequence, service, and production categories.
Key Components
- **Factory Production Control (FPC)Certified internal system for traceability, inspection, and processes.
- Technical rules (EN 1090-2/3): Materials, welding (ISO 3834), tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT.
- **Conformity assessmentInitial type testing/calculation, DoP, CE marking via Notified Bodies.
- AVCP systems with ongoing surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access via CE marking.
- Mitigates fabrication risks, ensures quality/traceability.
- Builds liability protection, competitive edge, client trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: Gap analysis, FPC build, welding quals, NB certification (3-12 months). Targets fabricators in construction; scales by size/EXC.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 14001 | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental management systems framework | Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any size | Construction/metal fabrication, EU/EEA market |
| Nature | Voluntary international certification standard | Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification | FPC certification, NB surveillance, ITT/ITC |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Market exclusion, fines, certificate suspension |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 14001 and EN 1090
ISO 14001 FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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