ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system to help reduce the impact of its business on the environment. It also provides assurance to the company management as well as stakeholders of its commitment to monitor and measure its environmental performance. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector.

Nearly any business can benefit from achieving certification to ISO 14001 standards. The certification is broad enough to offer significant benefits to organizations in any industry or sector, while still providing a specific framework for implementing relevant sustainable practices.