What is the difference between an environmental aspect and an impact?

The environmental aspect is the element of an activity that interacts with the environment (for example a generator's diesel consumption). The impact is the consequence of that aspect on the environment (for example air pollution). You act on the aspect, which you control, to reduce the impact.

How do you identify environmental aspects under ISO 14001?

You map each activity, product and service from a life cycle perspective (upstream and downstream), taking into account normal, abnormal and emergency conditions as well as changes. This is the requirement of clause 6.1.2 of the standard.

What is a significant environmental aspect?

It is an aspect that has or can have an important impact on the environment. It is determined from documented criteria: scale and severity of the impact, frequency, applicable legal requirement, sensitivity of the environment and concerns of interested parties.

Should the aspects and impacts analysis be documented?

Yes. ISO 14001 requires organisations to retain documented information on environmental aspects, their impacts and the significance criteria. An up-to-date register justifies priorities during the certification audit.