How to consider life cycle thinking into ISO 14001? A step-by-step method for small and medium-sized companies and a case study in waste management

Abstract

ISO 14001 certification offers numerous benefits to companies, including improved efficiency, market access, and the fostering of an environmental organizational culture. However, many organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), struggle to grasp and integrate Life Cycle Thinking into their processes, products, or services, as it's a requirement for ISO 14001:2015 certification. This article aims to present a step-by-step method for incorporating life cycle thinking into ISO 14001:2015 implementation, aligning it with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The methodology comprises three steps: i) a systematic literature review to identify life cycle thinking practices within ISO 14001:2015; ii) a detailed proposal for integrating LCT into ISO 14001:2015; and 3) a case study in a briquette manufacturing facility using this method for waste management. The results highlight that organizations can incorporate life cycle thinking into various ISO 14001:2015 clauses through simple and fast for use tools and activities, concurrently advancing SDGs. It's imperative for SMEs to integrate life cycle thinking into ISO 14001 implementation not only for tangible and intangible benefits but also because future ISO 14001 versions are expected to impose stricter life cycle requirements.