Outcomes and challenges of implementing an ISO 14001: 2004 environmental management system in a clinical laboratory

Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, a large private pathology laboratory group in eastern Australia, made the decision in 2006 to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) in order to complement and expand their existing Quality Management System (QMS). All aspects of laboratory operations were reviewed, including analytical, courier, clerical, and collection, and the environmental aspects and impacts assessed. Staff at all levels were engaged and given environmental training, and a register of legal and other requirements established. Certification to ISO14001:2004 (International Organisation for Quality 2004) was achieved in several sites in 2009. In addition to minimising the environmental impact of the pathology laboratories, real financial savings and a positive corporate image were achieved through reduction of resources and waste, and improved operational efficiencies.