Environmental certifications for companies: types, benefits and requirements

Environmental certifications are recognitions granted by independent bodies that verify a company meets certain environmental management standards. They serve to validate sustainability efforts, communicate them credibly and, in many cases, open access to new markets and tenders. They are not just a seal: properly implemented, they improve efficiency, reduce legal risks and strengthen reputation.

In this guide we review the main environmental certifications for companies, what each one demonstrates, how to obtain them and what benefits they bring.

What are environmental certifications?

They are distinctions that demonstrate, through third-party verification, compliance with an environmental standard or regulation. They cover very diverse aspects: from the organisation's overall environmental management to the quantification of the carbon footprint, waste management or energy efficiency. It is worth distinguishing between system certifications (which demonstrate how the company manages, such as ISO 14001) and results verifications (which validate a specific figure, such as an emissions inventory under ISO 14064).

Main types of environmental certifications

This table summarises the most relevant certifications and frameworks for companies in Spain:

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the international reference standard for environmental management systems. It provides a framework to control environmental impacts, identify opportunities for improvement and comply with applicable legislation. It is the foundation on which other certifications are built.

EMAS

EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is the European Union's voluntary environmental management scheme. It takes ISO 14001 as its basis and goes further: it requires regular audits, verification of legal compliance and the publication of an independently validated environmental statement.

ISO 14064

ISO 14064 makes it possible to quantify, report and verify an organisation's greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike ISO 14001, it does not certify a management system but verifies a figure: the emissions inventory, which is key for reporting and for Spain's MITECO registry.

ISO 50001

ISO 50001 sets the requirements for an energy management system. It helps organisations improve their energy efficiency systematically, reduce consumption and, as a result, cut associated emissions and costs.

Zero Waste certification

The Zero Waste certification focuses on waste management and the circular economy. It recognises companies that minimise waste generation, maximise reuse and recycling and recover waste as resources.

The MITECO carbon-footprint registry seal

In Spain, Spain's MITECO carbon-footprint registry recognises organisations with its Calculate, Reduce and Offset seals. It is not a standard but an official registry that certifies the calculation, reduction and, where applicable, offsetting of the carbon footprint.

How to obtain an environmental certification?

Although each certification has its own requirements, the path usually shares several steps:

1. Initial audit or assessment: identify the company's environmental aspects and its degree of compliance with regulations.
2. Implementation of the management system: define policies, procedures and controls to manage environmental impacts.
3. Audit or verification by an accredited body: check compliance with the requirements of the standard or regulation.
4. Obtaining and maintaining: achieve the certification and maintain it through periodic audits and continual improvement.

Benefits of environmental certifications

Compliance with legal requirements

They help to comply with current environmental legislation, which reduces the risk of penalties and improves relationships with the authorities.

Access to new markets

More and more clients, consumers and public authorities value or require sustainability criteria. Certifications act as a differentiator and open doors to new contracts and tenders.

Operational efficiency

Implementing an environmental management system optimises processes, reduces resource consumption and minimises waste, with the cost savings that this entails.

Improved reputation

They demonstrate the company's commitment to sustainability and strengthen its image before society, investors and other stakeholders.

Frequently asked questions about environmental certifications

What is the difference between ISO 14001 and EMAS?

ISO 14001 is an international environmental management system standard. EMAS is an EU regulation that takes ISO 14001 as its basis and adds verification of legal compliance and a public environmental statement.

Which certification is best for demonstrating the carbon footprint?

To verify the emissions inventory, the reference is ISO 14064. In Spain, it is also advisable to register with the MITECO carbon-footprint registry.

Are these certifications mandatory?

Most are voluntary, although more and more clients and tenders require them. Some reporting obligations (such as the carbon footprint for certain companies) are indeed regulatory.

Choosing the right certification depends on each company's objectives. If your priority is to measure and verify your carbon footprint, discover how Manglai helps you calculate it and prepare for verification under ISO 14064.