ISO 14000

What Is ISO?

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies, at present comprising 127 members, one in each country. The object of ISO is to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating international exchange of goods and services. Additionally, ISO is committed to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity. The results of ISO technical work are published as International Standards.

What is ISO 14000?

International Standards for Quality Assurance
ISO 14000 is a series of international, voluntary environmental management standards. Developed under ISO Technical Committee 207, the 14000 series of standards address the following aspects of environmental management:

• ISO 14001 - Specification of Environmental Management Systems
• ISO 14004 - Guidelines for ISO 14001
• ISO 14010 thru ISO 14012 - Environmental Auditing and related activities
• ISO 14031 - Environmental Performance Evaluation

The ISO series of standards effectively address the needs of organizations worldwide by providing a common framework for managing environmental issues. They promise to effect a broadly based improvement in environmental management, which in turn can facilitate trade and improve environmental performance worldwide.

What is an Environmental Management System?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a systematic approach to dealing with the environmental aspects of an organization. It is a 'tool' that enables an organization of any size or type to control the impact of its activities, products or services on the natural environment. The ISO 14001 standard "Environmental management systems – Specification with guidance for use" is the standard within the ISO 14000 series that specifies the requirements of an environmental management system.

What are the benefits of an EMS?

• Assuring customers of commitment to demonstrable environmental management
• Maintaining good public/community relations
• Satisfying investor criteria and improving access to capital
• Obtaining insurance at reasonable cost
• Enhancing image and market share
• Meeting vendor certification criteria
• Improving cost control
• Reducing incidents that result in liability
• Demonstrating reasonable care
• Conserving input materials and energy
• Facilitating the attainment of permits and authorizations
• Fostering development and sharing environmental solutions
• Improving industry-government relations