Uses of ISO 14000
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops standards that help businesses achieve and maintain quality, credibility and safety. Standardization helps make fair trade possible among nations because it ensures that goods are interchangeable and that they are created to meet certain predefined requirements. Many manufacturers may require that their suppliers be ISO 14000 certified.
ISO 14000 includes several standards grouped under the environmental management family. The standards have two primary purposes: to minimize environmental damage caused by industrial activity and to encourage continual improvement in the area of environmental management for all companies who follow the published standards.
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Environmental Management Systems
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The first standards under ISO 14000 have to do with environmental management systems (EMS). ISO 14001:2004 defines the standards for an EMS, and ISO 14004:2004 contains general guidelines for EMS systems. The standards for an EMS are broad, leaving room for companies of all sizes to adapt their systems.
The standards help companies identify areas where their operations have an impact on the environment, then helps them set targets so they can reduce any negative environmental impacts. The guidelines are broad, providing a basis for discussion of some of the issues to consider when designing an EMS.
Implementation
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Compliance with a standard is not an all-or-nothing matter. ISO 14005:2010 makes this clear. Companies can take a phased approach in the process of adapting the standards. This makes it more economical for smaller businesses to participate in the process.
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Scope
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The ISO 14000 family of standards and guidelines includes more than 20 related standards, guidelines and technical committee working drafts that cover a range of topics under the broader umbrella of EMS. Topics includes life-cycle assessment, guidelines for environmental measurements and measurement of greenhouse gas emissions.
Auditing and Certification
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Companies can seek ISO 14001 certification. An independent auditing firm visits a company that seeks certification and determines whether its efforts meet the certification standards. A company is certified if the auditor finds that its EMS meets the requirements. Certification shows trade partners that the company strives to protect the environment through efficient operations.
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References
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