ISO 14001

Throughout the world, the pressure for organizations to demonstrate the performance of their environmental management system and compliance to environmental regulations is ever increasing. Many major companies now prefer to use suppliers that have an environmental management system in place. In view of the trend, poor record of environmental performance may become a main obstacle in entering certain market in the future.

The Development of  ISO 14000 has reinforced the importance of environmental management system. With increasing public concern over industry’s impact on environment, companies need to understand what ISO 14000 means and how it applies to them  – before their competitors gain a market advantage or before a litigation is brought against them for activities that are harmful to the environment and surrounding community.

Implementing an ISO 14000 based environmental management system will give an organization more than just confidence that it complies to various environmental legislation. The systematic approach of ISO 14000 ensures a comprehensive assessment of all areas and activities that affect environment. Correct implementation of ISO 14000, supported by full management commitment, will lead to many benefits for an organization. Such benefits include cost savings in consumption of energy and materials, reduced cost of waste management, and improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the public.

The potential benefits and cost savings could easily be lost if an organization’s management is too pre-occupied with managing short term needs. Companies must realize that The ISO 14000 standards are management tools that will help them achieve a competitive edge, as well as better environmental and financial performance.