ISO 14 000
ISO standards allow businesses to conquer markets,
educate consumers and protect and ensure
the reliability of the materials and services they buy.
In response to environmental pressures and growing environmental concerns, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has defined a series of standards incorporating environmental management. ISO 14000 is a set of international standards relating to environmental management. ISO 14000 is particularly focused on pollution prevention, public engagement and improved performance.
Unlike the majority of ISO standards that are highly specific, the standards included in the 14000 are generic, this means they can be applied:
- In any organization (large or small, whatever its product, including whether it is a service)
- In any industry
- If the organization is a business enterprise, a public administration or a government department
Things to Remember
ISO standards are vectors of communication that allow businesses to conquer markets, educate consumers about the quality of their products, protect and ensure the reliability of the materials and services they buy.
Benefits of ISO 14000 certification
An entrepreneur will always seek to avoid pollution that could be worth an infraction for his company, for violating environmental laws. But for the wisest entrepreneurs, doing the minimum to avoid problems with the inspectorate is a reactive low-cost approach, in a more environmentally conscious world today.
The ISO 14000 standards are practical tools for the business owner who is not satisfied with mere compliance with the law, seen as expensive for business. They are aimed at perceptive and enough constructive entrepreneurs, to understand that the implementation of a strategic approach can make the investments in measures for the environment.
The systematic approach of ISO 14000 requires the company to thoroughly examine all areas where activities have an environmental impact. This approach has advantages:
- Reduced costs of waste management
- Savings in energy consumption and materials
- Lower distribution costs
- Improved corporate image among regulators, contractors and the public
- Framework for continuous improvement of your environmental performance
The leader who is “too busy managing his business” to hear common sense in terms of environmental management can be costly to the companies, instead of giving the advantages mentioned above.
Source:
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 14000 The business benefits.
Resources in standardization matters:
- The Bureau de normalization du Québec (BNQ): The BNQ to act as a partner to business, industry, social and regulatory reforms to foster improved quality of products, processes and services, as well as their acceptance in all markets.
- The Standards Council of Canada: The Council coordinates and oversees the efforts of the National Standards System. It is a source of information on the series of standards for environmental management systems (EMS). It accredits organizations who enroll in the ISO 14000 series of standards, and audits of certifiers and trainers.
Source:
The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, the environmental management systems.
- The International Organization for Standardization: The ISO is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies from some 140 countries. It is a source of information about the series of ISO 14000 environmental standards including international comparisons of use between countries.
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