ISO 14000 - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

ISO 14000 series of standard on EMS (Environmental Management System) have since been published. Consciously or unconsciously systematic damage to our Environment has become an international, national and local concern. Environmental Management System has thus become a top priority for all Governments, Organisations and Individuals worldwide.

Just as Certification to ISO 9000 series of Standards on Quality Management, Companies are increasingly seeking ISO 14000 Certification on EMS. Even before publication of ISO 14001:1996 Environmental Management System specification, Worldwide Companies were getting certified to equivalent British Standard BS-7750/ISO 14000, Canadian Standard (SA-Z750) etc. Also Bureau of Indian Standard has equivalent specification, (namely IS-13697). Already more than 200 companies in the world including 9 Indian compamies have been certified to BS 7750 environmental management system. There are again the existing legislative control on pollution control involving Water Act, 1947, Air Act, 1981, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. No doubt, gradually ISO 14000 will also become mandatory within foreseeable future.

Actually, this International Standard specifies requirements for an environmental management system, to enable an organisation to formulate a policy and objectives taking into account legislative requirements and information about significant environmental impacts. It applies to those environmental aspects which the organisation can control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. It is applicable to any organization that wishes to:
a) implement, maintain and improve an environmental management system.
b) assure itself of its conformance with its stated environmental policy.
c) demonstrate such conformance to others.
d) seek certification/registration of its environmental management system by an external organisation.
e) make a self-determination and self-declaration of conformance with this International Standard.

Advantages of EMS are:

* Improving environmental performance

* Demonstrating your commitment to improve environment

* Reducing incidents that result in liability

* Facilitate obtaining permits and authorizations

* Obtaining insurance at reasonable cost

* Enhancing image and market share

* Satisfying investor criteria and improving access to capital

* Maintaining good public/community relations

* Fostering development and sharing environmental solutions

* Improving industry-government relations.