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What is ISO 14000?

The standards can be classified according to their focus:

 Organization and process evaluation standards-Environmental management system (ISO 14001, 14004), environmental auditing (ISO 14010, 14011/1, 14012) and environmental performance evaluation (ISO 14031).

 Product-oriented standards-Life-cycle assessment (ISO 14040, 14041, 14042, 14043), environmental labeling (ISO 14021, 14024, 14025) and environmental aspects in product standards (ISO 14060).

 Definition standard - A terms-and-definitions standard (ISO 14050) harmonizes the language among the others.

Most agree that the ISO 14000 series will impact companies more than ISO 9000 will. Unlike ISO 9000, the ISO 14000 standards will have significant legal implications and a broader stakeholder base.

Elements of an ISO 14000 EMS

1. Environmental policy — Develop a statement of your organization’s commitment to the environment. Use this policy as a framework for planning and action.

2. Environmental aspects — Identify environmental attributes of your products, activities and services. Determine those that could have significant impacts on the environment.

3. Legal and other requirements — Identify and ensure access to relevant laws and regulations (and other requirements to which your organization adheres).

4. Objectives and targets — Establish environmental goals for your organization, in line with your policy, environmental impacts, views of interested parties and other factors.

5. Environmental management program — Plan actions to achieve objectives and targets.

6. Structure and responsibility — Establish roles and responsibilities and provide resources.

7. Training, awareness and competence — Ensure that your employees are trained and capable of carrying out their environmental responsibilities.

8. Communication — Establish processes for internal and external communications on environmental management issues.

9. EMS documentation — Maintain information on your EMS and...