ISO 14001 overview

This section presents an overview of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard, discusses keys to success and the benefits of implementing ISO 14001, and provides contacts for obtaining the standard.

ISO 14001 is a voluntary international standard that establishes the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). The objective of the standard is for an organization to establish an EMS that is integrated with the overall business management process. Elements of the EMS include Environmental Policy, Planning, Implementation and Operation, Checking, and Management Review. Integral to the model is the concept of continual improvement of the EMS. This improvement can take many forms, such as improved communications and employee awareness, improved environmental performance, and improved emergency planning and response programs. It is not necessary for all elements of the EMS to be improved simultaneously.