ISO 14000

Abstract

‘ISO’ “International organization for standardization” The effective tool and method to assure quality of product and giving satisfaction to customers. Now a days in the world of global market everyone is trying to capture maximum market through good quality of service to costumer. But due to modern industrialization and uses of modern technologies the chances of hampering the environment   also increases much more. To protect the nature and society from various pollution like air, water etc. become an important activity and responsibility ahead of society and industry.

To promote the awareness about the same ISO has implemented a system of standard called as ISO14000. Under ISO14000, ISO 14001:2000 is a major system of documents and procedure by adapting these one can study, control, and assure to protect environment from his own company. ISO14000 main focus is to protect nature from pollution and other type of disabilities.

What are the principles behind the ISO 14000 series?

The ISO 14000 standards and other documents are being developed with the following key principles in mind:

• To result in better environmental management
• To encompass environmental management systems and the environmental aspects of products
• To be applicable in all countries
• To promote the broad interests of the public and the users of the standards
• To be cost-effective, no prescriptive and flexible so they are able to meet
• the differing needs of organizations of any type or size worldwide
• As part of their flexibility, to be suitable for internal and/or external verification
• To be scientifically based
• Above all, to be practical, useful and usable.

ISO14000

Introduction

After the success of the ISO9000 series of quality standards, the International Standards Organization published a comprehensive set of standards for environmental management. This series of standards is designed to cover the whole area of environmental issues for organizations in the global marketplace.

History of Development

The ISO 14000 series emerged primarily as a result of the Uruguay round of the GATT negotiations and the Rio Summit on the Environment held in 1992. While GATT concentrates on the need to reduce non-tariff barriers to trade, the Rio Summit generated a commitment to protection of the environment across the world. The environmental field has seen a steady growth of national and regional standards. The British Standards Institution has BS 7750, the Canadian Standards Association has environmental management, auditing, eco-labeling and other standards, the European Union has all of these plus the eco-management and audit regulations, and many other countries (e.g. USA, Germany and Japan) have introduced eco-labeling programs.

After the rapid acceptance of ISO 9000, and the increase of environmental standards around the world, ISO assessed the need for international environmental management standards. They formed the Strategic Advisory Group on the Environment (SAGE) in 1991, to consider whether such standards could serve to:

In 1992, SAGE's recommendations created a new committee, TC 207, for international environmental management standards. The committee and its sub-committees include representatives from industry, standards organizations, government and environmental organizations from many countries. The new series of ISO14000 standards are designed to cover:

	environmental management systems
	environmental auditing
	environmental performance evaluation
	environmental labeling
	Life-cycle assessment
	environmental aspects in product standards

Need of standards

A set of international standards brings a world-wide focus to the environment, encouraging a cleaner, safer, healthier world for us all. The existence of the standards allows organizations to focus environmental efforts against an internationally accepted criteria.

At present many countries and regional groupings are generating their own requirements for environmental issues and these vary between the groups. A single standard will ensure that there are no conflicts between regional interpretations of good environmental practice.

The fact that companies may need environmental management certification to compete in the global marketplace could easily overshadow all ethical reasons for environmental management. Within Europe, many organizations gained ISO9000 Registration primarily to meet growing demands from customers. ISO 9000 quality registration has become necessary to do business in many areas of commerce. Similarly, the ISO 14000 management system registration may become the primary requirement for doing business in many regions or industries.

Who do the standards apply to?

The standards apply to all types and sizes of organizations and are designed to encompass diverse geographical, cultural and social conditions. For ISO14001, except for committing to continual improvement and compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, the standard does not establish absolute requirements for environmental performance. Many organizations, engaged in similar activities, may have widely different environmental management systems and performance, and may all comply with ISO14001.

What is ISO 14000?

ISO 14000 is the International Standard used for assistance in implementing or improving your Environmental Management System. Many companies, such as automotive manufacturers, various governmental agencies, etc., are requiring their suppliers to obtain third-party registration. ISO 14000 is the specification standard in the 14000 series. It is the only one to be used for third-party registrations.

What is an environmental management system?

An environmental management system (EMS) is an overall structure that focuses on the short and long-term impact of an organization's products, services, and processes on the environment. The EMS ensures order and consistency by guiding the organization in the sharing of resources, assignments of responsibilities, and providing ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures, and processes.

Who Requires Registration?

" Ford is requiring suppliers to certify at least one manufacturing site to ISO 14000 by the end of 2001 and all manufacturing sites shipping products to Ford by July 1, 2003."
--Ford Motor Organization Web Site

" It is our intent that all suppliers to general Motors implement an environmental management system by December, 31, 2002… Working together with our suppliers, we can accomplish much more to improve the environment than GM can alone."
--Harold R. Kutner, GM VP for Purchasing

"The requirement [ISO 14000] applies to all Tier 1 suppliers, but eventually will affect all suppliers."
--Dan Jankowski, GM Spokesperson

"Toyota has a unique relationship with its suppliers… We are known for expecting them to share our high quality standards… Now we are asking them to join us in becoming environmental leaders." [Suppliers that provide raw materials and/or parts and components to Toyota will be required to develop, implement, and have third-party certification of an environmental management system conforming to ISO 14000 by December 31, 2003.]
--Teruyki Minoura, President and CEO Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America Inc.

·         Benefits of ISO 14000. 

• Can provide evidence of reasonable care and regulatory compliance.
• Focuses on preventive rather than corrective action.
• Possible reduction of insurance and warranty costs.
• Can conserve energy and materials.
• Can enhance public image and/or market share.
• Possible increased business and trade opportunities.
• Can reduce incidents and liability.
• Helps to meet vendor requirements.

·         ISO 14000 has 5 principles:

·         Commitment and policy

·         Your organization defines your environmental policy and commitment to its EMS.
   Policy should include:
* mission, vision, core values, and beliefs
* requirements of and communication with interested parties
* continual improvement
* prevention of pollution
* guiding principals
* coordination with other organizational policies (e.g. quality, OSHA)
* specific regional or local conditions
* compliance with relevant environmental regulations, laws, and criteria to which the organization subscribes

·         Planning

How does your organization plan to fulfill your environmental policy.
   Planning to include:
* Identifying environmental aspects and evaluation of associated impacts
* legal requirements
* environmental policy
*Internal performance evaluation criteria
* objectives and targets
* plans and management program

·         Implementation

·         Your organization should have or develop the capabilities to achieve your                                            environmental policy, objectives, and targets.
   Implementation to include:
* policies
* allocation of resources
* controls and documentation
* training
* accountability structure
* analysis system
* communication

·         Measurement and evaluation

Your organization should measure, monitor, and evaluate your environmental         performance.
Measurement and evaluation to include:
Environmental aspects and their impacts
 Training activities
Inspection, calibration, and maintenance
Data collection and interpretation Non-conformance details
 Supplier information
 EMS audits

Review and improvement

       Management should continuously improve the EMS with focus on improving your environmental performance.
       Review should include:
        review performance, objectives, and targets
 audit findings
 effectiveness
 suitability of policy (based on current conditions)