Small and medium-sized enterprises are being provided with a new tool to make it easier for them to achieve the benefits of implementing an environmental management system based on the International Standard: ISO 14001.
The tool comes in the form of a combined handbook and CD: ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems—An easy-to-use checklist for small business—are you ready? It is published in English, French and Spanish editions by ISO, developer of the ISO 14001, and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The publication of ISO 14001 in 1996 and revision in 2004 has proven successful with implementation in over 159 countries—providing organisations with a powerful management tool to improve their environmental performance. By the beginning of 2010, more than 223 organisations had already been certified worldwide against the ISO 14001, an increase of 18% compared with the previous year. Many companies have improved their operations and reduced the impact of their activities, processes, products and services on the environment by using a systematic approach that seeks continual improvement.
The benefits of positively addressing environmental issues not only cover the preservation of the environment, but are also linked to business performance and profitability while improving the corporate image, enhancing access to export markets, providing a common reference for communicating environmental issues with customers, regulators, the public and other stakeholders.
Rob Steele, ISO Secretary-General and Patricia Francis, ITC Executive Director stated, “Experience shows that small and medium-sized enterprises can also implement an effective EMS and realise a variety of benefits. However, EMS implementation can present some challenges. This checklist aims at helping organisations to understand the requirements for environment management systems and identify the main areas for improvement. It will therefore be of value even if the ultimate aim is not third party certification of the organisation.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
