
Environment management systems
We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. (Aldo Leopold)
The environment underpins and defines all aspects of human society. Therefore, environmental issues are included among the main concerns of mankind. Companies worldwide have become aware of their role in managing environmental issues, by implementing and supporting projects / environmental programs, but also by paying more attention to their own environmental problems.
The family of ISO 14000 is a series of international standards referring to environment. These provide the framework for developing an environmental management system, to manage the significant environmental aspects associated with the activities of an organization.
ISO 14001 provides the basic requirements for any organization wishing to demonstrate compliance through third party - certification bodies.
ISO 14001 is applicable to any organization wishing:
To establish, implement, maintain and improve an environmental management system;
To ensure compliance with stated environmental policy;
Prove environmental performance in controlling the environmental issues, pollution prevention and continuous improvement.
A certified environmental management system proves the organization's commitment to control activities that generate a beneficial or harmful impact on the environment and the conformity with the legislation.