ISO 1400 Concepts

What is ISO 14000?

ISO 14000 is a standard where companies and interested parties will self declare themselves in conformance with this standard or search for certification along with third parties. This standard describes basic requirements of a Environmental Management System.

Its main use is certification along with a third entity, although it can also be internally used for self declaring and to answer specific demands purpose. Nowadays, certification along with third parties is its main use. For this reason, ISO 14000 comprehends only requirements liable to be audited with certification and/or self declaring purposes.

Environmental Management System described in ISO 14000 applies to environmental characteristics so company can control them and may have influence on them, once this standard does not declare specific criteria of environmental performance.

Companies and organizations of different segments search for reaching and showing an effective environmental performance. To accomplish it, you have to control activities, products and/or services environmental impacts. Environment audits and analysis help finding and measuring to obtain and maintain foreseen purposes. These tools are useful but its scope is not sufficient or complete enough. Audits must be part of a more expansive work context, as a structured management system integrated with activity of total management, so the company can effectively reach its goals.

ISO 14000 certification does not ensure company or any entity to reach its best environmental performance. It only attests basic requirements of a environmental management system were incorporated. Continuous improvements in this standard are about continuous improvement in managerial system and not directly in environmental performance.

The main purpose of an environmental management is to provide the company with a structured process and a work context it can reach and systematically control its environmental development level. Real development level, achievements and results regarding all around depends on economic context, regulation and other circumstances that directly and indirectly impact the process.

ISO 14,000 – Requirements

Commitment and policy

Stage where a company defines an environmental policy and assures its commitment with that policy.

Planning

Stage where a company formulates a plan to satisfy policies.

Implementation

Stage where company put a plan into action by providing resources and support mechanisms.

Measurement and assessment

Stage where a company measures, monitors and assess its environmental performance with objectives and targets.

Critical analysis and improvement

Stage where a company accomplishes a critical analysis and continuous implement improvements in its SGA to reach improvements in its total environmental management.

Companies do not face an official international requirement to have certification, but it does not mean they do not suffer from pressure to obtain ISO 14001, although these certifications are optional for companies. Companies, especially those associated to environmental policy, are among main companies to search for certification ISO 14001.

ISO 14000 certifications does not state requirements in environmental performance. First of all, it searches for commitment within company environmental policy to accomplish and establish legislation and regulations according to its context and practicing a program of continuous improvement.

For example, ISO 14001 standard: materials and effluents total amount to environment are not specified. This standard establishes that top management must define and apply an environmental policy in company to assure:

Generally speaking, ISO 14000 standard is the most generic, and as international standard can be applied to any company that wants to:

The words \"any organization\" means any company or person interested. This standard establishes that any company that wants the certification understands that it is an option and not a requirement.

The person interested must identify and have access to legal requirements and any other the company follows. These legal requirements can be used in its activities environmental characteristics, products and services because this standard comprehends many aspects. Tourism in natural areas, where you can find its by-products, show you the challenge to prove economic and social developments and also that environmental management can interact and generate positive and dynamic results.

ISO 14000 certification in tourism companies, mainly in accommodation services, is not easy to accomplish. Not only policies Implementation and internal norms are necessary but real participation of teams that must permanently interact with product, environment and client.

This of course call attention of those tourists interested in development and use of tourism in a sustainable way. You cannot affirm ISO 14000 certification is the solution of all conflicts and expectations.

For clients, groups involved in environmental issue have been searching for aspects that go further ISO 14001 positive results, such as sustainable development, biodiversity maintenance, reduction of exaggerated consumption, local economy support and, normally, to practice tourism in a responsible way. For companies and people interested in ISO 14001, positive results aggregates value and not only is the solution but is developed to increase efficiency and profit (monetary and related to product image). With proper guidance, the ISO 14000 standard can help companies reach their goals.