ISO 14000 Drives a Different Commitment to Communication

Conforming to the ISO 14001 standard requires both internal and external communications processes and plans. Internal communication is required as a follow-up to awareness and competence training. Also required is an emergency preparedness and response system, which includes appropriate external communications to all key constituencies (community neighbors, governmental entities, suppliers, etc.).

The implementation of an ISO 14001 EMS will result in more organized, higher quality environmental information about a business. Some government officials predict that ISO 14001 will result in businesses sharing this information with its external neighbors œ either voluntarily, or involuntarily, through the auspices of governmental agencies.

The ISO 14001 standard does not require volunteering information to external communities. But, as in the case of the Chemical Manufacturers Association‘s —Responsible Care“@ program, businesses are required to demonstrate compliance with all governmental regulations and related standards. Forward-thinking companies will probably want to communicate with key external constituencies when they meet or exceed targets for source reduction and waste minimization within their facilities.

At a time when —“not in my backyard“ thinking can channel how regulations are enacted and enforced, it makes sense for most companies to go beyond simply setting objectives, writing plans and putting a proactive external communications program in place. The Multi-State Working Group (MSWG) is working on a definition and a procedure for sharing environmental information with external constituencies.

What is ISO 14000? What are the components of the ISO 14000 standard? Different drivers and motivators for ISO 14000 Similarities and differences of ISO 14000 and ISO 9000 Changes to ISO 14000? Massive environmental performance changes may be just around the corner ISO 14000 drives a different commitment to communication First report on ISO 14001 pilot project

What are the benefits of ISO 14001? What is the difference between ISO 14000 and ISO 14001? Why choose SQA for your ISO 14001 certification? What is the process for ISO 14001 certification? What comes after ISO 14001 certification?

Making the transition from thinking Quality to Building an environmental management system ISO 14001: Where Are We? Where Are We Going? SQA's general certification process