First Report on ISO 14001 pilot project

The Multi-State Working Group recently released its first report on a pilot project that measures the impact of voluntary environmental management systems based on ISO 14001, and examines an EMS as a tool of public policy innovation and decision making.

MSWG is working with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Environmental Law Institute, and the U.S. EPA on the project. Researchers believe that the collection of data for the pilot project will provide the fullest understanding and evaluation of the benefits of an EMS.

Fifty-five facilities from ten states and nine public-sector organizations affiliated with the U.S. EPA are participating in a national database for the project. Several states are offering regulatory incentives for participation and improved environmental performance from EMS implementation.

The participating facilities must complete a comprehensive and detailed survey pertaining to questions any organization seeking ISO 14001 certification might ask, or data any interested party might wish collect concerning other EMC‘s. Categories of information include: environmental performance, regulatory
compliance, environmental conditions, costs and cost savings, pollution prevention, and the nature of the management system. The first report contains a summary of basic demographic information about the 55 pilot facilities that contributed data.

The research team plans to publish a public report every six months that describes the progress of the pilot facilities, including any developments and results of data analysis. For more information on this first report, contact MSWG at 202/546-8542.

Bottom Line: Improving the Bottom Line

The ultimate value of any business initiative is determined by its contribution to the well-being of the organization. As with QMS programs of the 1990's, an effective EMS in the 2000's will offer businesses some solid intangibles - the satisfaction derived from knowing that an improvement was made .... and the recognition of such by others outside the organization. More often than not, however, the real measuring stick will be a financial one - revenues generated (or retained), costs slashed, efficiencies introduced, liabilities reduced.

The future belongs to the prepared. Let Smithers Quality Assessments be a part of your strategic and tactical plans for the future. Prepare by developing an environmental management system that meets the requirements of the ISO14000 standard. Then execute, maintain and improve your plans to become certified.

Choose SQA for your ISO 14001 Registrar

The decision to pursue ISO 14001 certification involves a substantial commitment of time and resources. Smithers Quality Assessments recognizes that this is a very personal decision requiring a solution tailored to your needs. To arrange for a SQA representative to review your certification needs, contact us at 330-762-4231 today.