Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001

17. ISO 14000

 

· A set of standards that address environmental issues. This initiative began in 1993 when the ISO formed TC207 (technical committee).

 

· This set of standards is designed to be administered like the ISO9000 quality standards. Basically, documenting the process, and ensuring that the documented process is followed. - "say what you do, do what you say".

 

· ISO 9000 and 14000 are compatible and can be integrated.

 

· The standards include,

  1. - environmental management
  2. - environmental auditing
  3. - environmental labeling
  4. - environmental performance evaluation
  5. - life cycle assessment
  6. - environmental standards

 

· The standard includes the following sections,

  1. 14000 - the main guide to the 14000 standards
  2. 14001 - the most stringent environmental certification
  3. 14010-14019 - guidelines for auditing
    1. 14010 - the general principles of environmental auditing
    2. 14011-1 - auditing of environmental management systems
    3. 14011-2 - audits to check for compliance
    4. 14012 - qualification of auditors
    5. 14014 - a guide to performing an initial environmental review
  4. 14020-14024 - environmental labelling
    1. 14020 - basic principles for environmental labelling
    2. 14021 - terms and definitions for labelling
    3. 14022 - symbols used in labelling
    4. 14023 - testing and verification methods for labelling
    5. 14024 - methods used by labelling teams
  5. 14031 - methods for evaluating environmental performance
  6. 14041-14044 - life cycle assessment
    1. 14041 - code of practice
    2. 14042 - inventory
    3. 14043 - impact analysis
    4. 14044 - improvement analysis
  7. 14050 - terms and definitions
  8. 14060 - inclusion of environmental aspects in product standards

 

· As with ISO9000 the basic process is,

  1. 1. Make a decision to obtain certification.
  2. 2. Plan the preparation process (possibly hire a consultant).
  3. 3. Assess current practices.
  4. 4. Make required changes.
  5. 5. Document the corrected system.
  6. 6. Request a certification visit.
  7. 7. The certification team visits to ensure compliance.
  8. 8. Certification may be granted.
  9. 9. Internal audits and updates done as called for in ISO14000 documents.
  10. 10. Occasional visits to ensure compliance to renew certification.

 

 

17.1 PRACTICE PROBLEMS