ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to demonstrate that International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001 is just a minimum standard or the 'building blocks' for developing and implementing environmental management systems. It explains how it is possible to go beyond the specifications of ISO 14001 when developing an environmental management system Using Ontario Hydro, a large North American electric utility as a case study. In an attempt to implement consistent environmental management systems throughout the company, Ontario Hydro produced a corporate EMS model. The ISO model identifies 'Environmental Policy' and 'Management Review' as main elements, yet neither are referred to in the Ontario Hydro EMS model. From Ontario Hydro's perspective, the decision to make ISO 14001 the corporate standard for environmental management systems was very significant, because the company had an internationally-recognised standard that provided the guidelines for developing environmental management systems. In the ISO 14001 standard, 'Communication' is included as a sub-element within the 'Implementation and Operation' element.
