ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a short history of environmental management systems in the United States (US), follows with an analysis of each of the major provisions of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001 and how they have been received in the US. It deals with some general observations about the nature of ISO 14001 and how it might be implemented in the US. The top management of the organisation must define an environmental policy. This policy is intended to be top management's expression of its desires with respect to the environment. Setting objectives and targets is essentially the process of translating the generalities of the policy into defined goals. ISO 14001 also does not require organisations to design and maintain several systems to address different legal requirements around the world. Organisations must establish a programme for achieving their objectives and targets, including designating responsibility for achieving the objectives and targets and the time-frame within which they will be met.
