ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a personal view of the values that companies are placing on these standards and certification. It is clear that environmental management standards (EMS) and third-party certification may not meet the needs of all businesses and their stakeholders. Governments are examining the need to require certification as a condition of contract and may wish to set an example to industry. The standards provide a useful model to help companies without their own formal EMSs develop systems commensurate with the risks that they are facing. Companies are beginning to see financial returns resulting from the adoption of EMSs in the form of cost savings, risk aversion or reduced business interruption. Some companies find that the easiest route to meet the requirements of the standards is through developing stand-alone environmental management systems that are separate from existing business processes. Individual accreditation bodies are establishing their own criteria for EMS certification, in particular for International Organisation for Standardisation 14001.
