ABSTRACT
Worldwide competition among businesses, coupled with an ever increasing awareness of our environment and costs associated with its maintenance, have led businesses to look at environmental performance as a competitive differentiator. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has responded to this need and has formulated an internationally recognized set of environmental management standards. ISO is an internationally recognized, independent standard-setting body. ISO 14000 is a voluntary standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). It does not require compliance with the regulations of the country in which the company is situated. Becoming proactive in managing the environmental aspects of an organization will make good business sense. An effective EMS will provide the organization, its directors, its managers, and its employees with several important benefits. The three major areas of benefit are: market advantages, environmental compliance, and cost savings. An organization can be certified through third party auditing. This procedure involves identifying an accredited registrar firm for certification.
