ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the challenges in attracting the attention of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), introduces some mechanisms for advancing ISO 14001 with SMEs and larger entities as a better business tool and opportunity, and gives consideration to ISO 14001 as one of the tools for engaging SMEs in achieving sustainability. The ISO 14000 series of standards were developed to bridge the gap between trade and sustainability and reduce the potential for non-tariff trade barriers developing across political boundaries around environmental issues. ISO 14001 could well be a barrier to SMEs trading in the global village. Some of the benefits that can accrue to an organisation using ISO 14001 include: reduced costs due to the elimination of outdated or unnecessary equipment and/or revised streamlined processes and better-trained employees lead to improved attitudes towards the business. SMEs are big business in the global economy. Their health and wealth is critical to trade and sustainability.
