ABSTRACT
A compliant environmental management system (EMS) can help gain an advantage over competitors and may even be required to qualify for contracts or sales opportunities. The EMS standards are designed to accomplish the same basic goal: improve environmental performance through the implementation of an environmental management system. The International Standards Organization (ISO) established a Strategic Advisory Group on the Environment (SAGE) in 1991 to consider the need to develop international standards relating to protection of the environment. Since that time, ISO technical committees have developed and passed draft standards pertaining to environmental management systems (ISO 14000). In addition to the ISO 14000 environmental management series of standards, ISO has developed other standards relating to environmental protection and worker health and safety. Total Quality Environmental Management employee incentive and reward systems, and other advanced management methods are included as important features or adjuncts to their EMS.
