ABSTRACT
The end of a command-and-control regulatory system … insurance breaks … easier access to financing. These were among the expectations heaped onto ISO 14000 even before the voluntary series of environmental management system (EMS) standards left the starting blocks. Although the standards in the series have been developed at a varying pace, the series cornerstone — ISO 14001 — was published September 1, 1996. It provides the framework for organizations to implement an EMS. But much like Christmas morning, the heightened anticipation for ISO 14001 created a collective letdown when the standard finally arrived. Just three years into the life of the standard, some are actually disappointed that command-and-control is alive and well. And they’ve seen precious little evidence of insurance and financial breaks for companies sporting an ISO 14001 EMS.
