Chem395:ISO 14001

ACME Chemical Corporation

Report Outline

1. About ISO 14000
2. Advantages of ISO 14001 Standards for ACME
3. ISO 14000 Certification Process for ACME
4. Requirements and Implementation Recommendations for ACME
5. ISO 14000 Cost / Benefit Analysis for ACME
6. Conclusion

About ACME Chemical Corporation

Acme Chemical Company has become an internationally recognized leader in the manufacture of sulfur-based heterocyclic building blocks. Major products include 2 thiopheneacetyl chloride (TAC), 5-methoxybenzothiophene, 2 methylthiazoline and 2 chloro 4 aminothiazole. Customers include Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers and Glaxo Smithkline.

About ISO 14000

ISO 14000 is a series of environmental standards for companies to use to manage their impact on the environment. These standards, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provide a framework for companies to follow concerning their effects on the environment. The standards include many environmental disciplines and foster international associations for industrial practices to promote economic gain without harming the environment. The ISO14000 series standards include the following:

• ISO 14004 provides information on the development and implementation of EMS
• ISO 14010 outlines environmental auditing practices
• ISO 14011 guidance on EMS (Environmental Management Systems)
• 14012 information for auditors concerning ISO qualification

Advantages of ISO 14001 Standards for ACME

If ACME is ISO 14000 certified, we can have a positive affect on the environment. There are many advantages for ACME if we choose to become ISO 14000 certified, which can give our company an edge in competing with non –certified ISO 14000 companies. Being ISO certified will lessen many of the rigorous and time-consuming demands we face when dealing with the government agencies and inspections. These advantages are as follows:

The breakdown of the standards is as follows:

• Environmental Management System (Standards)
  • ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) – Outlines specifications used to guide company practices
  • ISO 14004 - Environmental Management Systems – Outlines general principles, systems and techniques to promote environmental practices
• Organizational Evaluation Standards
  • ISO 14010/11/12 - Guidelines for Environmental Auditing - General principles/Audit procedures/Qualification criteria for environmental auditors.

These documents are the guidelines that environmental auditors must satisfy. There are other ISO 14000 standards that deal with the assessment of environmental sites, eco- labeling, performance and life cycle assessment (LCA).

Advantages of ISO 14001 Standards for ACME

If ACME is ISO 14000 certified, we can have a positive affect on the environment. There are many advantages for ACME if we choose to become ISO 14000 certified, which can give our company an edge in competing with non –certified ISO 14000 companies. Being ISO certified will lessen many of the rigorous and time-consuming demands we face when dealing with the government agencies and inspections. These advantages are as follows:

• If ACME uses energy and other natural resources more efficiently, we can lower certain internal costs and increase productivity.

• ACME can reduce contamination and pollution

• There will be less fines, inspections and taxes by being ISO 14000 certified

• The insurance rates for ACME, as well as other environmental costs will be considerably reduced

• ACME will be favored by banks and other institutions

• ACME can become part of the growing international markets

• By being ISO 14000 certified, consumers will have more confidence in ACME and our reputation as an ISO certified corporation will be an asset