Difference between revisions of "Chem395:ISO 14001"

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This page is for Jesse Federman's case presentation
+
==ACME Chemical Corporation==
 +
===Proposed ISO Certification 14001 Report===
 +
;Proposed by: Jesse Federman
 +
*Submitted March 21, 2008
 +
*Revised April 9, 2008
 +
*Revised April 9, 2008
  
[[Category:Chemistry 395]]
+
===Report Outline===
+
#About ISO 14000
:::::::::::ACME Chemical Corporation
+
#Advantages of ISO 14001 Standards for ACME
::::::::::Proposed ISO Certification 14001 Report
+
#ISO 14000 Certification Process for ACME
::::::::::::Proposed by: Jesse Federman
+
#Requirements and Implementation Recommendations for ACME
:::::::::::::Submitted March 21, 2008
+
#ISO 14000 Cost / Benefit Analysis for ACME
:::::::::::::Uploaded April 8, 2008
+
#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:  
  
:::::::::::::Report Outline
+
The breakdown of the standards is as follows:
:::•Introduction
+
*Environmental Management System (Standards)   
:::•Advantages of ISO 14001 Certification
+
**ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) – Outlines specifications used to guide company practices
:::•Framework
+
**ISO 14004 - Environmental Management Systems – Outlines general principles, systems and techniques to promote environmental practices
:::•Cost/ Benefit Analysis
+
*Organizational Evaluation Standards 
:::•ISO 14000 Requirements
+
**ISO 14010/11/12 - Guidelines for Environmental Auditing - General principles/Audit procedures/Qualification criteria for environmental auditors. 
:::•Implementation
+
These documents are the guidelines that environmental auditors must satisfy.
:::•Conclusion
+
There are other ISO 14000 standards that deal with the assessment of environmental sites, eco- labeling, performance and life cycle assessment (LCA).
:::•Budget Proposal
+
===Advantages of ISO 14001 Standards for ACME===
:::•Appendix A (Documents)
+
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.
  
*About ACME Chemical Corporation
+
*ACME can reduce contamination and pollution
“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.”
 
 
*Summary of Proposal
 
The ISO 14001 standard is welcomed for detailing the managerial and work "arrangements" to enable corporations to exercise effective control over the implementation of environmental policies. For ACME, the putative (money) benefits of these "arrangements" include the identification of the obstacles blocking policy implementation - organizational barriers, specification of realistic and monitorable goals and the means to align policies and programs with those goals, as well as the chemical processes ACME uses. The ISO 14001 outlines "risk avoidance" and places an emphasis on innovation and creativity. The ISO 14001 for ACME needs to incorporate participatory and more flexible systems of management.
 
  
*Introduction -What is ISO 14000?
+
*There will be less fines, inspections and taxes by being ISO 14000 certified
ISO 14000 is a series of environmental standards for companies to use a structure for managing their impact on the environment. These standards, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provide a framework for companies and businesses to follow to realize their effect on the environment. The standards include many environmental disciplines and foster international relations for industrial practices for economic and environmental gain.  This paper provides a summary of ISO 14000 Standards. The ISO14000 series standards include the following:
 
  
:::•ISO 14004 provides information on the development and implementation of EMS
+
*The insurance rates for ACME, as well as other environmental costs will be considerably reduced
:::•ISO 14010 provides general principles of environmental auditing
 
:::•ISO 14011 provides guidance on EMS (Environmental Management Systems)
 
:::•14012 provides information to guide auditors for ISO qualification
 
:::•ISO 14013/5 provides information for auditors and other assessment materials
 
:::•ISO 14020+ labeling topics
 
:::•ISO 14030+ provides information on performance and monitoring within an EMS
 
:::•ISO 14040+ covers life cycle issues / analysis
 
  
:::ISO14001 the most well known standard, but is the only ISO 14000 standard that exists where it is possible for a company to be certified by an external authority.The breakdown of the standards is as follows
+
*ACME will be favored by banks and other institutions
:::•Management System Standards   
 
ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS) – Specifications that provide guidance for company practices
 
ISO 14004 - Environmental Management Systems - General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques
 
:::•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 should satisfy.
 
Other ISO 14000 standards have reached the international standard stage.  They deal with environmental site assessment, environmental labeling, environmental performance, life cycle assessment, as well as terms and definitions.
 
  
*Advantages of ISO 14001 Standards for the Environmental Industry
+
*ACME can become part of the growing international markets 
  
Companies that are ISO 14000 certified positively affect the environment in many ways. There are several advantages ISO 14000 companies have over non-certified ISO 14000 companies. Being ISO certified will alleviate many of the pressures companies face. They are as follows
+
*By being ISO 14000 certified, consumers will have more confidence in ACME and our reputation as an ISO certified corporation will be an asset
:::•Using energy and natural resources more efficiently can lower other internal costs and increase productivity.  
+
There are other benefits for ACME to become ISO certified as well. Not only will ACME save money and time as well as better waste reduction practices, but by educating our valued employees about ISO 14000 they will feel energized about working at ACME and being a part of an environmentally friendly chemical plant. Training our employees about hazards, solutions and the ISO standards will make ACME a leader among our competitors. We will have the proper documentation for government inspectors, our employees, and insurance companies so that ACME is known to be compliant with federal regulations and organized and safe in its practices.  
 +
If ACME obtains ISO certification, it will increase our competitiveness in the chemical industry and allow us to form joint ventures with other companies. Achieving registration for the ISO 14001 EMS is costly (~$70,000 for ACME). It is possible for us to save money by becoming “ISO Ready”. This means that ISO 14001 standards are implemented throughout the company, but ACME will not be ISO certified. Depending on the external and internal benefits ACME is looking for, the decision to be ISO 14001 ready or ISO 14001 registered needs to be considered.
 +
===ISO 14000 Certification Process for ACME===
 +
Certification for ISO 14000 is not done through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), but rather through an independent auditor. Before this process begins, ACME must follow three critical steps. (1) ACME must comply with the specified ISO regulations and begin to incorporate them (2) ACME must provide its employees with ISO 14001 training and any other information they ask for (3) ACME must follow all government agency requirements and mandates.
 +
====Time Requirements for ISO Certification====
 +
Once ACME has followed these first three steps, it can begin registration. The registration to ISO 14001 requires a time-frame of about twelve to eighteen months.  It is important to note that it will take ACME near this amount of time to integrate the ISO 14000 standards into its practices.
 +
===Requirements and Implementation Recommendations for ACME ===
 +
Due to the recent explosion of the section of the plant producing DMBTFE, it is plausible to say that the “greener” processes we have worked on developing can start becoming part of our everyday practices. It can start by being applied to the TAC process. By being ISO certified, it will allow ACME to not only be safer, but more reliable. To be ISO 14001 registered (or ready), ACME must meet five environmental requirements.
  
:::•Reducing potential dangers: contamination and pollution
+
'''1.) ACME needs to publish an Environmental Policy'''
 +
*An EMS must be developed concerning ACME’s policy on issues and provide training about those issues as well as how to deal with them
 +
*The members of the EMS be the CEO, Shareholder Representative, Lawyer, Production Manager, Environmental Specialist and Supply Manager
 +
*Particular members would include, Martin Walker: President, Jesse Federman: Environmental Manager, Chris Murphy: Production Manager and Bob Johnson: Lab Manager, Jane Doe: Chief Financial Officer, Joe Smith: Union Organizer and Plant Foreman, Alison Carter: Quality Assurance Manager and Rich Pawliak: VP for Sales
 +
'''2.) ACME must have a Project Plan'''
 +
*Our company must outline the ways its affects the environment, through activities, production, service and waste disposal practices, this must be done through our present management committees 
 +
*We need to create a list of by-laws for ACME to adhere to, our lawyers will create this
 +
*ACME needs clear environmental objectives that deal with technology, finances and the law for environmental impacts, this can be done by our present management committees
 +
'''3.) ACME Implementing and Operating under ISO 14000'''
 +
*ACME must maintain procedures for communication, training, and competence to make sure that all employees are aware of the EMS, this will require training by the senior staff 
 +
*We need to establish universal procedures for employees, suppliers and customers, again our present committees can accomplish this
 +
*We need to produce an EMS / ISO 14001 manual, this must be done through the senior management
 +
*ACME must maintain the proper documentation for ISO 14001, through the book-keeping department
 +
*We need to identify potential hazards (processes, wastes etc) which can affect the environment, this can be accomplished by any staff member
 +
*ACME must have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, this must be approved by the senior management
 +
'''4.) Actions by ACME'''
 +
*We need to develop procedures with systems to monitor performance and ISO compliance, this must come from senior management
 +
*ACME must define the responsibility and authority for investigations of emergencies and negligence, this must also come from the senior management
 +
*ACME must establish a records system for EMS, bookkeeping positions can take over this role
 +
*Register for ISO 14001, this requires the EMS recommendation and the auditor recommendation for certification 
 +
'''5.) ACME Review'''
 +
*ACME must be reviewed itself internally and externally by an independent auditor for completeness and effectiveness for ISO 14000 Certification
 +
*ACME needs to hire an outside consultant to get ACME ISO certified and run periodic audits for compliance
 +
===ISO 14000 Cost / Benefit Analysis for ACME===
 +
For ACME to be a registered ISO 14000 certified company, there is a cost-benefit factor. ISO certification is not cheap – with a registration cost of approximately $70,000 for ACME (the cost is based on registration as well as auditing costs). Based on the budget projections, ACME has the resources to obtain ISO 14000 certification. At ACME we may not be aware of environmental hazards or faulty management techniques. As a result, it is important to hire an outside consultant to view the assimilation of the ISO 14000 standards. This is preferable instead of using internal consultants because of the cost of training and program maintenance.
 +
===Conclusion===
 +
ISO 14000 is a series of environmental standards for companies to use a structure for managing their impact on the environment. The standards include many environmental disciplines and foster international relations for industrial practices for economic and environmental gain.  The purpose of this report was to outline the benefits, regulations, timelines and appropriate actions for ACME to take in order to achieve ISO 14001 certification. For ACME, being ISO 14000 certified will reap many benefits in the company’s future and the environmental stance taken by ACME will be noticed by our competitors, customers, suppliers and the general public.
  
:::•Fewer fines, inspections, taxes, insurance rates, penalties and other environmental costs by conserving energy, reducing waste,and recycling
+
[[Category:Chem395]]
 
 
:::•Banks favor ISO 14001 certified companies
 
 
 
:::•Growing international markets
 
 
 
:::•Lower the time it takes for inspections which will benefit the company and the environmental industry
 
 
 
:::•Consumers will have more confidence in ISO 14001 certified companies that conform to international standards
 
 
 
The benefits of ISO certification are to-fold.They can be both internally and externally beneficial to the company. Internal benefits are saving money and time through waste reduction and lower energy usage for the ISO 14001 standards. Educating employees about hazards and solutions and then training them. Having the proper documentation and information for inspectors, employees, insurance companies or other parties is also another added benefit.Companies that utilize the ISO certification can increase their competitiveness in the market and form partnerships with other partners at home or abroad. Achieving registration for the ISO 14001 EMS is costly ($70,000 for ACME). Some companies choose to save money and be ISO ready, which means that ISO 14001 is implemented but the company is not registered. Depending on what benefits (both external and internal) ACME is looking for, the decision to be ISO 14001 ready or ISO 14001 registered need to be carefully considered.
 
 
 
*ISO 14000 Framework
 
Certification for ISO 14000 is independent of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is handled through an independent auditor and each country must create their own framework for registration (for instance each nation has its own council for ISO).The next stage is comprised of four parts. (1) company compliance with the ISO regulations (2) people who provide the ISO 140001 information (3) training and (4) government requirements and mandates.
 
Organizations can become accredited to certify EMS and environmental auditors. Such programs are governed by the appropriate council for each respective nation.
 
 
 
*Cost / Benefit Analysis
 
To be a registered ISO 14000 certified company, there is a cost-benefit factor. ISO certification is not cheap – with a registration cost ranging from $70,000 - $105,000 for companies with 2-100 employees). There must an assessment of registration costs, ISO implementation and auditing costs.It is known that some companies are not fully aware of certain environmental hazards or posses faulty management techniques. Such practices can hurt a company and cause monetary and environmental damage than necessary. It is important to hire a consultant to implement ISO 14000 standards instead of using internal consultants because of the cost of training and other internal costs.There are three ways that a company can become ISO ready. (1) To save money, self-auditing can be done for the first party evaluation. This is not a common practice among companies (2) hire ISO 14001 consultants (3) become registered or remain ready for registration.
 
:::Time Requirements for ISO Certification
 
Registration to ISO 14001 requires about twelve to eighteen months.  This is about the same time that it takes to implement the ISO 14001standards.
 
:::Requirements and Implementation
 
To be ISO 14001 registered (or ready), a company must meet five environmental requirements.
 
::::::1.A Clear Company Environmental Policy
 
Senior management is required to:
 
•Establish an EMS and develop a company policy on issues and provide education about those issues and possible solutions regarding them 
 
:::2.Clear Project Planning
 
•The company must define the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services, and their impacts on the environment;
 
•Compile a list of regulations and laws that apply to itself;
 
•Set out its environmental objectives and targets considering environmental impacts, legal requirements, technological options and financial requirements; and
 
•Create an environmental management program (water use, electricity use)
 
:::3.Implementation and Operation
 
•Provide employees with the structure and responsibility of its processes
 
•Establish / maintain procedures for communication, training, awareness and competence to make sure that all employees are aware of the EMS
 
•Establish appropriate procedures to communicate with interested parties (employees, suppliers, customers);
 
•Produced an EMS / ISO 14001 manual
 
•Establish procedures for controlling documentation for ISO 14001 
 
•Identify activities and processes which can affect the environment
 
•Identify emergency events and design emergency action plans (EAP) 
 
•Conduct internal auditing
 
•Hire consultants for auditing or registration
 
:::4.Checking and Corrective Action
 
•Develop procedures with monitoring / measuring systems to monitor performance and compliance for specified goals
 
•Define the responsibility and authority for investigations of emergencies and issues of non-compliance
 
•Create a records system for EMS
 
•Decide whether or not to register for ISO 14001
 
:::5.Management Review
 
•Company review of the EMS for completeness and effectiveness
 
*Conclusion
 
ISO 14000 is a series of environmental standards for companies to use a structure for managing their impact on the environment. The standards include many environmental disciplines and foster international relations for industrial practices for economic and environmental gain.  For numerous companies, ISO certification allows for a “competitive edge in the market by showing concern for environmental issues.” 1 The purpose of this report was to outline the benefits, regulations, timelines and appropriate actions for ACME to achieve ISO 14001 certification.
 
 
 
*References
 
1.) www.ISO.org
 
 
 
*Appendix A – ISO 14001 Documents
 
 
 
• Forward to ISO 14001 Guide
 
 
 
• International Standardization Profile
 

Latest revision as of 09:11, 31 July 2009

ACME Chemical Corporation

Proposed ISO Certification 14001 Report

Proposed by
Jesse Federman
  • Submitted March 21, 2008
  • Revised April 9, 2008
  • Revised April 9, 2008

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

There are other benefits for ACME to become ISO certified as well. Not only will ACME save money and time as well as better waste reduction practices, but by educating our valued employees about ISO 14000 they will feel energized about working at ACME and being a part of an environmentally friendly chemical plant. Training our employees about hazards, solutions and the ISO standards will make ACME a leader among our competitors. We will have the proper documentation for government inspectors, our employees, and insurance companies so that ACME is known to be compliant with federal regulations and organized and safe in its practices. If ACME obtains ISO certification, it will increase our competitiveness in the chemical industry and allow us to form joint ventures with other companies. Achieving registration for the ISO 14001 EMS is costly (~$70,000 for ACME). It is possible for us to save money by becoming “ISO Ready”. This means that ISO 14001 standards are implemented throughout the company, but ACME will not be ISO certified. Depending on the external and internal benefits ACME is looking for, the decision to be ISO 14001 ready or ISO 14001 registered needs to be considered.

ISO 14000 Certification Process for ACME

Certification for ISO 14000 is not done through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), but rather through an independent auditor. Before this process begins, ACME must follow three critical steps. (1) ACME must comply with the specified ISO regulations and begin to incorporate them (2) ACME must provide its employees with ISO 14001 training and any other information they ask for (3) ACME must follow all government agency requirements and mandates.

Time Requirements for ISO Certification

Once ACME has followed these first three steps, it can begin registration. The registration to ISO 14001 requires a time-frame of about twelve to eighteen months. It is important to note that it will take ACME near this amount of time to integrate the ISO 14000 standards into its practices.

Requirements and Implementation Recommendations for ACME

Due to the recent explosion of the section of the plant producing DMBTFE, it is plausible to say that the “greener” processes we have worked on developing can start becoming part of our everyday practices. It can start by being applied to the TAC process. By being ISO certified, it will allow ACME to not only be safer, but more reliable. To be ISO 14001 registered (or ready), ACME must meet five environmental requirements.

1.) ACME needs to publish an Environmental Policy

  • An EMS must be developed concerning ACME’s policy on issues and provide training about those issues as well as how to deal with them
  • The members of the EMS be the CEO, Shareholder Representative, Lawyer, Production Manager, Environmental Specialist and Supply Manager
  • Particular members would include, Martin Walker: President, Jesse Federman: Environmental Manager, Chris Murphy: Production Manager and Bob Johnson: Lab Manager, Jane Doe: Chief Financial Officer, Joe Smith: Union Organizer and Plant Foreman, Alison Carter: Quality Assurance Manager and Rich Pawliak: VP for Sales

2.) ACME must have a Project Plan

  • Our company must outline the ways its affects the environment, through activities, production, service and waste disposal practices, this must be done through our present management committees
  • We need to create a list of by-laws for ACME to adhere to, our lawyers will create this
  • ACME needs clear environmental objectives that deal with technology, finances and the law for environmental impacts, this can be done by our present management committees

3.) ACME Implementing and Operating under ISO 14000

  • ACME must maintain procedures for communication, training, and competence to make sure that all employees are aware of the EMS, this will require training by the senior staff
  • We need to establish universal procedures for employees, suppliers and customers, again our present committees can accomplish this
  • We need to produce an EMS / ISO 14001 manual, this must be done through the senior management
  • ACME must maintain the proper documentation for ISO 14001, through the book-keeping department
  • We need to identify potential hazards (processes, wastes etc) which can affect the environment, this can be accomplished by any staff member
  • ACME must have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, this must be approved by the senior management

4.) Actions by ACME

  • We need to develop procedures with systems to monitor performance and ISO compliance, this must come from senior management
  • ACME must define the responsibility and authority for investigations of emergencies and negligence, this must also come from the senior management
  • ACME must establish a records system for EMS, bookkeeping positions can take over this role
  • Register for ISO 14001, this requires the EMS recommendation and the auditor recommendation for certification

5.) ACME Review

  • ACME must be reviewed itself internally and externally by an independent auditor for completeness and effectiveness for ISO 14000 Certification
  • ACME needs to hire an outside consultant to get ACME ISO certified and run periodic audits for compliance

ISO 14000 Cost / Benefit Analysis for ACME

For ACME to be a registered ISO 14000 certified company, there is a cost-benefit factor. ISO certification is not cheap – with a registration cost of approximately $70,000 for ACME (the cost is based on registration as well as auditing costs). Based on the budget projections, ACME has the resources to obtain ISO 14000 certification. At ACME we may not be aware of environmental hazards or faulty management techniques. As a result, it is important to hire an outside consultant to view the assimilation of the ISO 14000 standards. This is preferable instead of using internal consultants because of the cost of training and program maintenance.

Conclusion

ISO 14000 is a series of environmental standards for companies to use a structure for managing their impact on the environment. The standards include many environmental disciplines and foster international relations for industrial practices for economic and environmental gain. The purpose of this report was to outline the benefits, regulations, timelines and appropriate actions for ACME to take in order to achieve ISO 14001 certification. For ACME, being ISO 14000 certified will reap many benefits in the company’s future and the environmental stance taken by ACME will be noticed by our competitors, customers, suppliers and the general public.