ISO 14001 is the code for environmental management system certification. The ISO 14000 series standards are environmental management system standards formulated by the International Organization for Standardization. It is formulated in response to the increasingly serious global environmental pollution and ecological destruction, as well as major environmental issues such as ozone layer destruction, global climate change, and the loss of biodiversity, which threaten the future survival and development of humanity. It is in line with the development of international environmental protection and in accordance with the needs of international economic and trade development.
Background of ISO 14001
With the outbreak of public hazards in some developed countries in the mid-19th century, humanity began to recognize the emergence and severity of environmental problems. The emergence of environmental pollution and public hazards has gradually made people realize from the process of pollution control that in order to effectively protect the environment, human society must strengthen management of its own economic development behavior. Therefore, countries around the world have formulated various laws, regulations, and environmental standards, and attempted to enforce these laws, regulations, and standards on enterprises through means such as permits to improve the environment.
It is precisely in this international trend of environmental management that, considering the inconsistent environmental management tools and corresponding standard requirements adopted by countries, regions, and organizations, may create new 'protectionism' and technological barriers for some countries, thereby affecting international trade. The National Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognizes its responsibility and opportunities, and responds to the call of the United Nations to implement sustainable development, In June 1993, the ISO/TC207 Environmental Management Technical Committee was established to officially carry out the development of environmental management standards. It is hoped that through the standardization of environmental management tools, voluntary environmental management activities of enterprises and social organizations will be standardized, promoting the improvement of organizational environmental performance, and supporting global sustainable development and environmental protection work.
The Positive Significance of ISO 14000 Standard for Enterprises
1. Establish a corporate image and increase the company's visibility
2. Encourage enterprises to consciously comply with environmental laws and regulations
3. Encourage enterprises to consider their impact on the environment in their production, operation, service, and other activities, and reduce environmental load
4. Enable enterprises to obtain a 'green pass' to enter the international market
5. Enhance the environmental awareness of enterprise employees
6. Promote enterprises to save energy, recycle waste, and reduce operating costs
7. Encourage enterprises to strengthen environmental management