Subject: ISO 14000 - The Future for Environmental Management
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ISO 14000 - The Future for Environmental Management |
1. Introduction 1.1 There is a growing need for nations to become accountable for their actions towards the environment and to develop comprehensive, integrated and progressive environmental policies and management tools which focus on sustainability and "green" planning 1.2 From an environmental standpoint, these policies and tools must enable the maintenance of a dynamic environmental equilibrium in which overall demands on the environment are in balance with its regenerative capacity for the future 1.3 National government bodies, industry and other organizations need to be proactive to react to environmental issues as they emerge and to deal with problems quickly and effectively through the implementation of efficient and comprehensive environmental management systems 1.4 Environmental policies need to focus on stewardship and a collective responsibility toward future generations, with a maintenance of the overall quality of life, continued access to natural resources and the avoidance of lasting environmental damage 1.5 The introduction of the ISO 14000 series will provide organizations with guidance on how to sustainably and successfully manage and reduce environmental impacts through management functions, while at the same time allowing for high levels of socioeconomic growth and dedication to sustainable development 2. Sustainable Development 2.1 The concept of sustainable development was introduced in the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report, published by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), and entitled "Our Common Future" 2.2 The WCED report, designed to serve as a framework for future environmental policies, described sustainable development as "...a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development...institutional change and the ability of the biosphere (where life is found: air, water and land) to absorb the effects of human activities are consistent with future as well as present needs" 2.3 Conditions leading to the call for sustainable development include;- · Increasing population densities · Increasing concentration of populations in urban areas · Increasing rates of per capita resource use · Overharvesting of renewable resources · Exhaustion of nonrenewable resources · Mismanagement of natural capital · Degradation of environmental quality · Extinction of species · Greater risks to individual human health, safety and security · Increasing disparity in living standards · Escalating terrorism, local warfare and threats to national security 2.4 Sustainable development implies that the earth's resources will be used in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generation's to meet their own needs 2.5 In short, sustainable development involves the balancing of economic growth with environmental protection which may involve implementing pollution prevention, reducing the use of toxic and waste substances and slowing the depletion of non-renewable resources 2.6 Sustainable development holds mankind responsible for existing environmental circumstances and challenges man to accept the responsibility to institute the changes necessary to achieve sustainability in future development 2.7 The concept of sustainable development consists of four interrelated ideas, including;- · Meeting both present and future needs--which establishes the goal for sustainability · Meeting needs--which defines the goal for development · Maintaining consistency between population size and ecosystem productive capacity--which recognizes that there are limits and requirements for balance · Implementing a process of change--which acknowledges that the definition of needs and the requirements for attaining a sustainable balance will change with situations, conditions and time 2.8 The idea of sustainable development emerged in a broader sense as a result of agreements entered into at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 2.9 The conference called upon the need for further internationally accepted and adopted environmental standards and increased focus on environmental management issues 2.10 Following the Rio conference, a series of standards and guidance documents were produced which outlined principles for achieving sustainable development in environmental policy and other environmental and quality management issues, including;- · Agenda 21 · BS 5750, BS 7750 · ISO 9000 series · Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Sustainable Development in Hong Kong 2.11 Plans were announced in the Second Review of Progress on the 1989 White Paper "Pollution of Hong Kong--A Time to Act" in 1993 and the 1994 Policy Address to consider how best to incorporate the concept of sustainable development into the Hong Kong environmental policy and planning framework 2.12 The Third Review of the White Paper, published on 25 March 1996 outlined the Government's views on the intention of the government to carry out a study on sustainable development and in July 1996, Legco approved HK$40 M to be directed towards a study of sustainable development for Hong Kong 2.13 The study will examine how environmental sustainability in Hong Kong should be defined and applied, taking into account economic and social factors, and what systems or institutional mechanisms would be necessary to help its achievement 2.14 The study will include environmental and ecological baseline studies to assess the environmental and ecological conditions currently present in Hong Kong and will provide essential information for implementing the concept of environmental sustainability into the development of Hong Kong into the 21st century 3. Development of ISO 14000 3.1 The Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-government body whose purpose it is to develop voluntary, consensus private sector standards 3.2 ISO formed the Strategic Advisory Group on the Environment (SAGE) in mid- 1991 to assess the need for international standards in environmental management and to recommend an overall strategic plan for their development; in 1992, SAGE returned the recommendation that ISO develop a series of standards in the field of environmental management 3.3 ISO is in the process of developing the new ISO 14000 standards, under the auspices of the appointed Technical Committee 207, TC 207, (secretariat awarded to Canada) 3.4 TC 207 originally was set up in January 1993 to study the need for standardization of environmental management practices and to produce a final set of standards for;- · Environmental management systems · Environmental audits · Environmental labeling assessment · Environmental performance evaluations · Product life cycle management 3.5 The scope of TC 207 specifically excludes the setting of traditional, limit-level, prescriptive standards and instead covers more strategic policy; to develop process standards for environmental management systems and associated management tools 3.6 Furthermore, TC 207 is excluded from;- · developing test methods for pollutants which are the responsibility of ISO/TC 146 (Air Quality), ISO/TC 147 (Water Quality), ISO/TC 190 (Soil Quality) and ISO/TC 43 (Acoustics) · setting limit values regarding pollutants or effluents · setting environmental performance levels · standardization of products 3.7 TC 207 is also aimed at ensuring a close co-operation with ISO/TC 176 in its work in the quality management (ISO 9000) and audit standards (ISO 10000) field 4. Goal of ISO 14000 4.1 The development of the ISO 14000 standards was based on the need to create a standardized, guidance infrastructure that would allow nations, on a global scale, to approach environmental issues in an integrated, comprehensive and progressive fashion with a focus on achieving sustainable development 4.2 Four main benefits of developing the ISO 14000 series include;- · having a single, global set of environmental management system guidance standards · the development of a common, global approach to voluntary and self-directed environmental management · enhancement of the ability to measure levels of sustainability and environmental performance through auditing methods · harmonization of non-uniform standards for a range of environmental impact issues 4.3 The ISO 14000 series was instigated partially as a result of the growing pressure on companies/industry, from the government, the public, stockholders, financial institutions, environmental groups, consumers, etc, to demonstrate better environmental stewardship, management and accountability both domestically and across international borders 4.4 The ISO 14000 standards should lay out the tools and systems for the management of environmental issues and impacts and the conduct of product evaluations 4.5 The series aims to provide guidance on process issues rather than developing prescription based regulations; ISO 14001 is a specification standard to which companies may register for certification as followers of the guidance standards for developing environmental management systems 4.6 The ISO 14000 standards are meant to be applicable to large, medium sized and small organizations in both developed and developing countries 5. Timetable for Implementation 5.1 TC 207 has given priority to the development of the environmental management system (EMS) standards including guideline and specification documents as well as standards for the auditing of an EMS including documents for principles, procedures and auditor qualifications 5.2 In all, 17 ISO 14000 documents were completed or in progress by late 1995; current drafts of ISO 14000 are scheduled for review and processing to begin in Summer 1996 5.3 ISO 14004 (EMS Guideline Document) and ISO 14001 (EMS Specification Document) and three Environmental Auditing documents dealing with Audit Procedures, Auditing Principles and Auditor Qualifications are projected to progress to full International Standards status in Fall 1996 5.4 See Table 1 for the ISO 14000 series of documents and the target publication dates Table 1. ISO 14000 Series of Environmental Management Documents (as of July, 1995) (Source: Green Productivity, September 1995) Doc. No. Document Title Committee Status Target ISO 14000 EMS- General Guidelines on Principles, Systems and Supporting Techniques SC1/WG2 DIS Fall '96 ISO 14001 EMS- Specification with Guidance for Use SC1/WG1 DIS Fall '96 ISO 14010 EA- General Principles of Environmental Auditing SC2/WG1 DIS Fall '96 ISO 14011.1 EA- Audit Procedures- Part 1: Auditing of EMS SC2/WG2 DIS Fall '96 ISO 14012 EA- Qualification Criteria for Environmental Auditors SC2/WG3 DIS Fall '96 ISO 14020 EL- Basic Principles of Environmental Labeling SC3/WG3 Working Draft - ISO 14021 EL- Self Declaration- Environmental Claims- Terms and Definitions SC3/WG2 Committee Draft for Ballot - ISO 14022 EL- Symbols SC3/WG2 Working Draft Fall '97 ISO 14023 EL- Testing and Verification Methodologies SC3/WG2 Preparation Stage Fall '97 ISO 14024 EL- Practitioner Programs- Guiding principles, practices and certification procedures of multiple criteria (type1) programs SC3/WG1 Committee Draft for Ballot - ISO 14031 Environmental Performance Evaluation SC4/ WG1&2 Working Draft 1998 ISO 14040 LCA- General Principles and Practices SC5/WG3 Committee Draft for Ballot - ISO 14041 LCA- Goal and Definition/Scope and Inventory Assessment SC5/ WG2&3 Working Draft Fall '96 ISO 14042 LCA- Impact Assessment SC5/WG4 Preparation Stage 1998 ISO 14043 LCA- Improvement Assessment SC5/WG5 Preparation Stage Fall '97 ISO 14050 Terms and Definitions SC5 Working Draft - ISO 14060 Guide for the Inclusion of Environmental Aspects in Product Standards WG1 DIS Spring '97 6. ISO 9000 as a Precursor to ISO 14000 6.1 ISO 9000 is an international standard for a basic management system of quality assurance that is intended to equalize quality systems between companies and countries 6.2 ISO 9000 standards on quality management and quality assurance are essentially the forerunners of the developing ISO 14000 standards in the field of environmental management 6.3 The ISO 9000 series of standards describes the basic elements of a quality management system and provides guidance for implementing and auditing the quality system 6.4 The standards focus on basic management elements such as developing policies for quality, putting a system in place to achieve objectives, measuring and monitoring progress, reviewing and auditing the system and making appropriate improvements 6.5 Although the ultimate purpose of the ISO 9000 standards is to improve products or services, the standards do not specifically apply to products or services themselves but to the processes and systems that produce those products or services 6.6 Thus, the ISO 9000 standards focus on the management process of an organization, which in turn yields consistency of the products produced 6.7 Marketplace pressure has been the primary driver for third-party ISO 9000 registration although additional internal benefits for registration include;- · better operating efficiency · higher quality of products · reduced costs · greater productivity 6.8 A key concept from ISO 9000 quality management standards has been integrated into the scope of work for TC 207, namely that management standards were process standards and , as such, were not to specify end goals 7. What is ISO 14000? 7.1 ISO 14000 refers to a series of voluntary, consensus international environmental standards designed to provide guidance in developing effective and appropriate environmental management systems, tools and audits 7.2 The ISO 14000 series is not intended to set performance goals, benchmarks or limits but to specify the elements of a system that aims to achieve a consistent and reliable process to consistently meet environmental aims and obligations 7.3 Despite their being voluntary standards, the ISO 14000 series may become a de facto market-driven requirement for companies, both domestically and internationally (similar to ISO 9000), and is designed to enable the provision of assurance of performance through audits 7.4 The ISO 14000 series addresses a broad range of environmental impact issues, including;- · Environmental management systems · Environmental auditing · Environmental labeling assessment · Environmental performance evaluation · Product life cycle management 7.5 Despite the voluntary status, the series is being prepared with the participation and support of more than thirty countries, encompassing most of the important trading nations, including; the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Germany, France, the People's Republic of China and Canada 7.6 Once the ISO 14000 series is fully published, it is envisaged that the governments of many of these countries will encourage and support its adoption within their borders either through direct incorporation into national legislation or through local amendment processes 8. Key Elements of ISO 14000 8.1 The ISO 14000 series consists of voluntary guidance standards which do not assign conformance responsibility to participating organizations,- ISO 14001 is an exception in that it is an EMS specification document with which organizations may seek third-party verification/ registration 8.2 The series is intended to serve as an effective guidance system through which organizations may become responsible citizens with a management focus on commitment and the implementation of efficient and sustainable environmental policies and environmental management systems 8.3 Key requirements of the policy which the series encompasses include;- · Environmental protection as one of the highest corporate priorities with clear assignment of responsibilities and accountabilities to all employees · Compliance with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to the company's activities, products and services · Ongoing communications on environmental commitment and performance with all shareholders · Strategic planning that sets forth environmental performance objectives and targets, implemented through a disciplined management process · Periodic performance measurement (as well as systems audits and management reviews) to achieve continual improvement wherever possible · Full integration with health and safety, quality, finance, business planning and other essential management processes · Focus on EMS and looks for attributes that would sustain sound environmental decision making and performance · Top management commitment · Third-party registration, through ISO 14001, or self-declaration for companies that meet the ISO 14000 standards 9. Comparison of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 9.1 The ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards share the goal of developing process rather than performance standards 9.2 Other aspects of both standards are presented in the following table and include;- ISO 9000 ISO 14000 Aims Provides to supplier organizations a means for demonstrating to customer organizations the achievement of requirements for quality; enhances the achievement of a supplier organization in providing overall performance in relation to objectives for quality. Provides organizations with the elements of an environmental management system; provides assistance to organizations considering the implementation or improvement of an environmental management system, including advice on enhancing such a system to meet environmental performance expectations. Structure Mixture of management activities, process requirements, and verification requirements; separate guidance standard. Adheres to "plan-do-check-act" type of business model; separate guidance standard. Contents Both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 include the elements of management commitment and responsibility, management system documentation, document control, operational control, training, monitoring and measurement, nonconformance and corrective action, records and audits ISO 9001 includes discrete elements of quality planning, product identification and traceability, and statistical techniques. ISO 14001 includes discrete elements of environmental aspects, legal requirements, objectives and targets, environmental management program, communications, and emergency preparedness and response. 10. What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)? 10.1 Definitions of EMS as provided by three separate documents on environmental management systems;- · ISO 14001: "the organizational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for implementing and maintaining environmental management" · BS 7750: "the organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources for implementing environmental management" · Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS): "that part of the overall management system which includes the organizational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for determining and implementing the environmental policy" 10.2 The major elements of an EMS include reviews of activities and organizational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures and resources for determining, documenting and implementing relevant and effective environmental policy 10.3 An EMS generally involves the following;- · an assessment of the existing practices and situation of an organization · a register of all environmental effects associated with the company's activities, established through an initial environmental review · a list of all legislation relevant and applicable to the environmental aspects of the activities, products and services of the organization · development of a corporate environmental policy and environmental management plan, both working towards fulfilling the concept of sustainable development and including a mission statement of the company, its strategic objectives and operational plans · the setting of environmental performance objectives and targets for both current and future activities, which may include;- -suppliers, contractors, etc. -product stewardship -environmental communications -regulatory relationships -environmental incident response and preparedness -process risk reduction -hazardous material management/substitution -waste and water management -air quality management -energy management and transportation -occupational safety and health issues -management and employee training · development of environmental performance evaluation procedures · clarification, documentation and communication of management responsibilities and appointment of a green manager with a focus on employee commitment · establishment of an effective environmental training program for all employees within the organization which will raise awareness, enhance skills for dealing with environmental issues and stress compliance with relevant legislation · implementation of a system which reliably manages the performance of the organization, for both current and future activities · documentation of the system communicated to all employees and distributed to all interested parties, especially to the public · establishment of non-conformance and corrective and preventive action procedures · regular checking, reviewing and auditing of company practices and management commitment to reflect changing conditions with a focus on continual improvement 10.4 An environmental management program should be developed as part of the EMS, the goals of which shall include;- · plans for the achievement of set environmental objectives and targets · the designation of committed, responsible actions of all individuals at every level within the organization · a reasonable and achievable timeframe for the implementation of planned changes 10.5 From a managerial point of view, an EMS enables a company to develop and maintain a well organized management structure that ensures compliance with environmental legislation and focuses on pollution prevention, minimization of environmental impacts and continual improvement in the environmental arena 10.6 Additional incentives to forming an EMS include potential financial gains which may be achieved by reducing unnecessary wastes and emissions and by having a high level of overall environmental performance 10.7 Five key areas of focus for an environmental management system, as identified by ISO 14000 requirements include;- · Environmental Policy · Planning · Implementation and Operation · Checking and Corrective Action · Management Review 11. Benefits of EMS Implementation 11.1 Some potential benefits resulting from the implementation of a coordinated EMS for an organization include;- Natural · Clean Air, Water, Soil · Prevention and/or significant reduction of pollution and waste generation · Improved health and safety of interested parties · Reduction in the use of non-renewable resources · Improved conservation and efficient use of natural resources Corporate · Reduced financial costs through reduction in consumption of resources and through waste minimization · Reduction and/or avoidance of potential emergency situations · Avoidance of incidence of non-compliance with legislation and reduction in fines and cleanup costs · Reduction in the cost of gaining capital, financial backing, insurance and valuation by becoming an "environmentally friendly" organization · Improved marketing advantage as a "green" operation · Increased staff morale and occupational safety and health standards · Improved customer, client and community relations · Increased documentation, communication and feedback of environmental policies and initiatives 12. Division of ISO 14000 into Categories 12.1 The ISO 14000 series of standards and guidance documents may be divided into two separate areas;- · ORGANIZATION EVALUATION, which includes three subsystems;- -Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14000, 14001) -Environmental Auditing (ISO 14010-12) -Environmental Performance Evaluation (ISO 14031) · PRODUCT EVALUATION, which consists of three separate applications and includes environmental aspects in;- -Product Standards -Environmental Labeling (ISO 14020-24) -Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14041-44) 12.2 The following figure is a representation of the ISO 14000 series of environmental management standards and their relative organization Table 2. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION EVALUATION PRODUCT & PROCESS EVALUATION Environmental Life Cycle Management Assessment System Environmental Environmental Environmental Environmental Performance Auditing Labeling Aspects Evaluation in Product Standards 13. ISO 14000, TC 207 Subcommittees and Working Groups 13.1 To fulfill its aims, the program of work of TC 207 has been divided up among six subcommittees and numerous working groups, resulting in over 20 active projects 13.2 Each of the six Subcommittees (SCs) deals with separate, specific areas, including;- · SC1, Environmental Management Systems (EMS) -has made significant distinction between management systems' specification for certification or registration purposes and a more broadly defined management systems guide not intended for registration purposes -the specification document, ISO 14001, will contain the core verifiable elements of the system and can be used much like the quality assurance standards ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 9003 -the five key aspects of ISO 14001 include;- -Commitment and policy -Planning -Implementation -Measurement and evaluation -Review and improvement -elements defined within ISO 14001 delineate a comprehensive EMS, and although they are all required to be in place, the document is flexible in its approach to implementation -the divisions and requirements of ISO 14001 are as follows;- ISO 14001 Requirements 4.1 Environmental policy 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4 Environmental aspects Legal and other requirements Objectives and targets Environmental management program 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 4.3.5 4.3.6 Structure and responsibility Training, awareness and competence Communication Environmental documentation Document control Operational control 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 Monitoring and measurement Non-conformance and corrective and preventive action Records Environmental management system audit 4.5 Management review -the ISO 14000 guidance document will view environmental management as a tool which will enable both improved environmental performance and a competitive business advantage for participating organizations · SC2, Environmental Auditing (EA) -documents have been prepared which draft general principles of environmental auditing, applicable to the audit of any element of an organization's environmental management program and which outline procedures for the auditing of an environmental management system · SC3, Environmental Labeling (EL) -deals with product environmental labeling programs, addresses environmental labeling self-declaration claims and is involved with other basic principles of environmental labeling -standards are in development for harmonizing over two dozen national eco-labeling programs and the environmental claims made by product manufacturers regarding the associated environmental impacts of products and product packaging · SC4, Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE) -plans for standardization in the field of environmental performance evaluation for use by organizations to measure, assess and communicate their environmental performance for appropriate management purposes · SC5, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) -goal is to provide environmental managers and life cycle assessment practitioners with an introduction to the life cycle concept for products and goods and to provide a description of life cycle methodology -functions through five working groups including; Life cycle assessment-general principles and procedures, Life cycle inventory- general, Life cycle inventory-specific, Life cycle impact assessment and Life cycle improvement assessment · SC6, Terms and Definitions (T&D) -functions to serve the other five subcommittees; shall produce an ISO standard on terms and definitions within the environmental field and will seek to develop and maintain liaisons with relevant internal bodies on air and water quality and quality management etc. 13.3 Additionally, TC 207 and several of the subcommittees are taking steps to establish and strengthen links with organizations that will use or reference standards in the ISO 14000 series, including;- · European Committee for Standardization (CEN) · World Trade Organization (WTO) · ISO/TC 176 in the quality management systems, and the · ISO Council Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) 13.4 The ISO/TC 207 structure is displayed in the following table;- SECRETARIAT: CANADA Subcommittee 1 Subcommittee 2 Environmental Environmental Management Auditing Systems UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLANDS Subcommittee 3 Subcommittee 4 Environmental Environmental Labeling Performance Evaluation AUSTRALIA UNITED STATES Subcommittee 5 Subcommittee 6 Working Group 1 Life Cycle Terms and Environmental Assessment Definitions Aspects in Product FRANCE Standards & GERMANY NORWAY GERMANY 13.5 The ISO standards development process is presented in the following flowchart;- ISO Standards Development Process New work item proposal TC votes as appropriate Accepted New work item assigned to SC; SC assigns to WG Rejected Working Draft (WD) SC votes to progress document to committee draft (CD) Accepted Committee Draft (CD) Rejected SC votes to progress document to draft international standard (DIS) Accepted Draft International Standard (DIS) Rejected ISO & TC vote to progress document to international standard Accepted International Standard 14. Impact of ISO 14000 14.1 It is expected that ISO 14000 will be a very significant development in environmental management system standards and will exert tremendous influence at various levels 14.2 The implementation of EMSs that comply with ISO 14000 requirements and achieving third-party registration with the ISO 14000 series may well become a de facto requirement to do business 14.3 The ISO 14000 series will have a number of impacts on companies, industry, the government, nations and policymakers · Company -the ISO 14001 standard could help companies demonstrate sound environmental management by providing a vehicle for third party certification of adherence to its provisions -ISO 14000 will affect the ways in which an organization conducts its dealings with suppliers, contractors, customers, bankers, creditors and other parties -it will affect the ways in which the company operates and manages internal procedures -production processes, use of materials, management practices and employee relationships can all be affected through the implementation of ISO 14000 -several countries are considering giving preference in procurement contracts to companies that install an EMS that conforms to ISO 14000 requirements -market pressure may drive registration to ISO 14001 since there is a growing trend for organizations and government institutions to want to deal with environmentally sound companies · Industry -with ISO 14000, industry must improve not only environmental performance but also business performance, not just for large transnational companies but for SMEs and businesses in developing countries -ISO 14000 will exert pressure on industrial or business sectors that cannot meet the suggested environmental standards, as these industries may be labeled environmentally 'unfriendly' operations -ISO 14000 will produce opportunities for the creation of new industries that conform to higher environmental standards and expectations -with the global acceptance of ISO 14000, achieving third-party certification will enable manufacturers to avoid adverse publicity and green activist campaigns by complying with high and internationally recognized standards · National -ISO 14000 may affect international trade -if a country is slow to follow ISO 14000, it seems highly plausible that firms within that country will find it increasingly difficult to do business in other countries; a country's competitiveness may drop, and it may find itself in the awkward position of having its business opportunities taken away by other countries that are better prepared for the adoption of ISO 14000 -pending the establishment of registration programs, many countries are taking the initiative to develop EMS pilot programs to help bring international traders up to speed with ISO 14001-with the view that registration will become a business imperative post-1996 · Policymakers -policymakers must take a proactive role in watching the development of the ISO 14000 standards and must fully understand their implications for interested parties -policymakers will need to assess the ways in which companies and industries in their particular country will be able to cope with the requirements of ISO 14000 before formulating any intervention policies -governments in developed countries with strict environmental regulations are interested in ISO 14000 as a useful alternative to complex and expensive "command and control" regulations -other developing nation governments are looking at the use of ISO 14000 as a way to enhance regulatory systems that are either nonexistent or are weak in their environmental performance and management requirements -although the standards are voluntary and are developed for the private sector, government bodies may elect to convert an ISO standard to a required or legal standard 15. Conformance with ISO 14001 15.1 The ISO 14000 standards have the potential for becoming international environmental benchmarks for conducting business in the global marketplace of the 21st century 15.2 Although the standards are designed to be voluntary, conformance may become a necessary requirement to enter or maintain business in the international arena as a result of pressures from interested parties to deal with organizations that are committed to high standards of environmental management 15.3 ISO 14001 will become the dominant voluntary environmental management system standard worldwide, presenting standards against which organizations may be measured objectively 16. Benefits of ISO 14000 Accreditation 16.1 To become registered under ISO 14000, an organization need only show its conformance to the EMS document- ISO 14001 16.2 Benefits of conformance with and accreditation to ISO 14000 may be summarized as follows:- · Increased access to markets -conformance will allow entry into international markets, as customers will require the firms they do business with to have high standards of environmental management · Reduced costs -an ISO 14000 EMS program is likely to lead to cost savings through better management of the environmental aspects of an organization's operations -conformance with ISO 14001 standards can help to increase efficient use of raw materials, decrease energy usage, reduce waste generation and lead to cost savings through recycling programs · Reduced liabilities -improved environmental management systems will provide for sustained, effective environmental performance, reducing the potential for regulatory, non-conformance enforcement penalties and insurance claims -the concept and practices of environmental due diligence will be undertaken for major transactions and infrastructure projects in order to allow increased conformance and better environmental management records · Enhanced corporate reputation -conformance demonstrates environmental commitment to investors, lenders, insurers, regulators, shareholders, green groups, consumers and the local community, thereby enhancing an organization's reputation as a responsible corporate citizen -ISO 14000 registration can demonstrate an organization's commitment and credibility regarding the minimization of environmental impacts and the support of sustainable environmental practices · Reduced insurance rates and improved access to capital -some large institutional investors have begun to make investment decisions based on a corporation's environmental track record -insurance companies will be more willing to issue coverage for pollution incidents if the company requesting coverage has a proven environmental management system in place with an associated and documented environmental management program · Competitive advantage -all of the benefits associated with conformance with the ISO 14000 series ensure that corporations will have a competitive advantage over firms that do not successfully meet the ISO 14000 challenge 17. What Can Be Done Before ISO 14000 Publication? 17.1 Although the ISO 14000 series will not be published in full for at least two years (late 1998) governments and industry can still take a proactive and responsible approach in dealing with environmental issues 17.2 Governments should require the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for all new organizations, with the inclusion of an environmental management system, in order to ensure that all environmental aspects and impacts are catalogued and managed in a suitable and sustainable fashion 17.3 Governments may set up councils on sustainable development which can include business, labor, government, environmental groups and consumers and which may be used to institutionalize sustainable development and address the need for collective solutions to environmental problems 17.4 Identification of target sectors for environmental issues and associated environmental working groups, including;- · industry · energy and fossil fuels · traffic and transport · agriculture, forestry and water management · tourism · management of minerals and natural resources · consumers · top corporate management 17.5 Government development of a strategic environmental planning sector whose job it is to establish goals and strategies, monitor actual environmental conditions to assess progress and build in the means to adjust policy to reflect changing environmental conditions 17.6 Publication, by the government environmental division, of regular progress reports which will present an overall picture of the state of the environment and assess the impacts that social behaviors and development have on it 17.7 Issuance of a regular environmental policy statement, or white paper, which will present the government's proposals for environmental priorities, goals, and specific initiatives and actions 17.8 Governments may institute principles of environmental protection to focus on key environmental issues and potential problem areas, including;- · respect for human and environmental critical load limits · use of the best available technology · requiring each country to ensure that activities within its borders do not cause environmental damage in other countries · the precautionary principle (anticipating, preventing and attacking sources of environmental degradation as well as not using scientific uncertainty as an excuse for inaction- and the belief that critical loads on nature should not be exceeded) · the polluter pays principle · the substitution principle (hazardous substances should be replaced by less hazardous ones whenever possible) 17.9 The government may require businesses to publish yearly environmental reports which detail their resource use and environmental impacts and mitigation measures 17.10 Governments should concentrate efforts on becoming an "eco-cyclic" society by adopting a life cycle approach to production and consumption within and across all industries and by making producers/suppliers more responsible for the recycling and reuse of their products 17.11 This approach is similar to the life cycle management guideline of ISO 14000 and includes reducing the use of materials and energy in production, emphasizing product quality over quantity, producing more durable goods, and recycling and reusing as much as possible 17.12 Other initiatives may include the development of a strong environmental database, computer modeling, and environmental indicators; efforts to integrate environmental data into national economic accounting; analyses of industrial life cycles and of consumption patterns; and research into environmental technologies 18. ISO 14001 Basic Terms and Definitions 18.1 Organization Organization is referred to in Clause 3.12 of ISO 14001 as; "a company, corporation, operation, firm, enterprise, institution, parts or combinations thereof, whether incorporated or not, public or private that has its own function and administration" If a company is registering to ISO 14001, the actual scope of the registration may apply to a site, a plant, a portion of a site, or several sites that share the same environmental management system. A note to the definition adds the clarification that "for bodies or establishments with more than one operating unit, a single operating unit may be defined as an organization" It is up to the organization, working with the registrar, to define the precise scope of the EMS and the products, processes and services to which it applies. 18.2 Environment The environment is defined in ISO 14001 as the surroundings in which an organization operates, including "air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna, humans and their interrelation" The environment extends from within the organization to the global system. From a practical point of view, the environment that concerns a company would be the surroundings in which an organization's activities, products and service have a significant environmental impact and over which the organization can exercise some reasonable control or influence. This influence and control can extend from local, through regional, and even to global conditions, depending on the nature of the organization. 18.3 Environmental Aspect An environmental aspect is defined in ISO 14001 as an "element of an organization's activities, products and/or services which can interact with the environment." A note to the definition defines a significant environmental aspect as "an environmental aspect which has or can have a significant environmental impact." It is up to the organization to identify the environmental aspects of its products, processes, and services when setting up an EMS. 18.4 Environmental Impact An environmental impact is "any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an organization's activities, products and/or services." The environmental aspects of an organization's activities create environmental impacts. 18.5 Environmental Management System An environmental management system is "that part of the overall management system which includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy." 18.6 Environmental Management System Audit This is a "systematic and documented verification process to objectively obtain and evaluate evidence to determine whether an organization's environmental management system conforms to the environmental management system audit criteria" that are set by the organization itself. The definition also adds that the results of the EMS audit process must be communicated to management. 18.7 Environmental Performance Environmental performance refers to "measurable results of the environmental management system, related to an organization's control of the environmental aspects based on its environmental policy, objectives and targets." There is a need for organizations to accept and define environmental mandates within the appropriate context of their environmental impacts. 18.8 Continual Improvement Continual improvement refers to the "process of enhancing the environmental management system to achieve improvements in overall environmental performance in line with the organization's policy." A note adds that "the process need not take place in all areas of activity simultaneously." 18.9 Interested Party An individual or group which is concerned with or affected by the environmental performance or impacts of an organization. 18.10 Prevention of Pollution Use of processes, practices, materials or products that avoid, reduce or control pollution, which may include recycling, treatment, process alterations, control changes, efficient use of resources (renewable and non-renewable) and material substitution. 19. Evaluation and Self-Assessment Checklist in Preparation for ISO 14000 The following questions aim to determine the extent to which an organization has a working EMS that will fit the future standards set out in the ISO 14000 series;- 19.1 Environmental Policy Principle 1: Commitment and Policy 19.1a Has top management defined the organization's environmental policy? 19.1b Is this environmental policy appropriate to the nature, scale and environmental impacts of its activities, products or services? 19.1c Does the environmental policy include a commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution? 19.1d Does the environmental policy include a commitment to comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulations, and to other requirements to which the organization subscribes? 19.1e Does the environmental policy provide the framework for setting and reviewing of environmental objectives and targets? 19.1f Is the environmental policy documented, implemented and maintained, and communicated to all employees? 19.1g Is the environmental policy available to the public? 19.2 Planning Principle 2: Planning 19.2a Is there a procedure to identify the environmental aspects of your business over which you have control or influence and to determine actual or potential significant impacts on the environment? 19.2b Are aspects related to these significant impacts considered in setting environmental objectives? 19.2c Do you have a procedure to identify and have access to legal requirements applicable to the environmental aspects of your activities, products or services? 19.2d Have environmental objectives and targets been established and documented and are there procedures for maintaining these documents? 19.2e Has an environmental management program for achieving the objectives and targets been established and maintained? 19.3 Implementation and Operation Principle 3: Implementation 19.3a Have roles, responsibility and authorities been defined, documented and communicated? 19.3b Does management provide the resources essential to the implementation and control of the environmental management system? 19.3c Have all training needs been identified? 19.3d Have procedures been established to make employees or members at each relevant function and level aware of environmental issues? 19.3e Has it been ensured that personnel performing tasks which can cause significant environmental impacts are competent? 19.3f Have appropriate procedures been established for internal and external communications regarding the environmental aspects and the environmental management system? 19.3g Is there documentation which describes the environmental management system? 19.3h Have proper document control procedures been established? 19.3i Are all documents in a proper state and format? 19.3j Have those operations and activities associated with the significant environmental aspects been identified? 19.3k Have such operations and activities been planned in such a way as to ensure they are carried out under specified conditions? 19.3l Have proper procedures been established to identify the potential for and to respond to accidents and emergency situations? 19.3m Are such procedures periodically tested and reviewed/revised after tests or after actual incidents? situations? 19.4 Checking and Corrective Action Principle 4: Measurement and Evaluation 19.4a Have procedures been established for monitoring and measuring on a regular basis the key characteristics of the operations and activities that can have significant environmental impact? 19.4b Are there established documented procedures for the periodic evaluation of compliance with relevant environmental legislation and regulations? 19.4c Have procedures been established for defining responsibility and authority for handling non-conformance and the taking of corrective and preventive action? 19.4d Have procedures for the identification, maintenance and disposition of environmental records been established and maintained? 19.4e Does the organization have (a) program (s) and procedures for periodic environmental management system audits? 19.5 Management Review Principle 5: Review and Improvement 19.5a Has top management reviewed the environmental management system? 20. Case Study 1 Environmental Management Plan for the Proposed Butterfly Beach Medical Laundry 20.1 Classification Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Development Project and Environmental Management System (EMS) for Project Operations 20.2 Background Not required by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) due to the limited environmental nuisances associated with the proposed facility; local community has voiced objection to potential, localized environmental impacts 20.3 Objective · To assure the local community of management commitment to establish a "green" corporate image for the proposed laundry · Provision of suggestions and methodology through which the proposed laundry may be community and environmentally friendly during both the construction and operations phases 20.4 Contents · Construction Phase EMP -Concentrates upon the identification of environmental effects during planning and building works and proposes practical methods to minimize and mitigate these effects -Trigger, action and target levels are recommended as well as a comprehensive program to carry out the annotation of environmental data -Summarizes the processes of carrying out regular audits and reviews · Operation Phase EMP: Environmental Management System -Outlines all methodology by which environmental issues at the laundry should be tackled once it has been commissioned -Lays down guidelines for the incorporation of environmental issues at all levels of management, with suggestions as to the allocation of human resources to carry out specific tasks -Gives details of environmental objectives and targets to be met, documentation procedures and mitigation measures for environmental impacts 20.5 Conclusion · This EMP suggests ways by which the proposed laundry facility may be community-friendly and interact well with the public · Through an active environmental approach and the implementation of positive measures, the laundry will be able to assure both local residents and the general public of its environmental commitment to high standards of environmental management · This project was endorsed by Legislature in July 1996 21. Case Study 2 Environmental Management System for Hang Heung Cake Shop Company (HHCSC) 21.1 Classification Environmental Management System (EMS) for the complete operations (lotus seed paste manufacturing and bakery workshop) of HHCSC, following BS 7750: 1994, Specification for EMSs 21.2 Background · HHCSC has a long history (9 years) of incidents of non-compliance with Environmental Protection Department (EPD) regulations for air emissions and trade effluent discharge · Emission problems are present at both the lotus seed paste manufacturing and bakery workshop processes 21.3 Objective · HHCSC seeks to reduce its impacts on the environment through the implementation of a coordinated EMS · HHCSC is committed to the continual improvement of the system, having as the core of its environmental operations the following objectives;- -minimization of pollution and effluent discharges -sustainable use of natural resources -wise use of energy -risk reduction -environmental commitment -good neighbor policy -assessment and annual audit 21.4 Contents · Outlines methodology by which environmental effects and impacts at both the lotus seed paste manufacturing and bakery workshop processes may be mitigated · Identifies target, action and trigger levels for the appropriate respective environmental effects with the aim of indicating any potentially deteriorating environmental quality and allowing a proactive response to be taken · Establishes a framework for improved management roles (Green manager, Environmental Committee, etc.) and stresses the adoption of comprehensive training programs which focus on employee awareness and responsibility · Establishes an audit program which will determine whether HHCSC's activities conform to the management program and whether or not the EMS is fulfilling the environmental policy of HHCSC 21.5 Conclusion · This EMS aims to be a natural extension of HHCSC's existing management system · Working in harmony with HHCSC employees, this EMS will form the centerpiece of the "green" operations of both the lotus paste manufacturing factory and the bakery workshop · The EMS will satisfy all Environmental Monitoring and Auditing Program (EM&A) requirements for the operations of HHCSC 22. Case Study 3 Environmental Management Plan for Universal (Hot-Dip) Galvanising Limited (UHDG) 22.1 Classification Environmental Management System (EMS) for Project Operations 22.2 Background The EMS is not required by the EPD; it has been created to serve as a supplement to UHDG's application for chemical waste storage and air pollution control licenses 22.3 Objective · The EMS documents UHDG's commitment to environmental protection within and external to the facility's operations · The implementation of the EMS suggestions into daily operations will allow UHDG to comply not only with domestic EPD regulations but also with forthcoming international standards such as ISO 14000 22.4 Contents · Environmental Policy Outlines UHDG commitment to the environment and the fundamental philosophies at the core of its daily operations · Organization and Personnel Explains the organization/hierarchy of key environmental positions, and the criteria of the individuals filling these positions · Register of Regulations Summarizes all regulations and guidelines followed by the EMS · Register of Interested Parties Lists all organizations/individuals that are affected by plant operations · Environmental Effects Evaluation An examination, assessment, and compilation of all direct, indirect, beneficial and adverse impingements of the environment on UHDG operations · Environmental Objectives and Targets Outlines trigger, action and target levels for each area of environmental concern within the facility · Environmental Management Program Details methods and mitigation measures required in order to meet environmental objectives · Environmental Management Manual Includes legislation detailing the formation of an environmental manual which will summarize the recommended environmental mitigation measures and guidelines to be communicated to all employees · Operations Control Details the methods by which activities affecting the environment are to be carried out · Environmental Management Records Explains the system by which environmental records are to be kept · Environmental Management Audits Details auditing guidelines and procedures · Environmental Management Reviews Details EMS review guidelines 22.5 Conclusion · This EMS details the means by which UHDG will be able to operate and manage its facility operations in an environmentally responsible and sustainable fashion · Through the implementation of this EMS, UHDG will be able to achieve compliance with environmental legislation, thereby reducing the risk and financial burden of future non-compliance incidents 23. Case Study 4 Environmental Management System for Kuen Fung Lard Rendering Works 23.1 Classification Environmental Management System (EMS) for the project operations 23.2 Background Incidents of air emission non-compliance have resulted in Kuen Fung Lard Rendering Works seeking a comprehensive environmental management system to deal with environmental impacts resulting from current operations; changes in factory procedures, as suggested by the EMS, should enable compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and a reduction in harmful emissions and dangerous working conditions at the plant 23.3 Contents · The EMS adopts an overall management approach to the operations at Kuen Fung Lard Rendering Works and outlines the methodology by which environmental issues at the plant should be tackled · A major concern of the EMS involves air emissions of the plant through an air impact assessment; options for air pollution mitigation measures have been evaluated in light of the physical constraints and economic costs on the plant · Proper wastewater treatment and disposal concerns and procedures are suggested as are procedures for dealing with solid waste, and noise problems · An organizational structure is suggested for the Lard Rendering Works with the "green manager" being the key personnel in the organizational structure for the successful implementation of the EMS 23.4 Conclusion · By adhering to the suggested mitigation measures for the environmental impacts and by maintaining high environmental objectives and targets, the Kuen Fung Lard Rendering Works will be able to operate successfully and in an environmentally friendly fashion · A proactive approach towards environmental issues has been emphasized within the organizational structure of the plant such that high standards of environmental quality and sustainable development are promoted openly 24. Case Study 5 Environmental Management Plan for Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) Operations at Chek Lap Kok 24.1 Classification Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Construction Phase Operations of HACTL at Chek Lap Kok airport, Hong Kong 24.2 Background EMP required by Airport Authority for both construction and operations Phase of HACTL; this EMP covers the first phase of construction 24.3 Objective · To identify and minimize the environmental effects associated with HACTL construction · To ensure that construction is managed in an environmentally responsible manner · To provide HACTL with monitoring and auditing requirements for both phases · To comply with Airport Authority guidelines and to conform with forthcoming ISO 14000 standards 24.4 Contents · Concentrates on the identification of all environmental effects associated with the construction phase of infrastructure at Chek Lap Kok, with a focus on air quality, noise emissions, water quality, solid waste, and chemical and hazardous materials and associated mitigation measures · Identifies environmental objectives and targets and establishes trigger, action and target levels identified by the Airport Authority which should not be breached during HACTL's construction phase · Establishes construction monitoring and on-site controls and corrective action in the case of non-compliance · Identifies the need for regular records, audits and reviews in order to document and demonstrate compliance with the EMP and the extent to which objectives and targets are being met 24.5 Conclusion · This EMP suggests ways by which HACTL may be able to comply with all Airport Authority regulations during construction phase activities at Chek Lap Kok · The EMP includes details on how to review the continuing suitability of the EMP, its effectiveness and any possibilities for modification · ECEL is currently preparing the EMS for HACTL at Chek Lap Kok which would be extended to serve Kai Tak's operation 25. Case Study 6 Environmental Management System (EMS) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse 25.1 Classification Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System for the proposed project of Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse 25.2 Background · A proposal for the new slaughterhouse has remained at the planning stage for the past 18 years until ECEL developed the EIA and the Legislature approved finance for the construction phase · The proposed slaughterhouse is designed to have a daily slaughtering capacity of 5,000 pigs and 400 cattle; it will consist of specific blocks allocated to the various activities (i.e., unloading, lairages, by-product plant, slaughter halls, meat dispatch area, administration block and wastewater treatment plant). · The study site for the proposed project lies within the River Indus drainage basin, a low lying area adjacent to an existing sewage treatment works 25.3 Objective The study aims to minimize the residual environmental impacts arising from the slaughterhouse by devising appropriate, sound and effective mitigation measures for project construction and operations 25.4 Contents Environmental Impact Assessment · The EIA study provides specific information on the individual and cumulative potential environmental impacts resulting from the slaughterhouse; details on appropriate mitigation measures have also been recommended · Baseline monitoring was conducted for the existing environment, including air, noise, and water conditions; the cumulative effects of the slaughterhouse's construction and operation were studied in relation to identified "sensitive receivers" (including nearby villages) · The various aspects of environmental concerns were identified, with special emphasis on the most significant impacts during the construction and operational phases · Mitigation measures have been suggested in order to minimize adverse effects on the environment, i.e. wastewater high in organic compounds and nutrients requires special treatment and several options were considered; the study recommended a Sequential Batch Reactor technology to ensure that the local water quality would not be affected · The implications in adopting the available technology for mitigation measures are evaluated in the study · Studies of cost breakdowns are made before recommending the preferred mitigation technology Environmental Management System · The EMS aims to be an extension of operation management; it provides the framework for the slaughterhouse to be environmentally friendly and acceptable to interested parties · Mitigation measures and action plans to comply with the environmental objectives are detailed · Suggested environmental monitoring and audit requirements will ensure that high levels of environmental performance are maintained and improved on a continual basis 25.5 Benefits · Projects that cause nuisance to the environment and to the community are less likely to be supported by all interested parties, especially given the increasing level of environmental consciousness of the public · The EIA and EMS for Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse represent systematic approaches to the implementation of a project which will be developed without creating detrimental environmental effectswhere detrimental effects · Any environmental impacts associated with the project will be minimized effectively through the suggested mitigation measures 25.6 Conclusion · Without the EIA and EMS, developed by ECEL for Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse, potential environmental nuisances during the construction and operation phase will not be mitigated (see Table 1a & 1b) · The creation of pollution is not only environmentally unacceptable, but is also in direct conflict with the goal of sustainable development Table 1a: Summary of Environmental Concerns and Recommended Mitigation Measures for the Construction Phase Environmental Consideration Potential Environmental Impact Recommended Mitigation Measures Construction Phase Air Fugitive dust Gaseous emissions Paving/gravelling and regular watering, cleaning and maintenance of vehicles and equipment. Few vehicles and no temporary generators. Noise Piling, equipment, and machinery noise Silencers on equipment, no parallel activities, use of portable sound barriers, route planning, no temporary generators. Water Contamination of surrounding watercourse No untreated run-off, re-use for dust suppression, sediment and grease traps, spillage clean-up action plan, impervious ground for chemical use. Waste Solid and chemical waste disposal Separation and recycling, chemical wastes handled and disposed of appropriately. Visual Impact Unsightly Decorated hoardings and covered walkways, ordered site, early landscape planting. Table 1b: Summary of Environmental Concerns and Recommended Mitigation Measures for the Operation Phase Environmental Consideration Potential Environmental Impact Recommended Mitigation Measures Operation Phase Emissions Air On-site Odor State of the art odor reducing technologies i.e. odor neutralizing agent, wet scrubbers, ozone; high stack dispersion; negative pressure in buildings so no leakage; pigs from China cleaned on arrival. Off-site Odor Livestock and trucks washed before transit to Tsuen Wan, containerized waste to landfill. Animals and plant activity Acoustically treated panels and silencers in the lairage. Noise Traffic noise Sound barrier (700m long, 3m high) along Po Wan Road, re-surface road. Meat dispatch area, train noise Sound barriers erected along the north, west and south-east of site boundary. Water Contaminated effluent discharge Specifically designed, fully automatic, underground wastewater treatment plant, reduce and re-use practice, effective internal drainage network Waste Solid and chemical waste disposal Separation and recycling, chemical wastes handled and disposed of appropriately, by-product plant to reduce/recycle, sludge used as soil conditioner on farmland, minimum wastes to landfill. Impact on Land Use Incompatibility with other land uses Present surrounding land use (agriculture and ponds) maintained through "buffer zone", no drainage impact Visual Impact Unsightly Landscaping and site periphery planting, additional screen planting, sensitive color schemes and choice of building materials.