The ISO 14001 Standard: Analysis into Its Strengths and Weaknesses, and Potential Opportunities for Deployment by Tomorrow’s Global Business

Abstract

ISO 14001 is the most widely recognised and implemented international standard which organisations use to help reduce the negative impact which they may have on the environment. This approach is used by organisations from just about any industry sector and is used by SME’s (small to medium sized enterprises) to large Global organisations. It is a voluntary environmental management system that enables companies to be certified by an external certification authority. With environmental legislation and targets increasing globally year on year it is not clear whether ISO 14001 will ensure that companies can reach these goals or whether a modified or different approach is required? It is also unclear whether it is aligned to some of the new governmental legislation that is now becoming law including the (CCB) climate change bill in the United Kingdom. ISO 14001 has undoubtedly had a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gasses and reducing pollution levels that organisations emit, however research has shown that it does have some shortcomings that need to be changed in order to ensure sustainability of the approach. This paper explores and analyses the strengths and weaknesses of ISO 14001 and how these transcend into the key opportunities. It also introduces potential concepts and methods including the development of Green Lean Six Sigma Solutions that could enhance this well established environmental management approach for the businesses of the future.