Environmental management system (EMS) and ISO 14000. Does adoption of ISO 14000 improve EMS? Does integration of ISO 14000 and ISO 9000 standards benefit the organization?

摘要

ISO 14000 is an international, voluntary group of standards for environmental management systems (EMS). ISO 9000 is an international, voluntary group of standards for quality management system. This thesis will analyze the implementation of ISO 14000 standards and the integration of these standards with the ISO 9000 standards. It will analyze the similarities and the differences between the two standards. This thesis focuses on the benefits and concerns of firms with regard to the implementation of these systems, such as regulatory issues and costs. Finally, the thesis provides and discusses reasons for firms to seek implementation of a voluntary environmental management system.