Implementation and certifying IS0 14001 in Portugal: Motives, difficulties and benefits after ISO 9001 certification

摘要

Purpose:To characterize the environmental management system certification process of ISO 14001 in Portuguese small and medium enterprises that have already received ISO 9001 certification.Summary:In addition to quality, that is envisaged by implementation of ISO 9001 standards, there are other social commitments for industries with respect to issues such as environment protection that is ensured ISO 14001 certification. Now this has been widely accepted all over as indicated by the number of certified companies as of 2013 reaching 301,647. Portuguese industries mainly consist of small and medium enterprises that are responsible for 95% of the nation's business. Companies initially were certified for their quality management systems uner ISO 9001 and then proceeded to environmental management system (EMS) certification under ISO 14001. The study focuses on reasons for non-certification by some companies including difficulties in obtaining the certification as well as the benefits derived. (41 refs.)Results:Followed by the introduction and world-wide acceptance of ISO 9001 standards of quality management, ISO 14001 was adopted by many organizations to certify that they follow EMS standards. The process of getting this certification is relatively easy for organizations that are already certified as ISO 9001. The standards have gained international acceptance and are becoming a necessity for a business to gain international acceptance. This resulted in an increase in the interest of environmental management. Because of mandatory regulations and competitive pressures, firms started to take environmental issues seriously.