ISO 14000

Definition

ISO 14000 is a family of standards related to environmental management that helps organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements; and continually improve in the above. It encompasses a wide range of aspects including the use of natural resources, handling and treatment of waste, and energy consumption.

Related terms

Environmental Management System (EMS): A framework that allows an organization to consistently control its significant impacts on the environment by identifying, managing, monitoring, and controlling their environmental aspects.

Continuous Improvement: A method of constantly seeking ways to improve business processes and performance criteria; it is a foundational principle of ISO 14000.

Compliance:

Adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to its business operations; within ISO 14000 context, it particularly refers to environmental regulations