ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use

ISO 14001 provides organizations with a systematic and structured framework within which to establish an effective environmental management system (EMS) the aim of which is to support environmental protection, pollution prevention, and sustainable development as a direct consequence. This system is meant to be integrated into other existing or planned management systems (such as Balanced ScoreCard or ISO 9001) and requirements without limiting the achievement of either environmental or financial goals.

Like any management system, the organization must develop its environmental policies, objectives, and processes to include all legal and regulatory requirements. Also like any effective management system, for it to continuously improve, its success depends on the commitment of all levels and functions of the organization, but especially of executive management.