The challenge of implementing ISO 14001 for small- and medium-sized enterprises—surviving in the new global jungle

Conceptually, the five key elements in ISO 14001—policy, planning, implementation and operation, checking and corrective action, and management review—were designed to be simple enough for any business owner or manager to understand. Environmental Management Systems, aligned to ISO 14000, were originally set up toprovide a harmonized approach for organizations regardless of size, sector, or geographical situation. This article details the many challenges SMEs must confront in implementing the new standards.