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Environmental standards: EMAS and ISO 14001 compared

Author
Palomares-Soler M., Thimme P.
Journal/Series
European Environmental Law Review | Vol. 5(8/9); 247 - 251; 5 p.
Date
1996
Source
IUCN (ID: ANA-058560)
Publisher | Place of publication
Graham & Trotman /Martinus Nijhoff | London, UK
Language
English
Country/Territory
European Union
Subject
Environment gen.
Keyword
Environmental standards Environmental audit
Abstract

Environmental management systems (EMSs) are a prominent topic in the business world today. Companies, organisationss and legal bodies have apparently accepted they have to tread more carefully and somehow scope with the environmental impact of their business dealings. Although a number of initiatives are under way: EMAS and ISO 14001. Both feature EMS standards, thus overlapping with each other. To avoid this overlap, which would create trade distortions and other problems, the European Commission has the difficult task of accepting other standards as compatible with EMAS. The Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) is therefore revising the ISO 14001 Draft International Standard to develop a 'bridge' document, closing the gap between the two standards. Is this task feasible?