What are the two types of standards in ISO 14000 series?

ISO 14000 is a series of international standards that provide guidance on environmental management systems. These standards help organizations establish, implement, and maintain effective environmental policies and practices. Within the ISO 14000 series, there are two types of standards: core standards and supporting standards.

Core Standards

The core standards in the ISO 14000 series lay out the fundamental requirements for an organization to establish an environmental management system (EMS). These standards are applicable to any organization, regardless of its size, location, or industry. The core standards include:

- ISO 14001: This is the central standard of the ISO 14000 series and provides the requirements for an EMS. It outlines the criteria for organizations to effectively manage their environmental impacts, comply with regulations, and continuously improve environmental performance.

- ISO 14004: This standard provides guidelines on the implementation of an EMS. It offers practical advice for organizations on how to establish, operate, and maintain their EMS, including guidance on conducting environmental reviews, setting objectives, and measuring performance.

Supporting Standards

The supporting standards in the ISO 14000 series provide additional guidance and specific requirements to complement the core standards. These standards address certain aspects of environmental management in more detail and can be used to enhance the effectiveness of an EMS. Some examples of supporting standards are:

- ISO 14005: This standard focuses on the phased approach for implementing an EMS. It provides guidance on the steps involved in developing an environmental policy, planning for environmental objectives and targets, and conducting audits and reviews.

- ISO 14006: This standard focuses on ecodesign and helps organizations integrate environmental considerations into the design and development of products and services. It assists in identifying opportunities to improve environmental performance throughout the product life cycle.

Conclusion

The ISO 14000 series of standards offers organizations a framework for effectively managing their environmental responsibilities. The core standards, including ISO 14001 and ISO 14004, establish the basic requirements for an EMS. The supporting standards, such as ISO 14005 and ISO 14006, provide additional guidance and specific measures to enhance environmental management practices. By adopting and implementing these standards, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and continuous improvement.