Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ISO 14000 is a family of standards related to environmental management that exists to help organizations (a)
minimize how their operations (processes etc.) negatively affect the environment (i.e. cause adverse changes
to air, water, or land); (b) comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented
requirements, and (c) continually improve in the above.
ISO 14000 is similar to ISO 9000 quality management in that both pertain to the process of how a product is
produced, rather than to the product itself. As with ISO 9000, certification is performed by third-party
organizations rather than being awarded by ISO directly. The ISO 19011 audit standard applies when auditing
for both 9000 and 14000 compliance at once.
The requirements of ISO 14001 are an integral part of the European Unions Eco-Management and Audit
Scheme (EMAS). EMASs structure and material requirements are more demanding, foremost concerning
performance improvement, legal compliance and reporting duties.
Contents
[hide]
3.1.3 Check measure and monitor the processes and report results
3.2 Benefits
6 See also
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links
Prior to the development of the ISO 14000 series, organizations voluntarily constructed their own EMS
systems, but this made comparisons of environmental effects between companies difficult and therefore the
universal ISO 14000 series was developed. An EMS is defined by ISO as: part of the overall management
system, that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures,
processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving and maintaining the environmental policy
(ISO 1996 cited in Federal Facilities Council Report 1999).
ISO 14001 is known as a generic management system standard, meaning that it is relevant to any organization
seeking to improve and manage resources more effectively. This includes:
All standards are periodically reviewed by ISO to ensure they still meet market requirements. The current
version of ISO 14001 ISO 14001:2004 is under review as of April 2012.[5]
incorporated through continual improvement, plans are renewed or new plans are made, and the EMS moves
forward.
Expansion: More and more business areas get covered by the implemented EMS.
Enrichment: More and more activities, products, processes, emissions, resources etc. get managed by the
implemented EMS.
Upgrading: An improvement of the structural and organizational framework of the EMS, as well as an
accumulation of know-how in dealing with business related environmental issues.
Overall, the CIP-concept expects the organization to gradually move away from merely operational
environmental measures towards a strategic approach on how to deal with environmental challenges.
Benefits[edit]
ISO 14001 was developed primarily to assist companies with a framework for better management control that
can result in reducing their environmental impacts. In addition to improvements in performance, organizations
can reap a number of economic benefits including higher conformance with legislative and regulatory
requirements (Sheldon 1997) by adopting the ISO standard. By minimizing the risk of regulatory and
environmental liability fines and improving an organizations efficiency (Delmas 2001), benefits can include a
reduction in waste and consumption of resources, and operating costs. Secondly, as an internationally
recognized standard, businesses operating in multiple locations across the globe can leverage their
conformance to ISO 14001, eliminating the need for multiple registrations or certifications (Hutchens 2010).
Thirdly there has been a push in the last decade by consumers, for companies to adopt better internal controls,
making the incorporation of ISO 14001 a smart approach for the long term viability of businesses. This can
provide them with a competitive advantage against companies that do not adopt the standard (Potoki &
Prakash, 2005). This in turn can have a positive impact on a companys asset value (Van der Deldt, 1997). It
can lead to improved public perceptions of the business, placing them in a better position to operate in the
international marketplace (Potoki & Prakash 1997; Sheldon 1997). The use of ISO 14001 can demonstrate an
innovative and forward thinking approach to customers and prospective employees. It can increase a
businesss access to new customers and business partners. In some markets it can potentially reduce public
liability insurance costs. It can serve to reduce trade barriers between registered businesses (Van der Deldt,
1997). There is growing interest in including certification to ISO 14001 in tenders for public-private partnerships
for infrastructure renewal. Evidence of value in terms of environmental quality and benefit to the taxpayer has
been shown in highway projects in Canada.
Conformity Assessment[edit]
ISO 14001 can be used in whole or in part to help an organization, for profit or not-for-profit, better manage its
relationship with the environment. If all the elements of ISO 14001 are incorporated into the management
process, the organization may opt to prove that it has achieved full alignment or conformity with the
international standard, ISO 14001, by using one of four recognized options. These are:[6]
1. make a self-determination and self-declaration, or
2. seek confirmation of its conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as
customers, or
3. seek confirmation of its self-declaration by a party external to the organization, or
4. seek certification/registration of its environmental management system by an external organization.
ISO does not control conformity assessment; its mandate is to develop and maintain standards. ISO has a
neutral policy on conformity assessment. One option is not better than the next. Each option serves different
market needs. The adopting organization decides which option is best for them, in conjunction with their market
needs.
Option 1 is sometimes incorrectly referred to as 'self-certify" or "self-certification". This is not an acceptable
reference under ISO terms and definitions, for it can lead to confusion in the market. [7]The user is responsible
for making their own determination. Option 2 is often referred to as a customer or 2nd party audit, which is an
acceptable market term. Option 3 is an independent third-party process by an organization that is based on an
engagement activity and delivered by specially trained practitioners. This option was based on an accounting
procedure branded as the EnviroReady Report, which was created to help small and medium-sized
organizations. Its development was originally based on the Canadian Handbook for Accountants; it is now
based on an international accounting standard. The fourth option, certification, is another independent thirdparty process, which has been widely implemented by all types of organizations. Certification is also known in
some countries as registration. Service providers of certification or registration are accredited by national
accreditation services such as UKAS in the UK.
on the market[citation needed], adding several elements on top of the requirements of the international standard.
Additional requirements include:
stricter requirements on the measurement and evaluation of environmental performance against objectives
and targets.
government supervision of the environmental verifiers to ensure compliance with environmental legislation
strong employee involvement; EMAS organisations acknowledge that active employee involvement is a
driving force and a prerequisite for continuous and successful environmental improvements. Most EMAS
organisations introduce employee participation schemes at all levels of the organisation to anchor the
environmental management and audit system in the organisation successfully.
environmental core indicators creating multi-annual comparability within and between organisations
mandatory provision of information to the general public through the validated environmental statement
which is based on a comprehensive environmental impact assessment
registration by a public authority after verification and validation by an independent and accredited/licensed
environmental verifier.
1. ISO registration leading to more proactive environmental management including process and
performance measurement related to sustainability across a supply chain;
2. That ISO registered plants with formal environmental management systems will have higher levels of
communication required between OEMs and Tier I suppliers;
3. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants in their supply chain will have
higher levels of waste reduction and cost efficiency than nonregistered plants;
4. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants in the supply chain will have
sustainable practices and projects with better ROI than nonregistered firms;
5. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants will have higher levels of
customer relationship management and will be positively associated with greater expansion
opportunities and image than nonregistered plants;
6. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants will have fewer issues with
employee health and reduced numbers of safety incidents than nonregistered plants;
7. ISO registered plants with a direct relationship to other registered plants will have a strong positive
relationship between formal communication, training, monitoring/control systems and firm
performance; and
8. ISO registered plants with a direct relationship to other registered plants will have higher levels of
involvement and communication, which will be positively related to more internal and external
integration with supply chain members.
ISO 14004 Environmental management systemsGeneral guidelines on principles, systems and support
techniques
ISO 14040 series (14040 to 14049), Life Cycle Assessment, LCA, discusses pre-production planning and
environment goal setting.
ISO 19011 which specifies one audit protocol for both 14000 and 9000 series standards together.
Is there a structural stability problem that SM is facing right now? Some reports say that there is
a need to put a wall that will prevent soil erosion. Shouldnt the non-cutting of trees prevent
erosion?
The mall expansion is a spin off from a topsoil erosion concern of the mall for many years now
that might eventually affect the structure of the building. Technical consultants of SM have
exhausted all technical remedies including structural ripraps and soil compaction, but the erosion
concern persists that might expose the building to future problems. In order to correct this, a
retaining wall structure needs to be constructed to protect the building, this will entail excavation
that will affect the trees in the area, and this is the reason why we are taking all the measures to
relocate them out of harms way.
Baguio City has been experiencing increasing amount of rainfall over the past few years with all
historical records confirming that the city has the highest rainfall in the country. Trends indicate
that it is likely to get worse, according to the recent Climate Risk Assessment Study made by
World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF).
Since SM City Baguio is built on a sloping terrain, it has experienced soil erosion problems. In
light of this matter, SM, together with its team of experts found the need to reinforce its sloping
terrain by putting up a "retaining wall" to safeguard the welfare of its customers.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM
How many trees will be affected in the expansion? What is the status of these trees?
There will be 182 trees that will be affected. Out of 182, 43 are Alnus Trees, 97 are Pine trees,
while the rest are just 42 saplings (combination of pine and alnus)
SM was able to successfully earth ball 43 trees already (42 alnus and 1 pine tree). They are all
transferred within SM property and are currently being nurtured (watered daily according to
schedule) to ensure survival. The earth balling was conducted in an ideal temperature from night
time to dawn to prevent moisture loss of the trees and ensure their survival as advised by experts
from the DENR.
SM City Baguio is also encountering pest infestation problems among some of its trees. Some of
these trees will have to be removed to protect and save the healthy trees from becoming
infected.
SM shall also plant over 50,000 new trees as part of its effort to support Baguio city re-greening
program.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM
Does SM have the necessary permits? If so, do they have the right to cut and earthball the
trees?
Yes, SM has worked over a year to gather all the necessary approvals and permits.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:13 PM
Does SM have the legal right and ownership over the property?
The land where SM is built was bought in 1992 through public bidding, fully paid in 1997 and
has a valid Deed of Sale. Public records are available for verification.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:13 PM
SM received a lot of criticisms on social media about its environmental programs because
of the alleged earthballing of trees at SM City Baguio - that SM is hypocritical. What can
SM say about this?
SMs Environmental Programs are more than just about trees. SM as a whole has developed for
instance recycling programs, enabling all supermalls nationwide to recycle tons of waste
equivalent to saving approximately 32,300 units of 7 year old trees, since it started its program in
2007. Its a total environmental program that includes other aspects such as reducing waste,
reusing and recycling resources
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:14 PM
The "PHILEX MINING" commercial saying "there's life in mining?" is a con played out upon the
masses of people who perhaps see the "lie-infomercial"...why can't they tell the truth. Mining kills
biodiversity...kills the forests...kills the fresh air...kills the water...and in case we forget kills people!
05/03 2012
Posted by Raffy Magno
Categories: Childrens Rights, Conflict Resolution, Education, Environment & Climate Change, and Human Rights. Post
Tags: advocacy, education, environments, mining,passion, Philippines, and raffy magno. Locations: Philippines.
0 comments
I was not able to attend the event because of an exam (which was rescheduled by my prof BOOO!) good thing,
rappler.com covered the whole event and provided its followers a chance to interact thru twitter.
The conference gave 15 minutes for each speaker to discuss their thoughts about mining. But the most controversial
(well, at least for me) scene happened off the stage. Its between Manny Pangilinan (Chairman, Philex Mining) and
Gina Lopez (ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. -Save Palawan Movement).
Mining is NOT a large job generator, NOT an economic driver, & NOT an option for an agricultural, geohazardous and biodiverse country like the Philippines.
- From 2000 2009, the mining sector only contributed 0.376% to the total employment of the Philippines and only
0.91% of GDP. (NSCB data)
- In stark contrast, Agriculture generates an annual employment force of 35% of our countrys labor force.
- EXCISE TAX, the countrys only share from mining: from 2000 to 2009, they accounted for ONLY 0.7% of total
excise tax collections.
- Per METRIC TON (!) of mine wastes, contractors are charged with a ridiculously low rate of P0.50 per Metric Ton of
mine waste and P0.10 per metric ton of tailings. (Isnt this CRAZY)
With these facts, mining advocates would push that to eradicate these crazy activities we should have a better and
clearer law on mining. Friends, even if we have the best law on mining, still, we will experience a lot of troubles
especially in the preservation of our ecology (forest, air, land, marine life). In an island ecosystem like the Philippines,
we could not just allow any mining activity. We are not like Canada or Australia which have wide lands to mine. Every
mining activity in the Philippines could cost us thousands of trees, hectares of corals, tons of marine animals and a
bulk of our precious population.
MVPs point that there is nothing there (where they mine) is not an excuse for them to mine the land. An ecosystem
will always be interconnected, a certain damage to one of its vital parts will cause a lot to the others.
How could we ever promote that its truly more fun in the Philippines if we dont have anything to show? The
Philippines is best for environmental and agricultural tourism. Palawan made it! They say no mining and no logging
now, they are positively booooming!
O sa wala ng madaanan?
Biodiversity is not just the protected land itself but as everything around the mountain. Like the spider
web, once one of its strands will be cut, the spider will be outbalanced. Even if there is a buffer zone, it
will still affect the entire biodiversity. TUTOL KAMI SA MINA!
Palawan and help protect one of the Philippines last remaining treasures.
Present at the launch were ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez,
Palawan Mayor Edward Hagedorn, running priest Fr. Robert Reyes, environment
leaders Clemente Bautista (Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment) and Atty.
Jose Andres Canivel (Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation), and
Rhodora Angela Ferrer of the Catholica Educational Association of the Philippines.
They were joined by Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas (WWF-Philippines) president Jose
Lorenzo Tan, country director for Conservation International Romy Trono, Atty. Gerthie
Mayo-Anda of Environmental Legal Asistance Center, executive director of Palawan
NGO Network Inc. Atty Bobby Chan, Tanggol Kalikasan executive director Atty. Rolly
BisqueraSheen, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator Jaybee Garganera and
various leaders of the environmental movement in the country.
The ten million signature campaign came about after the killing of Dr. Gerardo Doc
Gerry Ortega, a civic leader who championed the protection of Palawans rich
biodiversity and an outspoken critic of mining operations in Palawan.
NO to Mining in Palawan
1,101
10,000,000
Nevertheless, the Palawan ecosystem is fragile, given the islands narrow shape and its thin
layer of topsoil that is prone to erosion, which makes it unfit for mining.
Mining has been taking place in the province, despite Republic Act No. 7611, or the
Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, that states that all types of natural forests, areas
above one thousand (1,000) meters elevation, peaks of mountains or other areas with very
steep gradients, and endangered habitats and habitats of endangered and rare species
should be fully and strictly protected and kept free of human disruption.
Moreover, both the granting of mining permits and new applications are increasing, even in
core protection zones. Old-growth forests are being cut down, water sources are being
polluted, ancestral lands are being taken over, and communities pleas are being ignored.
In many areas of Palawan, the communities have already made their stand against mining
by showing that ecotourism, based on the protection of precious natural resources, can
provide the people with the livelihood they need for development. Many leaders also
believe that Palawan can develop and achieve economic progress without the devastating
environmental destruction caused by mining.
Doc Gerry, who also served as project manager for the ABS-CBN Foundation, dreamt of a
Philippines where natural resources are protected and nurtured. As he was always quoted to
say, Di kailangan sirain ang kalikasan para mapakinabangan. The Save Palawan
Movement hopes that through the campaign, Doc Gerrys dream will live on and eventually
Sombra and Lagrada are among those who have backed the "No to Mining in Palawan" signature
campaign launched Thursday (Feb. 3) by the Save Palawan Movement spearheaded by ABSCBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Mayor Edward
Hagedorn, and members of civil society, academe, non-government organizations, and the
clergy.
The signature campaign, which came about after the killing of civic leader, environmentalist and
broadcaster Dr. Gerardo "Doc Gerry" Ortega in January 2011, hopes to raise 10 million
signatures to send a strong message to the governments of the Philippines and Palawan of the
need to stop mining activities in Palawan and help protect its natural resources.
Wanted: Protection for Palawan's beauty
The province of Palawan is known for its natural resources which have captivated many people,
both Filipinos and foreigners.
It is home to 40% of the Philippines' remaining mangrove areas, 30% of the country's coral reefs,
17 key biodiversity areas, 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Puerto Princesa Subterranean
River Natural Park and the Tubbataha National Marine Park), and 8 declared protected areas. It
also has a wide variety of flora and fauna species.
According to Hagedorn, the ecosystem in Palawan, though, is fragile with the island's narrow
shape and thin layer of topsoil that makes it prone to erosion, and this is one good reason why
mining should be banned.
A second reason is that there are laws that protect Palawan, such as the Republic Act (RA) No.
7611 or the Strategic Environment Plan for Palawan, which spells out the general strategy for
development of the province.
Save Palawan Movement launched the 'No to Mining in Palawan' signature campaign on 3 Feb
2011. (L-R) Ed Hagedorn, Gina Lopez, Mika Ortega, Fr. Robert Reyes, and Atty. Grizelda
Mayo-Anda. Photo by Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com.
RA 7611 mandates that "all types of natural forests, areas above one thousand (1,000) meters
elevation, peaks of mountains or other areas with very steep gradients, and endangered habitats
and habitats of endangered and rare species should be fully and strictly protected and kept free of
human disruption," according to a statement released by the Save Palawan Movement.
In spite of this law, mining continues, and there are still applications for mining permits being
filed even in core protection zones, said Atty. Grizelda "Gerthie" Mayo-Anda, founding
executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, trustee member of the Palawan
NGO Network Inc., and convenor of Bantay-Mina-PNNI.
A third reason is that the "costs outweigh the benefits," said Anda. Mining activities result in
reduction of forest cover, water pollution, and displacement of indigenous communities, she
added.
According to Hagedorn, banning mining will not mean the end of livelihood. His city, Puerto
Princesa, has shown that through tourism and agriculture, it is possible to survive even without
mining activities.
Mika Ortega, eldest daughter of slain broadcaster "Doc Gerry," joined the appeal for 10 million
signatures for the campaign.
"We live in a culture of death. We need to change that and go back to a culture of life. The most
important thing is not gold, copper, cellphone or a laptop. It's food, air, and water--things we are
losing already. The costs always outweigh the benefits. Let's bring back a culture of life," she
said.
Lopez called for support for the signature campaign. "There is nothing in the world that can
stand in the face of a people united," she said.
Non-rehabilitated mines in Roxas and Narra, as well as abandoned mercury site in Puerto Princesa (Palwan
Quicksilver Mine) point to pollution and possible health threats to the community.
(other source: Report on Defunct Copper Mine in Balabac Mining: Unaddressed Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and
questions of accountability, by Patrick Regoniel, Palawan State University)
caption: Poblacion, Balabac. streams found near abandoned copper mine, showing bluish color. No fish or small
organisms were found in the stream.
..mining is a risky business; there is conflict of interest under RA 7942 and RA 7611, and RA 7160. If not
given due attention, conflict may become cumulative. This worst scenario takes as its guide the axiom that
past practice is the most reliable guide to future behavior. Mining communities will never be
sustainable. (source: Sol de Villa Rama, COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
INDICATORS: THE CASE OF MINING OPERATIONS IN PALAWAN
(photo credit: Report on Defunct Copper Mine in Balabac Mining: Unaddressed Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and
questions of accountability, by Patrick Regoniel, Palawan State University)
Table of Mining Companies and Abandoned Mines (source, ELAC, Aldaw report)