The benefits of ISO 14000 certification

The benefits of acquiring ISO certification go beyond the satisfaction of doing a good deed. Adhering to the standard may result in better conformance to environmental regulations, greater marketability, better use of resources, higher quality goods and services, increased levels of safety, improved image and increased profits.
The environmental awareness and the documentation that are required by the ISO 14000 standards assist a company in conforming to environmental regulations. This means that a company, by diligently adhering to the standard, is less likely to violate environmental regulations and is always ready for inspection by a regulatory agency. In addition, the certification and documentation may aid a company in acquiring capital, in defending itself during environmental litigation and in receiving insurance or per mits.
A wider market for a company's goods and services may result from certification. Many corporations and governments will be looking for suppliers that are ISO 14000 certified in order to maintain their own certification and environment-friendly image. Al though the European Union claims that ISO 9000 certification is not required to do business in Europe that was the message received by many non-European firms and lead to the amazing success of that standard. If ISO 14000 is similarly successful, the co mpanies who are already ISO 14000 certified will have an advantage in global markets. Also, producers of consumer goods may find that many consumers not only try to purchase goods from environment-friendly companies, but will spend a little more if they feel they are helping the environment. In order to reap this benefit, a company must make their environmental efforts known through advertising and labeling.