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What are the environmental standards? To answer this question, it is better to first understand the meaning and concept of the standard. Standard is considered to mean order, rule and law and is defined by the International Organization for Standardization as follows: It is a document that includes rules, guidelines and characteristics for performing activities or obtaining results that are used in a general and repetitive manner. Using a consensus method and verified by a recognized organization. The main purpose of standards is to achieve the desired order in a specific field. On an international scale, there is an organization called the International Organization for Standardization, which includes 163 member countries. In Iran, Iran Institute of Standards and Industrial Research is an active member of this international standard organization as a reference for standards.
Based on the extent of their effects, the standards cover five levels: factory, company (community), national, regional and international. Factory standards are developed by a manufacturing unit for its internal use. Some companies or organizations in a particular field develop their own standards, often through the creation of societies or associations, such as the standards of the American Welding Society (AWS).
National standards are compiled by the national standards institutes of each country, according to the specific conditions of that country from economic, social, scientific and technical aspects. Regional standards are developed by member states of a specific regional agreement, such as the standards of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
International standards are prepared by relevant organizations with the aim of ensuring universal usability, such as standards produced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The date of formation of Iran’s first industrial research and standards organization dates back to the approval of the Weights and Scales Law in 1304. In 1332, in order to monitor the quality of export and import goods, an official organization was created and the basic organizational core of Iran Industrial Research and Standard Institute was established in the form of an office in the General Department of Trade. In 1339, with the approval of the establishment law, the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research started its activities within the framework of the specified goals and responsibilities, and in the same year, it confirmed its membership in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The International Organization for Standardization, commonly known as ISO, is an international organization made up of representatives of national standardization bodies. This organization is a non-governmental organization that sets general and partial standards in the field of global standards coordination. In practice ISO functions as a consortium and has close links with governments. This institute is responsible for setting a variety of global industrial and commercial standards and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO started its official activity on February 23, 1947.
The International Organization for Standardization, despite being a non-governmental organization, is more powerful than other non-governmental organizations due to the power and effectiveness of its standards that become laws. Now about 157 countries have joined this organization, including Iran.
ISO environmental standards play a very important role in determining the criteria and processes that organizations need to manage environmental issues. These standards guide companies to strengthen their responsibility by focusing on ecological issues and to architect sustainable and environmental models and approaches in their structure and processes. In today’s world where environmental issues are recognized as top priorities, organizations are increasingly using ISO standards to ensure that they are properly meeting all environmental requirements. In fact, ISO standards play a critical role in guiding businesses towards sustainable approaches and responsible environmental management.
ISO standards provide a strong framework to guide organizations through the complexities of environmental management. The implementation of environmental ISO standards brings benefits such as compliance with local regulations and improving the corporate image. Although there are challenges, the positive impact of trusting ISO standards in the long term makes this process mandatory for any organization that intends to commit to sustainable practices.
ISO standards are recognized as a turning point for responsible and sustainable business approaches, by providing common and recognized frameworks. These standards act as global guidelines that allow organizations to go beyond local regulations and provide an integrated approach to environmental management that is globally recognized. The importance of these standards is evident for the following reasons:
1. Setting standards: ISO environmental standards assure organizations that their activities are compatible with environmental principles by setting clear criteria and requirements.
2. Facilitating compliance with laws: These standards help organizations comply with environmental laws and regulations, especially in measuring and reducing harmful effects.
3. Encouraging responsibility: ISO environmental standards encourage organizations to be socially and biologically responsible and care to take these responsibilities seriously.
4. Structuring sustainable improvement: supports the minimization of environmental impacts by providing an environmental management framework that promotes sustainable improvement.
5. Increasing public trust: Compliance with ISO environmental standards increases public trust in the organization and its products or services.
These points show that ISO standards play a very effective role in realizing effective and sustainable environmental management.
ISO 14000 complies with the implementation of the official laws of governments and international communities in the field of environmental protection, in order to help companies and institutions minimize inefficiencies and damage to the environment, such as harmful climate change or pollution of water and soil resources. ISO 14001 is a global standard for environmental management systems (EMS) that requires organizations to define environmental policies, identify potential harm to the environment, design and implement environmental projects to improve living conditions, and provide the necessary tools and resources to Provide continuous improvement of the environment.
ISO 14000 is qualitatively similar to ISO 9000 standards in terms of quality. Therefore, the organization needs to publish and implement an organizational code of practice controlling efficiency and examining environmental aspects.
The ISO 14000 family of standards includes the longest and most extensive environmental management standards, but only their main standards are mentioned:
As a basic standard, ISO 14001 defines the requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). This standard provides a general framework that helps organizations to identify, assess, control and continuously improve their environmental impacts.
As a supplement to ISO 14001, ISO 14004 provides guidance for implementing an environmental management system (EMS). This standard is a valuable resource for organizations that wish to systematically improve their environmental performance.
Understanding the ISO standards and the environmental impact of a product or service during its life cycle is very important. The ISO 14005 standard guides organizations in conducting life cycle assessments so that they can make sustainable decisions for the development of environmental management.
The ISO 14006 standard emphasizes on fair integration of environmental factors in the product design process. This standard promotes ecological design principles and helps organizations reduce the environmental impact of their products.
ISO 14015 is known as a guide for environmental assessments in organizations. This standard facilitates the identification of environmental risks and opportunities and provides a proactive approach to improve environmental management.
ISO certification leads to an improvement in the image of an organization. Relying on these standards ensures that organizations are in good compliance with local and international regulations. This not only helps manage legal risks, but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical and responsible business practices. Consumers, investors, and other stakeholders are likely to engage more with companies that have a commitment to environmental responsibility. These standards encourage organizations to achieve higher resource efficiency, process integration, and waste reduction. This action not only helps to preserve the environment but also saves costs and improves operational efficiency.
Although the use of environmental ISO standards in the long term brings many benefits, but for some organizations, the initial costs of implementing these standards may be heavy. However, these costs are often offset by the positive impact ISO certification has on the organization’s operational efficiency and credibility. Successful implementation of standards requires employee training. Ensuring that employees are well-versed with the requirements of ISO standards is essential for effective environmental management.
Review and comprehensive evaluation of the environment: examining the environmental effects of the organization’s activities in all stages of operations.
Stakeholder participation: participation of employees, suppliers and customers in the development and implementation of environmental management systems.
Sustainable development: Establishing mechanisms for continuous assessment and improvement of environmental performance.
ISO standards play a fundamental role in the field of environment; Because they help organizations to manage environmental issues, coordinate with environmental laws and move towards sustainability and responsibility.
The use of ISO standards has a significant impact on the economy of organizations , because it can lead to improved productivity, reduced costs, and increased competitiveness.
ISO standards lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency by promoting process integration and waste reduction.
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Petro Imen Sharif Engineering Company was founded in 2010 by a group of engineers and specialists graduated from top universities in Iran, who believe in the motto “Desire creates” and with a focus on advancing scientific movements in the field of environmental protection.
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