10th Anniversary of ISO 14001 - Did the environmental management standard save the world or was it just another bureaucratic system?

Abstract: The ISO 14001 environmental management systems standard was introduced in 1996. At that time expectations and doubts were presented by different interested parties. After 10 years of operational existence the question should be asked whether it contributed to sustainability or to mere organisational bureaucracy for the implementing companies. This research evaluates the impacts of ISO 14001 in a global perspective considering its historical development. The historical development comprises from the ISO 14001 drafting, through its implementation and certification process, to its future evolution. This study explores global perceptions of the ISO 14001 standard from the main actors' point of view, i.e. developers, implementers and certifiers. Therefore, this thesis compares the expectations, drivers, benefits, problems and visions of the future ISO 14001 implementation and certification revealed by developers, implementers and certifiers, in developed and developing countries. Finally, recommendations on the crucial findings that play an important role in the future of ISO 14001 are presented.