ISO14 -- Setting the Standard in Environmental Management

The integrity of the ISO 14000 Standards is one of the underlying reasons for the global acceptance of ISO 14000 as the basis for Environmental Management Systems. Inherent in the integrity of ISO 14000 is the governance and guidance of important institutions. These institutions provide the forum and structure for the continuing growth and improvement of ISO 14000.

International Organization of Standards (ISO): A non-profit group, based in Geneva, Switzerland. This group coordinates the efforts of 130 nation bodies and technical advisory groups in the promulgation of international standards for all businesses. Learn more about ISO.

Member Body: The national representatives of ISO member countries. The U.S. member body is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Learn more about ANSI.

Accreditation Bodies: Groups that determine the guidelines that registrars follow when issuing ISO certificates to corporate entities. The Registration Accreditation Board (RAB) is the Accreditation Body for the U.S. Learn more about RAB.

Registrars: Groups that inspect organizations for proper adherence to ISO Standards and who issue ISO certificates to properly qualified organizations. Registrars will perform a registration audit prior to granting an ISO 14000 certificate, and will usually perform two surveillance audits each year to ensure that the certificate is effective. Learn more about registrars.