A look back at achieving ISO 14001 certification

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20003298

Heyob, K; Heigel, G

In 1996, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (Honda) set a goal of achieving ISO 14001 certification for all major US manufacturing plants by the end of 1998. This paper is a reality-based look at what implementation of ISO 14001 really entailed and, after implementation, the benefits and problems that Honda has experienced. Honda will describe the implementation experience from start to finish, including development of the implementation strategy, problems encountered along the way, implementation tips learned during the process, and what would be done differently the second time. Honda initially developed an implementation plan, estimated resource requirements and assigned plant-wide implementation teams. A core team of project leaders was trained to lead the implementation and general training was provided for all project team members. Honda evaluated the gaps between Honda's existing TQM-based environmental management systems and the requirements of ISO 14001 and developed a strategy to fill the gaps using TQM principles. The paper will describe how Honda addressed each element of the ISO 14001 standard and integrated them within existing business and environmental management practices. The paper will also look-back at the implementation process and identify problems that Honda experienced and what could be done differently to save time and resources. Finally, Honda will describe any problems encountered with maintaining the ISO 14001 certified environmental management system and the benefits that have come from certification.

• Research Organization: Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (US)
• OSTI ID: 20003298
• Report Number(s): CONF-990608--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR QUALITY
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
CERTIFICATION
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
STANDARDS
WASTE MANAGEMENT