Environmental Management Systems and ISO 14001 Certification for Construction Firms
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 130, Issue 3
Abstract
Environmental management systems (EMSs) are intended to formalize procedures for managing and reducing environmental impacts. Construction firms typically do not have comprehensive and certified environmental management systems. This paper discusses the elements of environmental management systems, the relationship to the ISO 14001 standard, and the importance for construction firms to implement an EMS. A case study of a certified environmental management system for a construction firm is presented. Benefits and costs of such systems are identified. The paper concludes that construction firms should begin to work towards implementing more complete environmental management systems, although fully certified systems are not essential.
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Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 22, 2002
Accepted: Apr 4, 2003
Published online: May 14, 2004
Published in print: Jun 2004
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