© ISO 2007 - all rights reserved
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6.5. The environment
1356
6.5.1 Rationale
1357 The world is facing a host of environmental challenges, many of which are linked to population growth and
1358 development, such as the depletion of natural resources, climate change, pollution and the destruction of
1359 ecosystems.
1360 Environmental issues - from local to global - are interconnected, and addressing them requires a
1361 comprehensive approach. Environmental problems pose a threat to human security and the well-being of
1362 society. Environmental issues are closely linked to human rights, social development and other core issues
1363 of social responsibility. Many environmental issues transcend national boundaries, and no single state or
1364 sector of society can meet the challenge alone. All members of society should gather their collective
1365 resources and confront the issues with a spirit of unity and cooperation.
1366 Addressing environmental issues is not only a precondition for the survival and prosperity of our generation;
1367 it is a responsibility our generation should fulfil so as to enable future generations to enjoy a sustainable
1368 global environment. [An organization should be mindful that environmental responsibility is a part of the
1369 social responsibility of any organization.]
1370
6.5.2 Principles and considerations 1371
In addressing environmental issues, all organizations should respect and promote the following principles. 1372
[They are encouraged to fulfil their responsibilities as completely as feasible.] 1373
6.5.2.1 Environmental responsibility 66
1374 An organization should assume responsibility for harm to the environment caused by activities within its
1375 control or sphere of influence. [Society expects private and public organizations to be good neighbours.]
1376 Key elements that contribute to environmental responsibility include the following:
1377
Applying a precautionary approach; 1378
Acting to bring about compliance with nationalstatelocal laws, and where the laws are not sufficiently
1379 protective of the environment or not effectively enforced, operate in adherence to accepted
1380 international norms;
1381
Integrating environmental standards, codes and criteria in supply-chain management; 1382
Facilitating environmental technology development and transfer;
1383
Advancing environmental awareness, performance management and reporting in operations and 1384
locations; 1385
Communicating and maintaining dialogue with the local community on environmental impacts; and
1386
Sharing benefits equitably. 1387
6.5.2.2 Precautionary approach 69
1388 An organization should, wherever possible, apply the precautionary approach to protect human health and
1389 the environment. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty
1390 should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent potential health impacts
1391 or environmental degradation. [In conditions of uncertainty, the use of tools such as life cycle analysis,
1392 environmental risk assessment and environmental impact assessment is particularly relevant.]
1393
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© ISO 2007 - all rights reserved
6.5.2.3 Polluter pays principle 70
1394 An organization should bear the cost of pollution prevention according to the extent of either the damage
1395 done to society by pollution or the degree to which the pollution exceeds an acceptable level standard.
1396 [This serves to promote the internalization of environmental costs.]
1397
6.5.2.4 Use of environmentally sound technologies 68
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