posted 15 March 2000 12:53 PM               

OK let me just briefly give you in a nutshell what ISO 14000 is.

"What are ISO's Environmental Management Standards (ISO 14000)?
ISO's Environmental Standards (EMS) are a series of voluntary standards and guideline reference documents which include environmental management systems, eco-labeling, environmental auditing, life cycle assessment, environmental performance evaluation, and environmental aspects in product standards. The focus on management" distinguishes these standards from performance" standards.
EMS help and organization to establish and meet its own policy goals through objectives and targets, organizational structures and accountability, management controls and review functions all with top management oversight. EMS do not set requirements for environmental compliance nor do these standards establish requirements for specific levels of pollution prevention or performance. The Environmental Management Systems specification document calls for environmental policies which include a commitment to both compliance with environmental laws
and prevention of pollution."
USA-EPA

The above just about states it as simply as possible...

Right now the importance to not only the automotive industry, but to all others is simply this...MONEY.

ISO 14000 can be utilized to emphasize an organizations committment to protecting the environment ---- diminished potential liabilities in environmental regulation violations, re-designed processes promoting the minimization of waste by-products resulting in cost savings, broadening the market base of potential customers who are environmentally conscious.

Remember the word---M O N E Y.......that's why.