scope:

This International Standard specifies requirements for an environmental management system, to enable an organization to develop a policy and objectives taking into account legal requirements and information about significant environmental aspects. It applies to those environmental aspects which the organization can control and those which it can influence. It does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria. This International Standard is applicable to any organization that wishes to: a) implement, maintain and improve an environmental management system; b) assure itself of its conformity with its stated environmental policy; c) demonstrate such conformity with this international standard by: - making a self-determination and self-declaration; or - seeking confirmation of its self-declaration by a party external to the organization; or - seeking certification/registration of its environmental management system by an external organization. All the requirements in this International Standard are intended to be incorporated into any environmental management system. The extent of the application will depend on such factors as the environmental policy of the organization, the nature and location of its operations, and the conditions in which it functions. This International Standard also provides, in annex A, informative guidance on its use