scope:

Specifies requirements for an environmental management system, to enable an organization to formulate a policy and objectives taking into account legislative requirements and information about significant environmental impacts. It applies to those environmental aspects which the organization can control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. It does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria. This standard is applicable to any organization that wishes to a) implement maintain and improve an environmental management system; b) assure itself of its conformance with its stated environmental policy; c) demonstrate such conformance to others; d) seek certification/registration of its environmental management system by an external organization; e)make a self determination and declaration of conformance with the standard.