International environmental standardization

In August of 1991, ISO empaneled an advisory group-the Strategic Advisory Group on Environment (SAGE)-composed of environmental policy experts from some two dozen countries to assess the need for international environmental standards and to recommend an overall strategic plan for their development. Six separate groups were formed under SAGE to assess the following areas: environmental management systems, environmental auditing, environmental performance evaluation, environmental labeling, life cycle analysis, and a guide for environmental aspects in product standards. In the fall of 1992, SAGE presented the conclusion of its inquiry to ISO and therein recommended the formation of an ISO Technical Committee to develop international environmental standards that provide for a common approach to environmental management similar to quality management, improve systems and techniques to attain and measure improvements in environmental performance, and facilitate trade and remove trade barriers through their use. The ramifications for industry of these developments are discussed along with strategic considerations