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INSIDE ISO 14000: The Competitive Advantage of Environmental Management (St Lucie)

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Published, March 1, 1996 this is the first publication to present ISO 14000, the so called "master scheme" for the protection and preservation of the environment, for sustainable development of life and improving our ecosystem. This book is presented as an everything you need to know in order to comply with the ISO 14000 series. Here, in his `Primer' for the ISO 14000 series one will find expansive discussions on each element of the ISO 14000.

Sayre's Inside ISO 14000: The Competitive Advantage Of Environmental Management [at the time of its publication] probably accomplished what the title suggests - tells you everything you need to know to comply with ISO 14000. That is, "how to" develop and implement a successful environmental management system that has potential to provide for competitive advantage, through a systematic management plan emphasizing commitment, planning, implementation, evaluation and review.

Throughout the `guide,' information on what the ISO 14000 series will require of organizations to become ISO 14000 certified is meticulously spelled out somewhat to the point of being repetitive, while the reader is sometimes bounced around in a rather distracting manner. One is often not sure if you are in ISO 14000 or one of the many other ISO, or related Standards also covered in the book. Sayre provides parallel information from related standards (other ISO 14000 standards, ISO 9000 and ANSI/ASQC E4). All this is intertwined with an expressed passion for the environment and sustainability coupled with "real world" suggestions drawn from Sayre's extensive knowledge in management systems.

The major problem with the book today is that this general guidance will not fulfill the needs of the consummate environmental professional charged with implementing an ISO 14001 system, therefore it could be considered inadequate for that level of interest. However, for the generalist seeking guidance or an overview on creation and implementation of a successful environmental management system this book would fulfill the need. For it does provide specifics on the internationally accepted framework for effectively managing environmental efforts. Interestingly enough, even though it is dated, for those interested in Auditing, Sayre's knowledge and personal experience rises to the forefront and provides appropriate guidance for today's environmental professional.

The author has tackled a difficult but important topic: how do we citizens of the world achieve sustainable development and still make a living? Simply put, the author makes each of us a champion for environmental management using the new ISO 14000 management standards. As the author puts it, the environments we live in include the ecosystems, finances, politics, public relations, employees and other interested parties, and markets. The ISO 14000 standards are market-driven, period. Life from now on must be recognized as marketing and sales, customers and suppliers, a true need for honest empowerment of all stakeholders. Mr. Don Sayre's management primer goes well beyond the words of the standards, into his own unique insights as senior consultant to the federal government, well-versed auditor of management, root cause analyst, video producer, father and husband, film and stage actor, and someone who attended the original Woodstock Celebration in 1969. He is an international author and instructor and consultant, recognized by his wit, humor, and insightful understanding of what total and strategic environmental quality management is all about. Most all other authors on the ISO environmental management system standards limit their input (and output) to the specification, ISO 14001. But, as Don says, that is simply the skeleton; the meat of the organism involves the other guidance standards. Humans are at the center of sustainable development, in the eyes of the United Nations. What better way to support that and promote than to follow the simple instructions of the ISO 14000 standards. Otherwise, when the year 2030 absorbs us, the population growth and demand for available resources will collide. Boom! Devestation, turmoil, famine, war--all will follow in the framework established by our histories. This book is valuable reading for anyone with an inkling of interest in what our collective future holds. It is valuable reading to anyone who wants to make a difference. And, readers will be surprised to learn how knowledgeable they will be as the "new" experts on environmental management. It is a work written from the heart.