Slide 11 of 53
Notes:
Forest certification protocols vary greatly in their design and intent. However, all fall into one of two categories: 1) performance-based or 2) management system-based. As its name implies, performance-based systems use specific measures (called criteria and indicators) to monitor on-the-ground performance over time. Management-based systems rely on the establishment of general standards that conform to sustainable forestry principles. Oftentimes, they are linked to the ISO 14001 process.
The International Standards Organization (ISO), formed in 1947, promotes world-wide standards, international consistency and international trade. ISO 14000 grew out of ISO’s commitment to support the objective of sustainable development discussed at the 1992 meeting of the UNCED in Rio de Janeiro.
ISO 14001, adopted in 1996, provides the international standard for self-declaration or certification of an organization’s Environmental Management System (EMS). Contained within ISO 14000 are environmental management, life cycle analysis, environmental auditing, environmental labeling and environmental performance evaluation. ISO 14001 is neither industry-specific nor performance-based. It allows organizations to establish their own environmental policy so long as it adheres to all applicable domestic laws and regulations. Firms may use first, second or third party certifiers and all reports may be confidential.
