FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1998-10-26

Standards Council accredits environmental management systems registrar

The Standards Council of Canada has accredited SGS International Certification Services Canada Inc. to register organizations to the requirements of ISO 14001 - the international standard dealing with environmental management systems.

ISO 14001 was developed by environmental stakeholders from some 70 countries taking part in a technical committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The voluntary consensus standard describes the administrative elements that must be in place so that an organization can effectively manage its impact on the environment. The standard, part of a larger collection known as the ISO 14000 series, is applicable to organizations of any size, operating in any sector.

Registration is a means of demonstrating to clients, the courts, the public, regulators and other interested parties that an environmental management system conforms to ISO 14001. The Standards Council's accreditation program for ISO 14001 registrars is intended to enhance national and international confidence in Canadian registrations.

To become accredited, a registrar must meet Standards Council criteria related to such issues as qualified staff, the existence of a documented functioning quality system, proper record keeping and freedom from conflicts of interest. SGS's accreditation follows a comprehensive assessment by the Standards Council.

"Accreditation is a major investment for registrars and demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards," said Michael McSweeney, Executive Director of the Standards Council. "Registration by an accredited organization sends a message to customers, governments and the public that an organization takes seriously its commitment to sound environmental management practices."

The Standards Council of Canada is a Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization, and is Canada's representative at ISO. For more information on the accreditation program, contact the Standards Council of Canada, (613) 238-3222; fax (613) 995-4564; e-mail [email protected].

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