FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1998-05-21

Standards Council accredits KPMG Quality Registrar Inc.

The Standards Council of Canada has accredited KPMG Quality Registrar Inc. to register organizations to the requirements of ISO 14001 -- the international standard dealing with environmental management systems. This Vancouver-based program is associated with KPMG Quality Registrars Inc. in Toronto and is the second Canadian registrar to receive the new accreditation.

ISO 14001, Environmental management systems - specifications with guidance for use, 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 the requirements of Standards Council criteria published in CAN-P 14, Criteria and Procedures for Accreditation of Organizations Registering Environmental Management Systems. Requirements relate to such issues as qualified staff, quality system, proper record keeping and freedom from conflicts of interest.

KPMG's accreditation follows a comprehensive assessment by the Standards Council. In addition to KPMG there is one other SCC-accredited EMS registrar and five firms that have applied for Standards Council accreditation as ISO 14001 registrars.

"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; (613) 995-4564; e-mail [email protected].

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