ration will vary among registrars. So, compare registrars in this area before choosing one. The ISO 14000 EMS is a system where each part is related to and integrated with the others. Environmental aspects, those elements of a company's activities, products, or services that can interact with the environment, are the key to the whole system. Impacts, policy, objectives, training, emergency preparedness, procedures, and documentation must all relate to the aspects. Many companies are moving easily into ISO 14000 because they were already doing many of the things it requires. So, even if a company is uncertain about its timing and commitment for ISO 14000, it can identify those aspects of the standard that can benefit it now and begin phasing them in over time. This "cherry picking" can bring immediate benefits and the phased approach will minimize disruption. If the market or regulators encourage registration, progress will be faster because of this foundation. For example, Rockwell Automation's registration effort was made easier because it was based upon environmental systems already in place. Modifications were all that was necessary. The biggest challenge and opportunity for success is to change the way a company thinks about the environment. It must be seen as a business issue: what benefits does the environment bring the company and its customers? This is a change from reactive, command and control thinking. Since everything comes from the environment, this change in thinking leads to protection of the sources of business prosperity. ISO 14000 3M is well known for its success in reducing pollution. One key to its success is focusing on four high impact areas: product reformulation, proc...
