'Mini' ISO Certification Launched in Akita Prefecture

Starting in April, 2004, the Prefectural Citizens' Forum for Akita's Environment will offer an original certification system for entities such as companies, factories, schools, local government and private offices that are actively involved in promoting environment-friendly activities.

The Forum is a networking organization established in March 2002 that aims to promote environmental conservation through the co-operation of prefectural residents, businesses and the prefectural government. Current participating members include 227 individuals and 93 companies and organizations that hope to see Akita prefecture develop sustainably into an environmentally sound place to live.

Because some small-and medium-sized companies find it difficult to obtain ISO 14001 certification, the Forum decided to help them start working on environmental protection measures by keeping certification costs as low as possible. Moreover, it set up two levels of certification: an introductory level, Step 1, with an application fee of 5, 000 yen (about U.S. $47), and an intermediate level, Step 2, with an application fee of 100,000 yen (about U.S. $935).

Step 1 certification involves the following categories;
(1) promotion of energy conservation, (2) reduction, recycling, and proper disposal of wastes, (3) use of environment-friendly vehicles, (4) use of environment-friendly products, (5) promotion of environmental activities, and (6) others. The sixth item allows applicants to put forth their own environmental protection efforts that may be original or have particular relevance to their location in Akita Prefecture.

Applicants for Step 1 certification select three or more categories and implement relevant measures. For Step 2, applicants must select and implement measures chosen from a larger and wider range of categories. This allows applicants to expand their efforts towards acquisition of ISO 14001 certification. The Forum's certification remains in effect for three years and is renewable.



Posted: 2004/06/03 01:17:04 PM
Japanese version