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1999 CRC Press

LLC

Part I

Introduction to International
Environmental Standards

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1999 CRC Press

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Introduction

“Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality and adequate conditions of life, in an environment
of a quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and he bears a solemn responsibility to protect
and improve the environment for present and future generations.”

Principle 1, The Stockholm Declaration

Significant changes in the environmental field have required a re-evaluation of the environmental
protection programs in place around the world. Although reductions in pollution levels have been
realized in certain areas, necessary expectations for environmental protection have not been met
in spite of extensive regulatory programs and cost expenditures. This book examines new
approaches to environmental protection, including the emerging field of international environmental
law and environmental management systems (EMSs). This book is intended for environmental
professionals, regulators, students, educators, lawyers, business leaders, organizers, and others. It
is intended to provide information on environmental protections programs, international treaties,
national law, environmental management systems, and codes of business practice. As a student,
use this book to assist in the research of international environmental law, regulatory compliance,
or environmental management. Learn about existing principles recommended for businesses to be
good stewards of the environment while improving efficiency. As a government official, use this
book to stay informed about emerging strategies to address environmental problems from both
business and other nations. As a business person or environmental professional, this book provides
a host of references and materials to assist in program development. Educators may use this book
for program delivery and reference. Individuals may learn the national and international efforts to
improve the environment and determine the impetus for local programs. For a company to meet
its environmental policy, they must urgently comply with environmental laws while developing
and implementing an EMS.

As the EMS movement grows, students of the subject need a variety of resources to understand

this new paradigm. Some people have found it difficult if not impossible to think beyond compliance
and embrace the EMS or other system to improve environmental performance. This work identifies
the important drivers for such an approach. Corporate environmental policies go beyond a system
to comply with legal requirements into strategies to reduce operating costs and improve sales
(

Figure 1

). Jennifer Kraus of Global Environmental Consulting Company, Inc. has provided insight

into ISO 14000 conformance based on her many years of experience working with companies on
EMS development and implementation. John Grosskopf, PE, DEE, president of Environmental
Resources Engineering, has provided guidance to the approach of U.S. federal agency actions
regarding the EMS and regulatory programs. Nancy Montgomery of Environmental Outsource
effectively introduces the subject in Chapter 2. I wish to thank all the contributing authors for
providing their valuable expertise.

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Figure 1 Environmental Performance Chart

Transboundary movement of pollution and the desire to balance economic growth and envi-

ronmental protection have stimulated a variety of actions from businesses, countries, states, and
organizations around the world. Some involve national laws and regulations and others are in the
form of treaties for environmental protection or promotion of balanced trade. Gatherings of country
representatives in Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro have produced principles and proclamations that
recognize the need for environmental protection and the right of individual states to exploit their
own resources without damaging the environment of other states. The text of many of these treaties
has been provided here as well as summaries of actions taken by key organizations of the world,
including the United Nations and the European Union. The framework for the development and
implementation of EU legislation is especially important even for local U.S. businesses. The
doctrine of direct effect should stimulate regulators and government representatives to implement
directives in their respective countries.

The internet has become such an important tool for business and was instrumental in developing

this book. A list of internet and e-mail addresses for contacts around the world is provided in
Chapter 14.

Environmental problems are situational and typically are addressed on an as-needed basis.

These problems require analysis, planning, and action. This book has organized many of the
international agreements and requirements by topic, including air pollution, water quality, and
hazardous waste. These requirements and recommendations include guidelines, standards, laws,
regulations, codes of conduct, treaties, protocols, conventions, guidelines, case law, recommenda-
tions, declarations, policies, agreements, measures, principles, reports, directives, or orders. Use
this information to improve environmental quality while meeting strategic objectives.

Scott S. Olson
Littleton, Colorado
November 1998

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