"ISO 14001 is the star standard among the International Organization for Standardization's ISO 14000 series of environmental management standards. It has seen spectacular growth since its launch in September 1996. Worldwide registrations are set to pass the 20,000 mark in 2000 with 20 times that number reportedly waiting in the wings. In 30 explicit but concise chapters, ISO 14001: Case Studies and Practical Experiences seeks to unravel the truth behind what can and cannot be achieved by ISO 14001 and aims to provide readers with enough knowledge to make choices about its relevance and importance not only to their worlds but also to society. Written by leading practitioners, certifiers, consultants, government and academics, the book examines both the real benefits and the shortcomings organizations have experienced with ISO 14001. We learn from both. Far more ambitious than an implementation guide, the book will provide those readers struggling with the standard first-hand experiences of the real issues they will face in implementing their EMS and, just as importantly, what certifiers look for when they visit firms. ISO 14001: Case Studies and Practical Experiences is a warts-and-all expose of ISO 14001: the issues tackled; the problems faced and overcome; and, above all, the astonishing flexibility of its uses and the diversity of its users. This important book is a must for businesses, researchers, consultants, government officials, students, NGOs and support organisations who want more than just another how-to-do-it manual; but rather the truth about how ISO 14001 is really working on the ground."--Provided by publisher