Panorama da certificação ISO 14001 em empresas no Estado do Paraná

Abstract

The inclusion of programs related to environmental sustainability in companies contributes to the balance between economic development and the use of natural resources. The Environmental Management System established by the standard ISO 14001 has presented itself as an efficient tool to improve the companies` environmental performance. This study aims to present the motivations, advantages and difficulties associated with the implementation and certification of the Environmental Management System in companies located in the state of Paraná. A questionnaire has been sent to 25 companies listed on the INMETRO database, which was answered by 44% of them. Through the analysis of the answers could be verified that: there is a tendency for seeking certification of ISO 14001 by medium to large companies: the greatest motivation of companies is to improve its environmental performance continually reflecting awareness and culture change related to the environment and sustainable use of this by companies; the main advantage is the positive influence that ISO 14001 certification has on the company's image in the media and society, promoting these public statement of commitment to its environmental performance; and about the difficulties associated with the system, dominated the costs of maintaining this.