ISO Focus June 2006.Indd

ISO Focus The Magazine of the International Organization for Standardization Volume 3, No. 6, June 2006, ISSN 1729-8709

Environmental sustainability

• 100 years of the IEC • New ISO Packs for the paint industry Contents

1 Comment Dan Gagnier, Chair of ISO/TC 207, Environmental management, Environmental sustainability and ISO standards 2 World Scene Highlights of events from around the world 3 ISO Scene Highlights of news and developments from ISO members 4 Guest View Richard Kinley, Officer-in-Charge of the Climate Change ISO Focus is published 11 times a year (single issue : July-August). Secretariat It is available in English. 7 Main Focus Annual subscription 158 Swiss Francs Individual copies 16 Swiss Francs Publisher Environmental Central Secretariat of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sustainability 1, rue de Varembé CH-1211 Genève 20 Switzerland ISO

Telephone + 41 22 749 01 11 © Fax + 41 22 733 34 30 • Do you speak ‘ environment ’ ? ISO develops standard for E-mail [email protected] environmental communication Web www.iso.org • Environmental labels and declarations – Contributing to Manager : Anke Varcin a healthier, more sustainable planet Editor : Elizabeth Gasiorowski-Denis • Launching of ISO 14064 for greenhouse gas accounting and Assistant Editor : Antoinette Price verification Artwork : Pascal Krieger and • New standard for ensuring credibility of greenhouse gas claims Pierre Granier • Environmental management – life cycle assessment ISO Update : Dominique Chevaux • “ A matter of life and death ”– Subscription enquiries : Sonia Rosas Friot An interview with Dr. George W. Arnold ISO Central Secretariat • Accuracy and precision in sampling water Telephone + 41 22 749 03 36 • New ISO standards for improving management and efficiency Fax + 41 22 749 09 47 of water services E-mail [email protected] • Environmental contamination – ISO standards for measuring © ISO, 2006. All rights reserved. radioactivity levels The contents of ISO Focus are copyright • Managing soil quality in changing times and may not, whether in whole or in • Plastics – one of the most resource-efficient materials available part, be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or • Cutting the complexity of glass building products by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without 38 Developments and Initiatives written permission of the Editor. • Interview with IEC President Renzo Tani The articles in ISO Focus express the views of the author, and do not necessarily reflect 41 New on the shelf the views of ISO or of any of its members. ISO and social responsibility • Building a technical infrastructure • ISO Pack • Software asset management • Security of financial ISSN 1729-8709 Printed in Switzerland transactions • OpenDocument OASIS standard Cover photo and montage : ISO. 45 Coming up ISO Focus June 2006 Comment Environmental sustainability and ISO standards

t is always dangerous to assume impact of the Kyoto Protocol and the mean that the glass is half full and that environmental sustainability is broader issue of what we do to meet are we incapable of innovation and Ithe unique area of one part of the the challenge beyond 2012. of doing things differently ? ISO family of standards. As Chair of The interesting change in Not in the least – I have seen ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207 dynamics on GHG reduction is the what standards can do, what they rep- on environmental management, I have move beyond arguments over science resent and how they can help align, been struck over the past three to four to the critical recognition that this is improve and communicate commit- years by how quickly we become a long-term global and multi-lateral ment – all for the purpose of improv- defenders of our assigned turf. issue. It is not only about today and ing both the benefits to people and Firstly, when I take a look at the tomorrow but about how we can inno- our planet. proliferation of standards that purport vate, use existing and new technology to be leading in the field of “ sustain- and succeed in a carbon constrained ability ” for one aspect or another, I world. We will all be involved in this no longer wonder why people are con- debate and search for what we can do fused. The one reality that is increas- better, faster and together. ingly gaining currency, however, is the reputation and brand of ISO. Secondly, within that brand, the “ It is not only about ISO 9001 and 14001 families are by today and tomorrow far the most universally recognized but about how we can and used. This does not mean that we should rest on our laurels. Usually, innovate, use existing whenever we remain in this state of and new technology and contentment, someone comes along succeed in a carbon and “ eats our lunch ”. Thirdly, as demonstrated by constrained world.” the work ISO is doing on a guid- Dan Gagnier ance standard for social responsibil- So why is this so important Chair of ISO/TC 207, ity (ISO 26000), the leadership of today ? How does this help the course Environmental management ISO has recognized the practical link of “ environmental sustainability ” ? between the economic, environmental One only needs to look at the demo- and social components of sustainable graphics of our planet to realize that development. This is more than a pass- with the stresses created by popula- ing interest or intent (if you are against tion, economic expectations, natural trying to have an approach on social resources utilization, energy require- responsibility), it is a signal that our ments and emissions of all kinds, we organization has and continues to add will need the resources of two to three to the body of work in relation to both planets by 2050. This is true if we societal needs and the requirements of expect a projected population of nine markets and business concerns. billion to continue in the same path Fourthly, even within the of consumption and economic devel- ISO 14001, the excellent work com- opment enjoyed by developed econ- pleted by our working group 5 on cli- omies today. mate change has brought together under My view is simply to put forth the ISO architecture a greenhouse gas the concept that divorcing economies, (GHG) standard that is and will prove technology or social development increasingly pertinent and of utility. issues from “ environmental sustain- This is especially true as governments ability ” may be comforting but tan- and stakeholders move to assess the tamount to massive denial. Does this

ISO Focus June 2006 1 World Scene

Over 1 200 major group parti- International conformity �� Road safety film festival cipants registered along with assessment workshop �� The Palais des Nations hosted government and intergovern- the first World Road Safety The World Trade Organiza- mental delegates and approxi- �� Film Festival on the occasion tion’s Technical Barriers to mately 80 ministers attended Trade (TBT) Committee held a �� of the 48th session of the �� this meeting in New York from working party on road traffic two-day workshop on different �� 1-12 May 2006. approaches to conformity safety (WP.1) of the United assessment in Geneva in March. It was the first time the business Nations Economic Commis- community was officially invit- sion for Europe (UNECE) The meeting was aimed at ed to dialogue with energy, in March 2006. The festival improving WTO members’ development and finance minis- was organized by UNECE in understanding of conformity ters about its role as an agent for cooperation with Laser assessment systems, including change in the sustainable devel- Europe. acceptance of conformity opment process. In his opening assessment results. address, United Nations Secre- The Secretary of tary-General Kofi Annan named ISO’s policy Quality Assurance Challenge ” business as one of the key con- committee for at the end of 2005, which pro- duits to finding solutions to glo- conformity vides a practical approach to bal environmental challenges. assessment setting up an appropriate quality CSD-14 was tasked with evaluat- (ISO/CASCO) infrastructure in developing ing progress in implementing gave a presenta- countries. Agenda 21, the Programme for tion, which the Further Implementation of highlighted how Based on discussions held by the Executive Forum, the paper Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg International Plan of Implementation, while Standards and provides an overview of a quality infrastructure and focusing on identifying barriers conformity and constraints, lessons learned assessment sys- addresses key challenges related to its development. and best practices in implementa- tems improve tion in the thematic cluster. efficiency of It presents emerging quality production and facilitate inter- issues relating to conformity Films were shown from over national trade. assessment, quality assurance 30 countries representing all He emphasized the signifi- in the services sector and secu- regions of the world. Selected cance of conformity assess- rity-related requirements, and by an international jury ment in contributing towards outlines a practical, structured composed of experts in com- sustainable development, and approach to establishing a munication for road safety, stressed that TBT related to quality infrastructure. the films were classified in the tests, certificates and similar While tariff barriers have come following five categories : requirements can be addressed down, non-tariff barriers in the communication and cam- through the use of Internation- form of quality requirements paigns, education for road al Standards on conformity increasingly affect the ability safety and driver training, assessment developed by ISO of developing countries and risk prevention for profes- and the International Electro- transition economies with lim- sional drivers, road safety technical Commission. ited resources to compete in innovations, and television The session gave participants the global market. broadcasts. an opportunity to share experi- The paper targets policy and “ This is the first time that ences of conformity assessment decision-makers in these coun- such a festival has been held approaches and procedures at tries and will help them to at the Palais des Nations and national levels and to look at build quality infrastructures. it illustrates one of the major concerns of our member states what needs to be considered For more information see : – road safety,” said José Capel for the use of conformity www.intracen.org assessment procedures. Ferrer, Director of the UNECE transport division, opening the For more information contact : Acting for a sustainable festival. [email protected] energy future Delegates adopted the report This first World Festival th Finding the best The 14 session of the Com- of the session, including the will serve in particular as a mission on Sustainable Devel- Chair’s summary, containing an springboard to promote the approach to quality opment (CSD-14) consisted of overview of the discussions, first United Nations global assurance a two-week review of progress the Small Islands Developing road safety week (23 to 29 The International Trade Cen- in the areas of energy for sus- States (SIDS) day, the multi- April 2007), which will be tre’s (ITC) Executive Forum tainable development, industrial stakeholder dialogue and the co-organized by the five United published a paper entitled development, air pollution and high-level segment, as well as Nations regional commissions “ Innovations in Export Strategy : the atmosphere, and climate the partnerships fair and the and the World Health Organi- A Strategic Approach to the change. learning center. zation.

2 ISO Focus June 2006 ISO Scene

DEVCO discussion group Environmental labeling, and, in particular, with local light the increasing role themes brought together 32 partici- authorities and SMEs. The vis- JISM could play in assisting pants from 22 countries and it was extended to IBMETRO, Jordanian industry and stake- The discussion group themes organizations. the Bolivian national metrolo- holders, in particular as the to be developed at the 40 th gy institute, which had recently national gateway to interna- meeting of ISO’s committee on The meeting, which preceded the ISO/TC 207 Chairman’s upgraded its equipment for tional standardization. developing country matters reference standards and legal (DEVCO) to be held 11-12 Advisory Group meeting, was held in southern Trinidad. metrology. Workshop raises September 2006 in Ottawa, awareness of social Canada, were selected by the The terms of reference for Visit to Jordan responsibility DEVCO Chair’s Advisory WG 3 are to develop a guid- Group at its 5th meeting held in ance standard that is reasona- The ISO Secretary General, An awareness-raising work- Geneva, 14-15 March 2006. bly detailed and which pro- Alan Bryden, paid a visit to shop for Central and Eastern vides a flexible, phased the Jordanian Institute for European and Central Asian The discussion groups will Standards and Metrolgy provide delegates with an oppor- approach to the implementa- countries on the development tion of an EMS with perform- (JISM) in Amman on 10 April of an ISO standard on social tunity to exchange information 2006. JISM offers a wide and experiences on the follow- ance outcomes at each phase. responsibility was held at the Upon completion of all the range of standardization, certi- Austrian Standards Institute ing themes which are of inter- fication, training and informa- est to developing countries : phases, an organization should (ON) in Vienna, Austria, in be able to meet the require- tion services, including the April 2006. • Good regulatory practice – ments of ISO 14001. Jordanian World Trade Organ- interaction between regulators ization Technical Barriers to The workshop was organized by and national standards bodies ; At this first meeting, several Trade enquiry point. ISO and the Swedish Standards models and approaches were Institute, and hosted by ON. • Twinning arrangements – considered. The meeting The participants came from experiences and challenges concluded on a positive note by 17 countries and different (ISO technical work) ; agreeing a framework for the stakeholder groups including • Enhancing standardization document, with drafting assign- amongst others : industry, work through the use of IT ments given to specific government, consumers, tools. members of the group. labour, non-governmental Registration is limited to DEVCO The next meeting is slated for organizations, service, members. the second week in July 2006 support and research. in Stockholm, Sweden. For more information contact : It has initiated a major pro- [email protected] Visit to Bolivia gramme for increasing its capacity, whilst its main part- Environmental manage- On the occasion of the meet- ner for metrology and testing ment systems for SMEs ing of the General Assembly services, the Jordan Science of COPANT, hosted in La Paz Council, is modernizing its by ISO’s member from Bolivia facilities, which are used by (IBNORCA) on 25 April 2006, JISM to support its inspection Carlos Amorim, President of and certification activities. The workshop’s objectives Pan American Standards Com- This visit was complemented included raising awareness mission (COPANT), and Alan by meetings with the JISM among national standards Bryden, Secretary-General of Director-General Dr. Yaseen bodies and their stakeholders ISO, visited the central facili- Khayyat, the Minister of Trade of the work and procedures ties and staff of IBNORCA. and Industry, Jordan H.E. Sharif for the elaboration of the This gave the opportunity to Ali Zu’bi, and the Chairman International Standard on highlight the increasing con- of the Board of Directors of social responsibility. The Trinidad and Tobago nections IBNORCA has devel- the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Bureau of Standards hosted the It also launched a process of oped with its stakeholders Dr. Hatem Halawani, to high- first technical working group preparation for efficient and meeting of the newly-formed competent participation in the working group assigned ISO working group, and responsibility for developing a development of strategies for standard for environmental actions related to stakeholders. management systems (EMS) Feedback from the event specifically for small and highlighted the positive medium-sized companies atmosphere and participants’ (SMEs). interest in, and enthusiasm The three-day inaugural meet- for, the topics, which promises ing of ISO technical committee the future active involvement ISO/TC 207, Environmental in ISO work and the creation management, subcommittee SC of a sustainable network for From right : Carlos Amorim, President of COPANT ; Kory Eguino Caillet, Executive Director 1, Environmental management of IBNORCA ; Alan Bryden, Secretary-General of ISO ; Ing. Gonzalo Dalence Ergueta, social responsibility in the systems, working group WG 3, Director of Standards, IBNORCA. region.

ISO Focus June 2006 3 Guest View Richard Kinley UNFCCC © ©

ichard Kinley was designated “ These ISO standards ISO Focus : What is the mission of the Officer-in-Charge of the will provide frameworks United Nations Framework Conven- R Climate Change Secretariat tion on Climate Change ? on 7 September 2005. for assessing and verifying Richard Kinley : The United Nations Since joining the secretariat in greenhouse gases at Framework Convention on Climate 1993, Richard Kinley has held a different levels.” Change (UNFCCC) is at the centre of number of senior positions including the global response to climate change. Coordinator of intergovernmental Its long-term objective is the stabiliza- and conference support programmes, A national of Canada, Mr. Kinley tion of greenhouse gas concentrations head of administration, advisor served previously with the in the atmosphere at a level that would to the COP President and advisor Government of Canada, working prevent dangerous anthropogenic inter- to the Executive Secretary on in the areas of international ference with the climate system. With reviews of national communications, environmental policy, northern 189 Parties, the Convention is virtual- budget development and policy environment and resource ly a universal instrument. issues. He has served as Secretary management, and international of the Conference of the Parties climate policy. He studied political since 1996 and led the secretariat science and international relations, ISO Focus : Leaders of the G8 are support for the negotiation of the holding a BA from the University meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, in Kyoto Protocol. He has been Acting of Manitoba and a MA from June 2006, to find solutions to key Deputy Executive Secretary since Carleton University. international problems, among others, 1 August 2003. how to protect and preserve the envi-

4 ISO Focus June 2006 ronment. How do you think climate change. This contributed to advances at ISO Focus : In its first year into force, change and the implementation of the the World Summit and to the success the signatories of the Kyoto Protocol Kyoto Protocol will be tackled by world of the United Nations Climate Change are on their way to lowering green- leaders ? What would you like to see Conference in Montreal last December, house gas emission levels by 2012. coming out of the G8 meeting ? where two important processes relat- The new ISO 14064 and 14065 stand- ed to the future international climate ards provide tools for assessing, sup- Richard Kinley : It is crucial that the change policy were launched. porting and verifying greenhouse gas world leaders devote sufficient atten- I expect that world leaders will reduction and emissions. How do you tion to climate change as it is one of build on these achievements and take expect them to contribute to the devel- the most challenging issues on the them further, in particular by acknowl- opment of emission trading, and what international agenda. edging the two critical and mutually are your expectations on the develop- Energy policy and energy secu- reinforcing policy goals : energy secu- ment of this market ? How do you see rity are among the major themes out- rity and climate security. developing countries benefiting ? lined by President Putin as the focus for the G8 this year. These issues are closely linked to climate change pol- “ ISO standards provide caring for climate icy and can no longer be considered tools for businesses and in isolation. The outcome of last year’s G8 governments to evaluate discussions in Gleneagles on climate and enhance their change was a breakthrough. It created environmental performance positive international momentum and strengthened political commitment at the against certain acceptable highest level to actively address climate criteria.”

A guide to the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol

UNFCCC UNFCCC © © UNFCCC headquarters, © © Caring for climate 2005 – a guide to the Climate Bonn (Germany). Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Change Climate on Convention Framework Nations United The First Ten Years UNFCCC © © The first 10 years – an overview of actions taken during the past decade to combat climate change and mitigate its adverse effects.

Richard Kinley : The carbon market provides opportunities for cost-effective means to reduce emissions. Like standards in any other market these ISO standards will provide frameworks for assessing and verifying greenhouse gases at different levels. Applied broadly they

ISO Focus June 2006 5

Guest View lessen the transaction costs to compa- technologies, and facilitation of tech- nies, for example, for those operating nology transfer to developing coun- in several countries the costs of under- tries. Investments made today will standing different rules and regulations define development and emission tra- counting emissions and removals would vanish. The ISO standards pro- greenhouse gas inventories under the UNFCCC jectories, as well as countries’ ability vide guidelines for various market- to cope with climate impacts for the based schemes in the areas you men- UNFCCC next 30–50 years. © © tioned and thereby contribute to the Counting emissions and removals – Greenhouse The limits on greenhouse gas integration of greenhouse gas reduc- gas inventories under the UNFCCC. emissions agreed in the Kyoto Protocol tion into the decision-making of eco- push businesses and policy makers to look for innovative policy and techno- nomic actors. They may also provide itation bodies. For example, Ms. Mau- logical solutions, which help to lower a basis for facilitating connection of reen Mutasa, who is the current Chair of emissions. Emissions trading has prov- different trading schemes by ensuring DEVCO (the ISO Committee on Devel- en to be a very effective policy instru- that the commodity, in our case car- oping Country matters), is a member ment for technological innovation. One bon, is considered equivalent. and Mr. Thomas Facklam, President of of the first practical examples of this the International Accreditation Forum, is presented by the US Acid Rain pro- serves as an observer to that panel. “ ISO is making an gramme. Environmental standards may The CDM has seen exponen- important contribution to promote innovation in a similar way: tial growth since the Kyoto Protocol by setting a goal for environmental climate protection.” came into effect in 2005. At the end performance of businesses they proof 2005, only a few dozen projects had vide incentives to explore technolog- The Clean Development Mecha- been registered. As of 2 May 2006, 172 ical improvements and to implement nism (CDM), one of the market-based CDM projects were already registered innovative solutions. mechanisms created by the Kyoto Pro- and a further 568 projects were in the tocol, offers certified emission cred- pipeline. These include a wide range of its in return for investment in sustain- projects, from small hydro power sta- ISO Focus : In addition to the ISO able development, emissions-reducing tions and landfill gas capture, to elec- 14000 family of standards for environ- projects in developing countries. tricity production from biomass and mental management systems (EMS), The CDM infrastructure includes wind farms. The total expected amount labelling and life cycle analysis, ISO a process for the approval of methodol- of emission reductions generated by develops International Standards for ogies and a scheme for accrediting enti- these projects by 2012 stands at over the protection of the environment ties, which provide services for valida- 900 million tonnes, about the size of through the use of alternative energy tion and verification of the CDM project the annual emissions in 2003 of Cana- sources, recycling, energy efficiency, activities. These, I believe, served as da and Belgium combined. In addition conservation and technical systems, an example or reference point for the to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, etc. Can you say how these other envi- development of parts of more generic implementation of CDM projects will ronmental standards could bring add- ISO standards and will be widely used contribute to improving energy effi- ed value to governments and businesses in other schemes as guidance for organ- ciency, transfer new technologies, and and what are your expectations of izations and companies to design and deliver other additional ancillary ben- ISO ? develop greenhouse gas emission inven- efits to developing countries. tories and carbon projects. I would also Richard Kinley : Environmental concerns are becoming essential compo- like to mention that the development of ISO Focus : You have said in your the CDM accreditation scheme, adopted message on the occasion of the first nents of sound business management several years ago, drew from relevant anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol that and also key social and economic issues ISO standards and assessment practic- “the implementation of the Protocol for governments. ISO standards pro- es at that time. will help drive the technology innova- vide tools for businesses and govern- The global accreditation operation needed to further bring down ments to evaluate and enhance their tion is one of the core elements of the emissions.” Can you expand on this ? environmental performance against CDM. It involves international assess- What is the role of standards for the certain acceptable criteria. This is a ment teams and an accreditation panel successful dissemination of innovation crucial step in being able to identify that makes recommendations on accred- and good environmental practices ? problems and potential solutions. ISO itation to the CDM Executive Board. is making an important contribution to The panel, which provides technical Richard Kinley : Effective reduction climate protection. I hope that ISO will support to the CDM accreditation sys- of emissions and efforts to adapt to continue to advance its important mis- tem, includes very experienced experts climate change require deployment sion and wish you every success. from national and international accred- of existing and development of new

6 ISO Focus June 2006 Main Focus Environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability

Environmental communication is In the development of ISO 14063, Do you speak becoming an increasingly important activ- a key consideration for the experts was ‘ environment ’ ? ity for organizations, large and small, due the conviction that environmental com- to increased public awareness, interest munication is well within the reach of ISO develops and concern, and environmental regula- any organization and any organization tory agencies’ expectations. can reap the benefits. standard for In 2001, ISO began the pro- environmental cess of writing a guidance standard on Communicating – environmental communication under both internally and communication its technical committee ISO/TC 207. Working group WG 4 of ISO/TC 207 externally has completed ISO 14063, Environmen- All organizations communicate by W. Gary Wilson, Chair, tal management – Environmental com- with suppliers, customers, investors, ISO/TC 207/WG 4, munication – Guidelines and examples, stakeholders, etc. Any organization Environmental communication which will become another tool in the subject to environmental regulations ISO 14000 arsenal. communicates about its performance he huge and ever-growing global Small organizations in particu- in this area. Submittals to environmen- interest in the environment means lar often feel they lack the resources to tal agencies are one form of commu- Tthat communicating environmen- conduct environmental communications. nication. Some organizations go no tal performance is both relevant and Part of this concern is due to the per- further, while others have formal pro- important, requiring particularly clear ception that this type of communication cesses for providing interested parties and transparent communication. means an environmental report. with information on this topic.

ISO Focus June 2006 7 Main Focus

These communications are not of interested parties and definition However, this may not always just about providing information to par- of resources. This is completed at an be the best, nor the most appropriate ties outside the organization. It is some- upper management level and provides method for disseminating this infor- times more important to do the same for a framework for specific environmen- mation. a company’s employees, and requires tal communications, which are planned An effective way could be a prod- the same planning and considerations. in accordance with the organization’s uct label, an advertisement, a public Just as dialogue with external parties environmental policy and strategy and meeting, an open house, a newspaper may be useful in defining the needs of which address specific issues, objec- article, a plant tour, a citizen advisory an external audience, the same goes for tives, geographic boundaries and inter- group, a help desk, a radio or TV inter- dialogue with employees. ested parties. view or a presentation by an employee An organization should under- at a school or other public group. stand why it is communicating, who its target audience is, and what it wants to Targeting say. It is important to first define the the message and media company’s objectives (purpose). to the audience “ Dialogue between an The important thing is to keep an open mind as to how best to con- organization and external duct a specific environmental commu- interested parties can help nication, by tailoring it to the needs “ Environmental build trust and have of the targeted groups and intended communication is well long-term benefits.” outcome. within the reach of any organization and any This type of communication can “ An organization should be in many forms, the written report understand why it is organization can reap being only one example. Certainly, the benefits.” communicating, who written reports have received the most its target audience is, © ISO © attention, and numerous guidance documents are available for their prepara- and what it wants to An organization should develop tion (e.g., GRI). an environmental communication pro- communicate.” gramme that provides general guidance on how any specific communication of About the author Each environmental communi- this nature will be conducted. It should cation must consider the audience. It be consistent with, and be an integral W. Gary Wilson, can be completely one-way (issuance part of, a company’s overall commu- Esq., Chair of of a statement or report without feed- nication. There are unique sensitivities ISO/TC 207/ back), completely interactive (two- WG 4 on envi- and technical issues associated with way dialogue with interested parties) ronmental com- or anything in between. this kind of information, which must munication, and Dialogue between an organi- be considered. is a member of the ISO/TC 207 zation and external interested parties Planning to achieve Chairman’s can help build trust and have long- term benefits. Nonetheless, if an orga- the desired results Advisory Group. Mr Wilson is a nization is in a situation where it is Planning for environmental Principal Professional for Kleinfelder, uncomfortable entering into such dia- communication occurs at two levels. A Inc., working with clients to develop the logue, there can still be benefits asso- programme should establish the over- management structures necessary for ciated with primarily one-way com- all guidelines for conducting any envi- implementation of an environmental man- munications. ronmental communication. The ISO agement system. He has authored numerous The organization should also articles on EMS and ISO 14001 topics, 14063 guidance standard considers a strive to understand the expectations and co-authored two books : The ISO and perceptions of the target group set of basic principles for conducting 14000 Answer Book : Environmental Man- these communications, establishes a agement for the World Market (John Wiley with respect to the issue of the envi- policy expressing the intentions and & Sons, 1997), and Sustaining Environ- ronmental communication. Where it directions of top management, and a mental Management Success : Best has chosen to enter into dialogue with strategy that includes objectives, tim- Business Practices of Industry Leaders its interested parties, this information ing of communications, identification (John Wiley & Sons, 1999). may be more readily understood.

8 ISO Focus June 2006 [email protected] performance. environmental their concerning ment state a make to wish who enterprises, nizations, especially small and medium orga for tool valuable a be 14063 will When it is published later this year, ISO tion, no matter how simple or complex. ment of an communica environmental develop the in organization any assist abilities ? their of best the to cient resources available to do the work over time ? suffi communications Are involved? are How specific successful gramme working ? Are the right people ronmental communications. Is their pro review the process for developing envi effectively more ? across sage mes the get to order in time next the If not, why not ? to What needs change objectives met for the communication ? off. Were paid have the these which to tion should always determine the degree organiza an so resources, require will munication. com the evaluate to way a provides to and result, the is desired appropriate it ensures and communication mental environ each of planning the focuses communication.This environmental each for objectives set to needs zation e Evaluating settings. tural cul or language native groups, age as well as audience, the of sophistication and education the as such factors on depending varies presented are data and information How accordingly. ed adjust be and this reflect must cation their needs change, and each communi parties. ested stand, inform, persuade or engage inter under consult, to wants it whether on will used, vary media quent depending specific communication, and the subse For information, more to written been has 14063 ISO should management Likewise, An environmental communication As previously, stated an organi and parties Likewise, interested An organization’s to approach a ffectiv m . eness contact : contact ------labelling ISO/TC 207/SC 3, by sustainableplanet ahealthier, more C ontributing John Henr y, Secretary Environmental to

y t i l i b a l n a i t a n e t m s n u o s r i v n E improvement, there needed to be more to be more needed there improvement, environmental for force a into har nessed be to going were purchasers of the environment. or dolphins the either benefit to going was product particular that ing buy how was however, clear wasn’t itive with consumers. What impression pos a create could liquid, washing-up like product, utilitarian a with image natural charming a linking how see to easy was It abounded. environment’ the about care ‘we like nouncements pro and detergent of bottles of labels the on frolicking seen were Dolphins other sort of environmental endorsement. be ‘earth friendly’, ‘green’ or bore some shelf the to claimed supermarket either products. of aspects tal environmen the about provided being information dubious of plethora a was there 1980s, the in momentum gain to began trend purchasing this when However,planet. sustainable more ier, health a to contribute can purchasers way that both consumers and institution S 1 4 on the environment the is on a positive impact an of less have that es buyto servic eeking and goods If good intentions on the part part the on intentions good If on article every that seemed It 0 0 0 ISO

Focus

June

200 6 9 ------© ISO Main Focus reliable information and less meaning- Different types of less advertising ‘ hype ’. information for different needs Setting internationally- agreed benchmarks When the subcommittee started to look at providing more detailed Various strategies were adopt- advice, it found that there were distinc- ed in different parts of the world to tively different types of environmental ensure that purchasers would be able labels and declarations, each with its to make product choices based on real own set of issues. It would be a mam- environmental benefits. These included moth task to define all of the different the regulation of environmental claims approaches to providing environmental used in marketing and the establish- information about products, so SC 3 ment of schemes that independently has only attempted to do so for three assessed goods and services, and award- of the more common approaches. ed environmental seals of approval to Bearing in mind the need for a the most meritorious products. terminology that was free of pejoratives While such strategies had a and could be unambiguously translat- positive effect at national level, prob- ed, the subcommittee chose to simply lems began to emerge in the growing number the three approaches : Type I, global market. Type II and Type III. © ISO © “ The overall goal mental discussion, a subject that was, Type I of environmental labels up to then, more often seen as being Type I environmental labelling and declarations is about moral and ethical issues, rather refers to the multi-criteria, life-cycle to encourage the demand than science. seals of approval, commonly known The first standard developed as ‘ eco-labelling ’. for, and supply of, ISO 14020, Environmental labels and ISO 14024 provides the require- those products that cause declarations – General principles, pro- ments for operating an eco-labelling less stress on vides the over-arching parameters that scheme, like the Nordic Swan or the will ensure that environmental labels Japanese ‘ Eco-Mark ’. The standard the environment.” and declarations are truthful, non-dis- has been adopted as a benchmark by criminatory and not open to misun- the Global Eco-labelling Network The effects of ‘ eco-labelling ’ derstanding. (GEN), the international federation on international trade were raised at The scope of the standard is the WTO Committee on Trade and the quite broad as implied by the title. The Environment (CTE) where it was felt expression, ‘ environmental label ’ refers About the author that the environment might be being to any environmental information that John Henry is used as an excuse to erect a subtle trade is printed on a product or its packaging, barrier to restrict imports from devel- Director, Inter- including logos and symbols. national and oping countries. As well, the national However, when that same infor- Standardization differences in the requirements cover- mation appears elsewhere, perhaps in a Policy at Stand- ing what environmental claims could television advertisement for the prod- ards Australia legally be marked on products were a uct, there is clearly no label involved, and Secretary of headache for global suppliers. and we call that an ‘ environmental ISO/TC 207/SC It was soon recognized that declaration ’. 3, Environmen- ISO could play a role in setting inter- tal labelling. He nationally agreed benchmarks to help has managed a resolve some of these problems and “ It was soon recognized range of different technical groups within ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207, Standards Australia over the past 25 years, Environmental management, subcom- that ISO could play a role including the group responsible for environmental standards. His other activities mittee SC 3, Environmental labelling, in setting internationally include being a member of the IEC Stand- was established in 1993. agreed benchmarks.” ardization Management Board and the From the outset, the subcom- vice-Chair of the Standards and Conform- mittee sought to bring some objectiv- ance subcommittee of the Asia Pacific ity and technical rigour to the environ- Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

10 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability of eco-labelling bodies. It provides interpreting that information involves the rules to overcome some of the weighing up a number of different fac- past criticisms of eco-labelling and tors, for example product A may have provides guidance for new schemes lower emissions to air and product B 14000 under development. may generate less solid waste. This type of evaluation isn’t eas- environment. This is done through Type II ily dealt with as one walks down the communication of verifiable and accu- aisle of the supermarket and Type III rate information that is not mislead- ISO 14021 sets out requirements declarations have proven to have lim- ing on environmental aspects of prod- for the content of self-declared envi- ited application to the consumer mar- ucts, thereby stimulating the potential ronmental claims made by suppliers, ket. However, a commercial enterprise for market-driven continuous environ- in the absence of a third-party pro- will often have specific environmental mental improvement. gramme, otherwise known as Type II targets embedded in its purchasing pol- The measure of their success environmental labelling. It also gives icy, allowing for objective evaluation or failure will be the extent to which guidance on how to avoid problems of the Type III information. the standards have empowered pur- with the more common environmen- Type III environmental decla- chasers at all levels to make informed tal claims, like ‘ recyclable ’. rations are of growing importance in choices and to drive environmental It embodies a similar approach business to business com- improvement. to ISO/IEC 17050:2004, Conformity merce ; and the fact If the verdict is positive, then assessment – Supplier’s declaration that, first the technical ISO will have demonstrated that it can 1) of conformity, in that any suppliers’ report, and then the be more than just the declarations must be backed up by standard, were devel- lubricant of indus- objective evidence. oped in parallel with trial efficiency ; it The standard has allowed the the emergence and can use the same guidelines used to support the regu- refinement of this lation of misleading environmental new approach has claims in different parts of the world allowed ISO to play a to become much more closely aligned. key guiding role. Whether because of tighter regulation, greater supplier responsibility or consumer cynicism, the number of self- declared environmental claims about products has significantly reduced since the standard was published. However, those claims that remain in the market tend to be restricted to those cases where there really is credible environmental information to be conveyed.

Type III ISO/TR 14025 provides guidance on issuing quantified environmental Creating a level international consensus process to information about products, based on playing field in play a significant role in public poli- life-cycle data, also known as ‘ Type III cy issues. In my opinion, that would environmental declarations’ or ‘ envi- the global market be an excellent example of ISO rein- ronmental product declarations’. This The ISO 14020 series could venting itself to maintain its relevance technical report will be superseded by simply be viewed as another example in changing times. a new standard on the same subject, of ISO creating a level playing field ISO 14025, Environmental labels and in the global market ; however, the declarations – Type III environmental subcommittee has set itself a higher 1) ISO/IEC 17050 is published in two parts declarations – Principles and proce- objective. under this general title. dures, in mid-2006. Each of the standards states These Type III declarations pro- that the overall goal of environmental vide data on key environmental aspects labels and declarations is to encourage of products in a format that facilitates the demand for, and supply of, those comparison by purchasers. Of course, products that cause less stress on the

ISO Focus June 2006 11 Main Focus

Launching of ISO 14064 for greenhouse gas accounting and verification by Chan Kook Weng, Convenor of ISO/TC 207/WG 5 on climate change and Kevin Boehmer, Secretary of ISO/ TC 207/WG 5

SO’s goal in developing its new international greenhouse gas (GHG) Iaccounting and verification standards – the three-part ISO 14064 – is to provide a set of unambiguous and verifiable requirements or specifications to support organizations and proponents of GHG emission reduction projects. When they use ISO 14064 for quantification, reporting and verification, it will ensure that “ a tonne of carbon is always a tonne of carbon”. ISO 14064 has resulted from several years of detailed study and engagement with the international community of governmental and business organizations with a stake in climate change. It has been developed by working group WG 5 on climate change of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207, which is responsible for the ISO 14000 family of environmental management standards.

These high profile standards ISO © – which were presented at the United In response, the Department of • enable organizations to identify and Nations Climate Change Conference in Standards Malaysia (DSM – www.dsm. manage GHG-related liabilities, Montreal, Canada, in late 2005 – will gov.my) and the Standards Council of assets and risks ; provide clarity and consistency between Canada (SCC – www.scc.ca) proposed those reporting GHG emissions and • facilitate the trade of GHG allowances the development of ISO 14064 and have stakeholders. or credits ; and since managed some 175 international ISO 14064 provides a solution to experts from 45 countries and 19 liai- • support the design, development the problem brought to light in 2002 by son organizations through eight inter- and implementation of comparable the ISO Technical Management Board’s national meetings in completing the and consistent GHG schemes or Ad Hoc Group on Climate Change. It standard. programmes. observed that governments, business ISO 14064 objectives are to : corporations and voluntary initiatives were using a number of approaches • enhance environmental integrity by ISO 14064, Greenhouse gases, com- to account for organization- and proj- promoting consistency, transparency prises three parts, respectively detail- ect-level GHG emissions and removals and credibility in GHG quantification, ing specifications and guidance for the with no generally accepted validation monitoring, reporting and verifica- organizational and project levels, and or verification protocols. tion ; for validation and verification.

12 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability Organizational level Project level Part 1: Specification with guid- Part 2 : Specification with guidance at the organization level for the ance at the project level for the quan- quantification and reporting of green- tification, monitoring and reporting 14000 house gas emissions and removals, of greenhouse gas emission reduc- Part 2 will be of interest to details principles and requirements for tions and removal enhancements, project proponents participating in designing, developing, managing and focuses on GHG projects or project- voluntary programmes or regulatory reporting organizational or company- based activities specifically designed credit-based schemes, or GHG scheme level GHG inventories. to reduce GHG emissions or increase administrators designing such pro- It includes requirements for GHG removals. grammes or schemes. determining organizational boundaries, It includes principles and require- Part 2 of ISO 14064 requires GHG emission boundaries, quantify- ments for determining project baseline users to select or establish relevant ing an organization’s GHG emissions scenarios and for monitoring, quantify- good practice guidance in fulfilling and removals and identifying specific ing and reporting project performance many of its requirements to ensure company actions or activities aimed at relative to the baseline scenario and compatibility with existing (e.g., Clean improving GHG management. provides the basis for GHG projects Development Mechanism) or emerg- to be validated and verified. ing practice. “ ISO 14064 will provide

clarity and consistency ISO 14064-1 ISO 14064-2 between those reporting Design and develop organiza- Design and implement GHG GHG emissions and tional GHG inventories projects stakeholders.” GHG inventory documentation GHG project documentation It also includes requirements and and Reports and reports guidance on inventory quality management, reporting, internal auditing and Requirements the organization’s responsibilities in Level of of the verification activities. GHG Assertion assurance GHG Assertion consistent applicable Part 1 will be of interest to with needs GHG Validation and/or organizations participating in volun- Verification of intended programme tary GHG registries or regulatory user verification or intended allowance-based schemes, or GHG users scheme administrators designing such programmes or schemes. ISO 14064-3 Part 1 of ISO 14064 is consist- Verification Validation and process verification process ent with best practice established in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corpo- For example ISO 14065 Programme (To be published) Requirements for Programme rate Accounting Standard developed by specific validation or verification bodies specific the World Business Council for Sus- tainable Development and the World Figure 1 – The relationships between the three parts of ISO 14064 and ISO 14065. Resources Institute.

Validation and About the authors verification Dr. Chan Kook Kevin Boehmer Part 3 : Specification with guid- Weng is is Secretary of ance for the validation and verification Convenor of ISO/ TC 207/ of greenhouse gas assertions, details ISO/TC 207 WG 5. He is a principles and requirements for veri- working group 5 Programme on climate Manager with fying GHG inventories and validating change. He is a the Canadian or verifying GHG projects. Senior Research Standards Asso- It describes the process for GHG- Fellow with the ciation. related validation or verification and Malaysian Palm specifies components such as validation Oil Board. or verification planning, assessment

ISO Focus June 2006 13 Main Focus

Regime neutrality ISO 14064 is GHG regime or scheme neutral. In other words, the developers of ISO 14064 balanced being “scheme sensitive” with becoming “scheme selective” or being “policy relevant” with becoming “policy prescriptive”.

Technical rigour The developers of ISO 14064 recognized that anything short of a technically rigourous standard would lose market credibility and relevance. To this end, each Part of ISO 14064 treats technical best practice in its own way – Part 1 maintains consistency with existing best practice (eg, GHG Protocol), Part 2 is designed to be compatible with existing best practice or allows for the establishment and justification of new best practice, while Part 3 establishes new international best practice.

Extensive participation WG 5 recognized that the credibility of ISO 14064 might be impacted by the extensiveness of participation in the standards development process. The participation of various countries, regions, stakeholder groups and technical experts was therefore encouraged to ensure different perspectives; needs and expertise were accounted for.

Speed-to-market As a variety of GHG initiatives and schemes have been established, are under development or are being planned, WG 5 committed to an ambitious, but responsible schedule to complete the standard. WG 5 delivered ISO 14064 in about three-and-a-half years.

Table 1 – ISO 14064 process principles. procedures and the evaluation of organ- of Standards (SABS – www.sabs.co.za) ible, credible and verifiable tool appli- ization or project GHG assertions. in partnership with the Standards Coun- cable across a variety of voluntary or ISO 14064 Part 3 can be used cil of Canada (see page 15). regulatory GHG schemes. by organizations or independent par- Figure 1 (preceding page) shows ties to validate or verify GHG asser- the relationships between the three parts “ Some 175 international tions and establishes new international of ISO 14064 and ISO 14065. best practice for the GHG validation experts from 45 countries or verification process. Challenges and 19 liaison organizations Whilst taking advantage of participated in developing ISO 14065 ISO’s reputation and process strengths, ISO 14064.” ISO 14064 will be complemented the developers of ISO 14064 were not by ISO 14065, which specifies require- immune from the challenges of stand- WG 5 is not under the illusion that ments to accredit or otherwise recog- ardization in this sometimes complex ISO 14064 will represent a “ total solu- nize bodies that undertake GHG vali- and always political area. To help guide tion ” to GHG accounting and verification dation or verification using ISO 14064 their work, WG 5 established and main- needs, but is confident that it represents or other relevant standards or specifi- tained the four principles of regime neu- an important “ building block ” to organ- cations. trality, technical rigour, extensive par- izations or project proponents partici- ISO 14065 is being developed by ticipation, and speed-to-market (see pating in various voluntary or regulatory the joint working group 6, which was Table 1 above). initiatives, or to administrators respon- set up in 2004 and comprises experts ISO 14064 developers regular- sible for designing and implementing from ISO/TC 207 and ISO/CASCO, ly revisited these process principles to GHG schemes or programmes. Committee on conformity assessment, help ensure that the standards would managed by the South African Bureau provide a variety of users with a flex-

14 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability Despite the importance of the New standard for protocol, the requirement for credi- ensuring credibility ble greenhouse gas reporting extends beyond the reaches of the Kyoto Proto- 14000 of greenhouse gas col. Many corporate, provincial, secto- claims ral, regional and national programmes As the primary source of volun- have been or are currently being estab- tary International Standards, ISO is well lished and, even where these do not positioned to provide tools in support by Geoff Visser, Executive Officer exist, there is a growing need to com- of greenhouse gas initiatives. pile greenhouse gas inventories. of Standards South Africa Despite the variety of such Progress laims made about reductions schemes or programmes, essentially Significant progress has been of greenhouse gas emissions they all seek to reduce the amount of made by ISO technical committee ISO/ may have political and financial greenhouse gas emitted and to achieve C this by requiring the management and TC 207, which is responsible for the implications, in addition to environ- ISO 14000 family, in the development mental ones. Ensuring their credibility reporting of the gases emitted at various of standards for environmental manage- is vital. ISO is combining its environ- levels. The latter may be right down to ment. These standards include those for mental and conformity assessment the plant where production takes place environmental management systems, expertise to develop tools for verify- or, in the case of sequestration projects, environmental performance evaluation ing and validating such claims. where carbon is absorbed. and life cycle assessment. The Kyoto Protocol was ratified More recently, the commit- in 2005 and in December 2005 at the “ ISO is combining its tee has begun putting its expertise in United Nations Framework Conven- environmental and these different aspects into developing tion on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conformity assessment the three-part ISO 14064 standard for meeting, many decisions were made greenhouse gases (see Table 1 overleaf) bringing the agreement into affect and expertise.” which was published in March 2006. again raising awareness of the need to These schemes are therefore all The standard covers the requirements reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grounded on the preparation of solid for making claims on greenhouse gas the essential related issue of how to assertions of greenhouse gas reductions emissions at the entity or facility lev- ensure the credibility of claims about based on sound, common principles el, as well as claims related to green-

ISO Focus June 2006 15 Main Focus

However, an essential part of ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse gases – Part 1 : the implementation process of stand- Specification with guidance at the ards is conformity assessment – how organization level for quantification we demonstrate that we have met the and reporting of greenhouse gas requirements of the standard. emissions and removals To this end, ISO has had significant experience in the develop- ISO 14064-2 Greenhouse gases – Part 2 : ment of conformity assessment stand- Specification with guidance at the ards and guides through its committee project level for quantification, on conformity assessment, ISO/CAS- monitoring and reporting of CO. These standards underpin many of greenhouse gas emission reductions the activities related to the application or removal enhancements of standards. They include standards for the Greenhouse gases – Part 3 : accreditation of test laboratories to ISO 14064-3 Specification with guidance for issue test certificates, the accreditation the validation and verification of certification bodies to issue certif- of greenhouse gas assertions icates of conformity for management systems (such as ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004), and for product cer- Table 1 – ISO 14064 on greenhouse gases is a three-part standard. tification schemes, whereby marks of conformity are stamped on products Therefore, the verification of offered for sale. Management system these assertions has a lot in common In relation to greenhouse gas The fact that an emission reduc- with management system certifica- issues, the market has expressed a tion is largely intangible requires tion because the assessment of the demand for a combination of technical that the party preparing the assertion management controls forms an inte- rigour on the environmental aspects with should have a comprehensive man- gral part of the validation or verifica- a strong systems-based approach to the agement system in place in order to tion process. credibility of claims of conformity. account fully for the emissions dur- At the same time, a greenhouse ing the period under review. A vali- gas validation or verification differs dation or verification body carries out from a management system certifi- Expertise the activity of verifying a greenhouse cation in that the statement is issued gas assertion. In response, the two technical based on an assertion issued at a specif- committees in the ISO community with ic point in time and covering a defined the corresponding expertise resolved to period of activity. In that respect, it is work together to develop a new stand- About the author quite similar to an audit of a financial ard for the recognition of validation statement. and verification bodies. Dr. Geoff Visser ISO/TC 207 and ISO/CASCO is the Executive formed a new joint working group Officer of Stand- “ Requirements from which has made significant progress ards South Africa the financial auditing towards delivering a document that (a division of the community need to meets the requirements. South African The approach has been to use Bureau of Stand- be added.” ISO/IEC FDIS 17021, Conformity ards – SABS). assessment – requirements for bod- He is currently In fact, the similarity to a finan- ies providing audit and certification a member of the cial audit does not end there because the Chairman’s of management systems, and to craft claim itself often has a future financial Advisory Groups of ISO/TC 207, Environ- the principles contained in this docu- mental management, and ISO/CASCO, value in the market-place and many of ment into language used by greenhouse Committee on conformity assessment, and the schemes currently use this value as gas community. Although this makes is Convenor of the TC 207 WG 6, the joint a tradable commodity. In such cases, the a good departure point, requirements working group with CASCO on the recog- believability of the statements is vital in from the financial auditing community nition of greenhouse gas validation and order to allow such trade to take place. need to be added due to the fact that verification bodies. The resultant document will therefore in some schemes, emission reduction E-mail [email protected] require a delicate balance between the claims have a monetary value. Web www.sabs.co.za two disciplines.

16 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability The work of ISO/TC 207 working group WG 6, the joint working group Environmental with ISO/CASCO has progressed very management – life well indeed. The group met for the first 14000 time in conjunction with the ISO/TC cycle assessment 207 plenary meeting in August 2004 in Argentina and has had three subse- The goal of LCA is to com- quent meetings. The standard is cur- by Melanie Raimbault, Secretary pare the environmental performance rently out on DIS ballot which extends of ISO/TC 207, Environmental of products and services in order to until the early part of June 2006. It is management, SC 5, Life cycle be able to choose the least burden- hoped that if the comments on the draft assessment some. The term ‘ life cycle ’ refers can be successfully resolved, we should to the notion that for a fair, holistic be able to publish the final standard in assessment the raw material produc- early 2007. life cycle assessment (LCA) is tion, manufacture, distribution, use the assessment of the environ- and disposal (including all interven- Cross-section A mental impact of a given prod- ing transportation steps) need to be uct or service throughout its lifespan. assessed. This then is the ‘ life cycle ’ The experts that have been nomi- nated to the group reflect a wide cross- section of interests in the area and include the following: practitioners in the field of greenhouse gas verifications; validators of projects; scheme administrators; accreditors and people with vast experience of management system and product certification schemes. With a group as diverse as this, there are bound to be differences of opinion and approaches. There has, however, been an underlying commitment by the group to resolve these differences in a way that remains true to the requirement for technical rigour but that will allow us to complete the document in the shortest possible time. After all, we are repeatedly reminded that the world is waiting for a document like this – a document that will allow administrators to appoint and recognize verifiers and validators as being competent to carry out these important activities and thereby allow their schemes to function. Where schemes exist, the administrators are looking at this as a tool that will allow the recognition of the validators or verifiers (by various means such as accreditation or peer review, or others) so that the markets can grow. An increase of greenhouse gas as a result of our industrial activity is possibly one of the most serious threats facing mankind. We need to act together in order to manage and possibly mitigate the impact of this threat and Inter- national Standards are certainly one way

in which we can make this happen. ISO ©

ISO Focus June 2006 17 Main Focus of the product. The concept can also life cycle management, etc.), inte- cycle assessment – Requirements be used to optimize the environmen- grate the different applications of and guidelines), keeping the struc- tal performance of a single product life cycle in TC 207 into SC 5 doc- ture of “ goal and scope ”, “ invento- (ecodesign) or that of a company. uments, and include the identifica- ry”, “ impact assessment ” and “ inter- Common categories of assessed tion of significant environmental pretation ” as separate chapters. damages are global warming (green- aspects (regarding the products of • Revise ISO 14040, Environmental house gases), acidification, summer an organization) as an additional management – Life cycle assess- smog, ozone layer depletion, eutroph- application of LCA. ment – Principles and framework, ication, ecotoxic and anthropotoxic • Address links to economic and as a guidance document, but trans- pollutants. social aspects which are beyond fer all requirements to ISO 14044, the scope of ISO/TC 207. except for a requirement for compli- Consolidating ance with the requirements of ISO • Give guidance/training for application procedures and methods 14044. in industry, government, etc. (espe- The development of the Inter- cially in developing countries), trans- The previous standards (ISO national Standards for life cycle late the LCA language for experts 14040:1997, ISO 14041:1999, ISO assessment (ISO 14040:1997, ISO coming from other fields, facilitate 14042:2000 and ISO 14043:2000) 14041:1999, ISO 14042:2000, ISO the use of the LCA standards, and will be replaced by ISO 14040:2006 14043:2000) was an important step collect case studies showing the and ISO 14044:2006 (to be published to consolidate procedures and meth- use of ISO standards. in July). ods of LCA. Their contribution was A new working group WG 6 crucial to the general acceptance of Milestones (with more than 50 international experts, LCA by all stakeholders and by the of improvements co-chaired by Mr. Finkbeiner, Mr. Ina- international community. ba and Mr. Tan, secretariat provided Most of these issues could be by Mr. Christiansen) 1) was created to solved by a revision of the standards. A accomplish the revision of the stand- “The goal of LCA is to new ad hoc group was created in June ards according to the scope of the new compare the environmental 2002 to explore this possibility. Its aim work item proposal. performance of products was to review the standards with the The general outline of the two mandate to seek consensus on a pos- new standards and the relation to the cur- and services in order to be sible method for the revisions. The ad rent standards is shown in Figure 1. able to choose the least hoc group, co-chaired by Mr. Inaba and Mr. Finkbeiner, achieved a consensus burdening one.” 1) Matthias Finkbeiner (Germany), Atsushi and developed the necessary elements Inaba (Japan),Reginald B.H. Tan (Singapore), for the corresponding new work item Kim Christiansen (Denmark) and Hans-Jürgen As a result of discussions relat- proposals which were presented to Klüppel (Germany – Chair of ISO/TC 207/ ing to the future strategy of LCA stand- SC 5 in July 2003. SC 5) are co-authors of this article. ards, a task force under ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207, Environmen- tal management, subcommittee SC 5, “The publication of the new Life cycle assessment, was formed in International Standards About the author July 2001 to identify the areas for for life cycle assessment is Melanie improvements. Raimbault is a A consensus was achieved on expected in July 2006.” materials engi- the following four key objectives : neer and has been working The scope of the proposed work • Increase readability by compil- for AFNOR as a ing only two documents/merging items was to begin immediately with the standardization different documents/reorganizing revision of the ISO 14040 series with officer since the current standards, but keep the the objective of improving readabili- 2000. She is also technical content unchanged (only ty, while leaving the requirements and Secretary improvements are acceptable), and technical content unaffected – except of ISO/TC maintain consensus/balance and for errors and inconsistencies. It was 207/SC 5, Life cycle assessment, and ISO/ requirements. the intention to : TC 207/SC 1, Environmental management systems, WG 3, Guidelines for a staged • Address applications of LCA (life • Gather all requirements (“shalls”) implementation of an EMS, and of cycle thinking ; relations to ecolabel, in one new standard (ISO 14044, the national mirror committee for ISO/ design for the environment (DfE), Environmental management – Life TC 207.

18 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability Structure of current ISO 14040-43 standards (all contain requirements) 14000 ISO 14040 ISO 14041 ISO 14042 ISO 14043 Nevertheless, some technical changes were made. The modified technical content is in line with the previous requirements and serves mainly to clarify the technical content, and to cor- rect errors and inconsistencies. ISO 14040 without requirements ISO 14044 with all requirements For example, several defini- “ LCA – Principles and Framework ” “ LCA – Requirements and Guidelines ” tions (e.g. product, process, based on the definitions in ISO 9000 and ISO 14021 respectively) have been added, and also principles for LCA (life cycle Figure 1 – Source : The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (Int.J.LCA) article by perspective, environmental focus, rel- 2) Finkbeiner, et al. (2006) . ative approach and functional unit, 2) The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (Int.J.LCA) article has been used as a basis for this article. iterative approach, transparency, com- prehensiveness, priority of scientific Increasing readability approach). Clarifications were also and accessibility Current standards for LCA New standards for LCA A first important formal change 45 44 is the clarification concerning the com- 40 pliance with the standards. There has been some ambiguity about compli- 35 ance claims. Linking both standards 30 and adding a requirement in the new 26 ISO 14040 to comply with ISO 14044 25 eliminates this situation. Therefore, a 20 compliance claim to ISO 14040:2006 15 will unambiguously include compli- 10 ance with ISO 14044:2006. 7 Another formal improvement is 05 4 4 the alignment of the definitions in the 2 two documents. The same set of defi- 00 Number of standards Pages containing requirements Annexes nitions is given in both standards. For- Figure 2 – Source : The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (Int.J.LCA) article by mally, all definitions specific to LCA Finkbeiner, et al. (2006). were in ISO 14040, but now they are repeated in ISO 14044. This ensures Main technical changes made on the following: the use of LCA that users of ISO 14044 do not need to of the new standards in comparative assertions disclosed to consult another document (ISO 14040) the public, system boundary, the crit- just to obtain relevant definitions. The main technical content of ical review panel and the addition of Further major formal changes the current standards was reconfirmed an annex about applications. include a reduction of the number of to be valid. Many issues of fundamen- The two new standards, ISO standards, annexes and pages that con- tal importance (e.g. allocation, require- 14040 and ISO 14044, reconfirm the tain requirements. All these changes are ments for comparative assertions, or validity of the main technical content intended to increase the readability and the phases of LCA) were not changed. of the previous series of standards. accessibility of the standards. Therefore, the new LCA standards will Errors and inconsistencies have been For the practitioners of LCA, not generate a comprehensive need to removed and readability improved. this means that the technical require- adapt LCA practice, if it is based on The publication of the new Interna- ments can be found in one document the previous standards. This was not tional Standards for life cycle assess- (instead of the previous four) and that the intention of the revision and was ment (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044) is they are condensed on 26 pages instead found to be not justified during the expected in July 2006. of 44, (see Figure 2). revision.

ISO Focus June 2006 19 Main Focus

“ A matter of life and death ”

An interview with Dr. George “ An emergency W. Arnold, ISO Vice-President preparedness plan is only (Policy), on the role of useful if individuals and international standardization in crisis and disaster management. organizations actually hy do we need develop one and put it hy is emergency W an international standard/ into practice.” W preparedness workshop agreement? a topic in international standardization? It normally takes several years hy does this idea come from through the full ISO process to pro- W the USA and why is it handled at the international level? Everyone recalls the Asian Tsu- duce an International Standard, and nami in December 2004. While disas- the Technical Management Board ters of this magnitude are infrequent, of ISO believed that the need for a The idea did not just originate it is unfortunately the case that every deliverable on emergency prepared- in the USA. The ISO Advisory Group year, many tens of thousands of lives ness was so urgent that we could not on Security recognized this was an are lost around the world as a result wait this long. international concern. In the USA, the of naturally-occurring as well as man- Several countries already have 9/11 Commission, which studied the made disasters. This year we saw the national standards dealing with emer- events and lessons learned from the disastrous hurricane Katrina in the gency preparedness, so we believed World Trade Center terrorist attack, USA and the devastating earthquake this was a good application for ISO’s concluded that the lack of emergency in Pakistan. International Workshop Agreement preparedness plans hampered rescue The magnitude of disasters like (IWA) approach. Through the work- and recovery from the attack. It called these goes beyond what local or even shop, we can bring together each coun- for the adoption of an emergency pre- national response efforts can handle, try’s experts to select the best fea- paredness standard. and relief and recovery assistance is tures of each of the existing national Unfortunately in the USA we often provided by other countries in standards and produce a single “best witnessed this again with Hurricane an international humanitarian effort. practice” document that can be dis- Katrina where emergency preparedness When this happens, people, equip- seminated internationally by ISO. plans either did not exist or were not ment, systems and processes used in followed. But the Asian Tsunami dis- relief efforts come from many coun- aster of 2004, the Pakistan earthquake tries. Having a common language and hat will be of 2005, and many other unfortunate approach for dealing with disasters W the advantages? events remind us all that preparing for makes it easier for emergency work- emergencies is a global need. ers from different countries to work An emergency preparedness together to save lives and property. plan is only useful if individuals and Interoperability of equipment, sys- organizations actually develop one hat are the advantages tems and processes is not just a mat- and put it into practice. Having a sin- W of voluntary standards ter of convenience – it is a matter of gle internationally recognized stand- compared to laws or other life and death. Even standards for the ard means that people do not have to legal regulations or bilateral training of emergency workers are an re-invent the wheel, and it makes it agreements between states international concern. For example, easier to create awareness, develop or nations? when emergency medical technicians training programmes, and practice from different countries work side by for emergency preparedness. Laws and regulations are impor- side, it is important to know what their tant, but can’t cover everything. We skills and capabilities are. often think of local police, fire or emer-

20 ISO Focus June 2006 gency medical technicians as the “first responders” in a crisis. But this is not true – the first responders are actually the citizens affected by the event who must help one another before civil authorities arrive on the scene. Being prepared and having a plan to deal with emergencies is a responsibility that every family and business must have in place - and voluntary standards play an essential role in codifying common sense and best practices. Bilateral agreements between states or nations are also very important, for example to cut through cus- toms and trade “red tape” when shipping relief supplies and equipment. But there is a lot of knowledge and best practices that can be disseminat- ed much more quickly through voluntary international standards. “ Having a single internationally recognized standard means that people do not have to re-invent the wheel.”

hat is your personal approach W to this work item?

I encourage anyone who has ideas or experience to contribute to the international workshop to become involved. Every human being has the right to enjoy safety and protection, and as human beings we have an obli- gation to help one another. Everyone has something to contribute in developing standards for emergency preparedness. By combining the best ideas of experts from many countries around the world, I hope we can create a best practice for emergency © All photos ISO photos All © preparedness that benefits us all.

NOTE – This interview first appeared in the standards journal Connex and is reprinted here with permission from the Austrian Standards Institute.

ISO Focus June 2006 21 Main Focus

ical and microbiological constituents Accuracy and present in water samples, in addition precision in to field-based biological assays. It is only within the last 30 sampling water years that serious attempts have been made to develop formal methodolo- gies designed to guide those involved by David Walker, Chair of in the important process of taking the ISO/TC 147, Water quality, SC 6, samples, prior to the submission of the samples for laboratory analysis. Sampling (general methods) n environmental work much atten- “The production of tion is rightly paid to achieving standards and guidance Iaccurate and precise methods of documents in water quality laboratory analyses, although similar attention to sampling methods has assessment has a long often not been the case. This is a lit- tradition within ISO.” tle surprising, as poor quality sampling can negate all the time, effort In 2004 subcommittee SC 6, and cost involved in the development Sampling (general methods), of ISO/ and application of sophisticated labo- TC 147 celebrated 30 years of work ratory methods. and has been in the forefront of high- Sound sampling methodology lighting the importance of rational is particularly important in environ- sampling methodology, particularly in mental quality work, where the nat- the field of environmental water qual- ural and anthropogenic variability of ity work. During this period, a total of the systems being sampled (e.g. river 19 parts of ISO 5667, Water quality – estuarine and marine ecosystems) is Sampling, have been developed and often great, and significant errors in published, including several revisions estimating true quality can arise, no of some of the more well-established matter how accurate and precise the standards. Of these 19 parts, no less laboratory methods used to test indi- than 15 are associated with environ- vidual water samples are. For example, there are approximately thirty million seconds in a year About the author and it is quite common to assess annual quality at a river site from the results of David Walker 12 monthly samples, each taken over a has been Chair of ISO/TC 147, matter of seconds. This will naturally be Water Quality, subject to a ‘ lottery effect ’. We there- SC 6, Sampling fore need to understand the implications (general methods), of this ‘ lottery effect ’ – often termed since 1997. sampling error – in our decision-mak- Originally ing, and to provide sampling guidance trained as a that takes this into account. graduate industrial chemist in Environmental water the gas industry, Mr. Walker holds a diplo- ma in water pollution control and is a quality sampling Chartered Scientist and Fellow of both the The production of standards and Royal Society of Chemistry and Chartered guidance documents in water quality Institute of Water and Environmental Management. He has worked for most of assessment has a long tradition with- his career in water and wastewater treat- in ISO through its technical committee ment utilities and in environmental regula- ISO/TC 147, Water quality, although tion for government agencies within the most work has centred on the labora- United Kingdom, but now works as an

22 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability mental water sampling, either direct- In addition, SC 6 is currently ly or indirectly. working on a new project that is closely It is encouraging to note that associated with the design of sampling the wide applicability of the standards programmes. This relates to the provi- developed by the committee has been sion of guidance on the use of sampling recognized by the European Committee data that is subsequently used for more Currently, the wide diversity of for Standardization (CEN), with two strategic decision-making, which can guidance related to environmental qual- of its technical committees adopting include judging overall compliance of ity sampling can be gauged by refer- standards from the ISO 5667 series. an environmental site with limit value ence to an extract from the current list In the environmental quality area, thresholds associated with environmen- of standards produced within the ISO CEN/TC 230, Water analysis, has adopted tal quality objectives, and (for effluent 5667 series (see Figure 1). the first three general parts of ISO 5667, discharges to the environment) legal The relationship between the covering the design of sampling pro- discharge limits. various types of sampling guid- grammes, the choice of sampling tech- This guidance is expected to be the ance and how this fits into the gen- niques, and methods for the preservation subject of a new part of the ISO 5667 series eral process for carrying out a sam- and handling of samples, plus part 16 on to be published within the next two years pling programme can be seen in biotesting of water samples. and is discussed later in this article. Figure 2.

Three types of sampling Figure 2 – Design Choose Sample Quality Assure Specify AnalyzeAnalyseAnalyse Relationship Programme Preservation Sampling Environmental AnalyseAnalyseSamples guidance SamplesAnalyseSamplesSamples of sampling & Identify Methods Process Sampling SamplesSamples guidance Sampling Situation The guidance developed within Techniques : & Identify the ISO 5667 series over many years within the Guidance ISO 5667 can be classified broadly into three series ISO 5667 ISO 5667 ISO 5667 ISO 5667 StandardsStandards from from StandardsStandardsStandards from from from types: Parts 1&2 Parts 3&15 Parts 14 Parts 4, 6, 8, 9, StandardsISO/TCISO/TCISO/TC from147/ 147/147/ 11, 12, 16, 17, ISO/TCISO/TCSC2 147/ 147/ ISO/TCSC2SC2 147/SC2 • Design of sampling programmes 18 & 1 SC2SC2 and guidance on general sampling techniques, • Quality control of the sampling Assess Collective process, Sampling Data Results • Provision of sampling guidance for ISO CD 5667 individual environmental sampling Review Review Review Review Part 20 situations (e.g. rivers, groundwater, pre- cipitation and marine sediments). Decision-making from sample data ISO 5667-1: 1980 Guidance on the design of sampling programmes (under joint The design of sampling pro- revision with Part 2) grammes and their execution (including ISO 5667-2: 1991 Guidance on sampling techniques the use of appropriate sampling tech- (under joint revision with Part 1) niques) is normally the main concern of those in charge of sampling operations. ISO 5667-3: 2003 Guidance on the preservation and handling of water samples This has been the primary focus of ISO/TC ISO 5667-4: 1987 Guidance on sampling from lakes, natural and man-made 147/SC 6 in its development of sampling guidance during the last 30 years. ISO 5667-6: 2005 Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams However, the purpose of sam- ISO 5667-8: 1993 Guidance on the sampling of wet deposition pling in environmental water quality work is to estimate some aspect of the ISO 5667-9: 1992 Guidance on sampling from marine waters true quality of water from the analy- ISO 5667-11: 1993 Guidance on sampling of groundwaters sis of a finite (often small) number of individual samples that are essentially ISO 5667-12: 1995 Guidance on sampling of bottom sediments short quality ‘snapshots’ in time. ISO 5667-14: 1998 Guidance on quality assurance of environmental water The effectiveness of a particular sampling and handling sampling operation will be determined by how close these estimates are to the Figure 1 – Environmental water sampling guidance developed in TC 147/SC 6 true values being sought, with the

ISO Focus June 2006 23 Main Focus overall sampling error being quantified Economic, legal and and understood, such that meaningful environmental issues decision-making is then possible. This overall sampling error asso- Failure to consider overall sam- ciated with the estimation of a qual- pling error results is a high risk of poor ity statistic is a summation of all the decision-making, including the incor- errors associated with : rect allocation of blame for perceived poor water quality (when in reality • The taking of the individual sam- none exists), or the inability to prop- ples themselves ; erly identify water quality that has • The analysis of these samples ; deteriorated beyond the limit value thresholds set. • The variability in quality of the par- Moreover, this can then lead to ticular sampling environment under the incorrect targeting of expenditure study (e.g. a river or stream at a par- for remedial work to improve future ticular location). water quality – either spending more Generally, it is the last-named than required at some locations to component that is the most significant improve quality (e.g. effluent quali- part that contributes to sampling errors. ty improvements in a discharge into a It is also the one that usually fixes the river system) or not spending enough order of magnitude of the overall sam- at other locations. pling error associated with estimating quality statistics, particularly when “ The dominant component relatively small numbers of samples of the overall sampling are taken from highly variable water quality systems (e.g. monthly samples error is related to capturing at a river site). information from highly variable environmental Calculating the error systems.” factor This aspect will be increasingly In environmental water quality important as regulation of the environ- work, analytical (precision) errors are ment becomes more of an international typically plus or minus 15 % on a sin- issue, related to the general freeing-up gle sample. For 12 samples taken to of world trade and the increased focus estimate an arithmetic mean, this ana- on sustainability, using shared environ- lytical error component reduces to plus mental values and standards. or minus 4 %. In contrast, the overall In view of the high cost of mon- sampling error can be huge. The true itoring the environment, and the con- 95 percentile value (that value exceed- sequences of failing to achieve the ed 5 % of the time) estimated from 12 performance and quality desired, it samples from a variable water quality is imperative that everyone involved system is typically minus 25 % to plus in sampling be aware of all the errors 80 % of the estimate – up to twenty inherent in sampling processes. Only times the magnitude of the analytical when this is understood, can rational error component alone! decision-making take place. Whilst traditionally much effort The current work item being has been devoted to quantifying and developed on guidance on the use of reducing the errors associated with the sampling data for decision-making – sampling and analytical processes, lit- compliance with limits and classifica- tle attention has generally been paid to tion systems (ISO/CD 5667), aims to the error component related to capturing provide help to those seeking to under- information from highly variable environ- stand this complex but important part mental systems. As indicated earlier, this in the assessment of water quality in component usually dominates all others the natural environment. in the overall sampling error.

24 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability

© ISO © New ISO standards for improving management and ronmental Engineering (AIDIS), with the support of France, Germany and efficiency of water Malaysia. Some 20 000 people, including services official representatives and delegates from 140 countries, experts, non-governmental organizations, companies, By Jean-Luc Redaud, Chair of and civil society represent- ISO/TC 224, Service activities atives, participated in the relating to drinking water supply forum. systems and wastewater systems The theme, chosen with a view to facilitating – Quality criteria of the service achievement of the Millen- and performance indicators, and nium Developments Goals, Laurence Thomas, Secretary of was “ Local actions for a glo- ISO/TC 224 bal challenge ”. The themes discussed ater supply is a worldwide within ISO/TC 224 were at challenge for the 21st century. the heart of the forum’s con- WThe international community cerns, in so far as its standards is striving to meet the Millennium aim to facilitate a dialogue Development Goals, one of which is and a mutual understanding to reduce by half the proportion of among water services stake- people without sustainable access to holders of the different com- safe drinking water. ponents of the services and their means, ISO technical committee ISO/ in order to improve their management TC 224 has been developing stand- and assess their efficiency. ards and guidelines for service activities relating to drinking water supply “ ISO standards help water systems and wastewater sewerage sys- authorities and operators tems since 2001. The suite of standards is designed to help water authori- meet consumer needs ties and their operators achieve a level and maintain sustainable of quality that best meets the expecta- development principles.” tions of consumers and the principles of sustainable development. These standards, now at an advanced stage, have been submitted The World Water Forum to some 100 ISO member countries 2006 for review. This project was prepared by 25 committee members and eight The committee standards relat- international organizations. ing to rules for governance of water and wastewater services (guidelines Creating awareness and for the management and assessment of the quality of services) were fea- facing challenges tured at the 4th World Water Forum The World Water Forum pro- in Mexico in March 2006. The pres- vided a great opportunity to create a entation was made during the special greater awareness of this project. Rep- event organized jointly by the ISO/TC resentatives of water service utilities 224 Secretariat and the Inter-Ameri- and countries mainly in Latin Amer- can Association of Sanitary and Envi- ica asked for additional meetings in

ISO Focus June 2006 25 Main Focus order to better understand the content Developing tools for the work of ISO/TC 224 to addition- and implication of the draft standards effective water services al proposals more adapted to region- relating to rules for governance of water al situations. and wastewater services. The different sessions at the forum The ISO standards were also During discussions at the broadly illustrated the large variety of presented briefly during other World forum’s special event, some active situations occurring worldwide in terms Water Forum events (a topic session committee members drew a parallel of equipment available and organization organized by France, on the needs of between presentations of local actions of water services. The technical com- cities in developing countries in rela- and that of the current state of the draft mittee’s choice to give its standards the tion to governance of water services standards. Participants or those taking status of guidelines rather than require- and sessions organized by the Inter- local actions, from Morocco, Malaysia, ments seemed, from this point of view, American Association of Sanitary and Porto Rico, Kosovo, and cities of the particularly sensible. Standards must Environmental Engineering on the southwest of France, pointed out the be understood as a tool of progress that management of the water services in difficulties they met in governance. will help every local service to gradually Latin America – AIDIS). Several international organizations improve its performance, including cir- Several communication tools (Consumers International, the World cumstances often unlike those described were prepared for the World Water Health Organization, United Nations- in the standards, which can be based on Forum to increase exposure of ISO/ Department of Economic and Social a classic example of a service provided TC 224, including a trilingual bro- Affairs, African Water Association by a modern, big city. chure. These documents will be useful and AIDIS) broadened during the final The ISO standards have been for the enquiry stage before the read- panel the debate on the perspectives tested by cities in developed coun- ing of the drafts. of the use of these standards. tries (Nantes, Toulouse and Bordeaux This was a good opportunity to in France) and developing countries Facilitating dialogue review some of the original character- (Casablanca and Berrechid in Moroc- istics of these new standards which co). The result is helpful information The forum’s final ministerial are consistent with and support ISO regarding the use of these standards declaration underlined “ the important management systems standards (ISO for several actors (local elected rep- role that parliamentarians and local 9001 and ISO 14001) and closer to the resentatives, professionals and con- authorities are playing in various coun- framework for social responsibility of sumer organizations). tries to increase sustainable access to organizations. From this point of view, rep- water and sanitation services ” and rec- resentatives from developing coun- ognized that “an effective collabora- tries expressed their wish to extend tion with and between these actors is a key factor for meeting water-related challenges and goals”. About the authors This forum showed a return to pragmatism on the politics of water. A Jean-Luc Laurence Redaud is Chair Thomas, has consensus seems to have been reached of ISO/TC 224 been Secretary on the role of public authorities, rather and Chief Engi- of ISO/TC 224, than water utilities, to take the lead in neer for the Gen- Service activities improving the level of services, by leav- eral Council for relating to drinking them the choice between direct or Rural Affairs, ing water supply delegated management. This requires, Water and Forest systems and as declared Loïc Fauchon, President of Engineering, wastewater sys- the World Water Council, “ to invent new (G.R.E.F) in the tems – Quality applications and to be more audacious French Ministry criteria of the in developing funding, but, also, to put of Agriculture. He is the author of numer- service and performance indicators, since in synergy the multiple actors interested ous publications on water, such as Planète 2004. She has an MSc in Innovation eau, repères pour demain (Water Planet, (materials option), and joined AFNOR, in the future of these services.” Landmarks for the Future) and has been ISO’s member in France, in December In this way, one of the objectives honoured by the State for outstanding 1987 as a standards engineer. From 1990 of ISO/TC 224 standards, to facilitate achievements (Chevalier de l’ordre du to 2004 she worked in the field of envi- the dialogue and allow a mutual under- Mérite et de la Légion d’honneur). ronmental analysis, more particularly standing among public, private or asso- water. During this time she was in charge ciative actors, can be a useful tool. of standardization of water quality at For more information contact : French national, CEN and ISO levels, and [email protected] was Secretary of ISO/TC 147, Water quality, SC 5, Biological methods.

26 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability Environmental contamination ISO standards tal components. They may also occa- for measuring sionally be set against the outcome of mathematical simulations, undertaken radioactivity levels in order to validate theoretical impact evaluation or risk assessment. The credibility of expertise in by Dominique Calmet, Convenor the nuclear and environmental domain of ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, must, in part, rest on the quality and SC 2, Radiation protection, WG 17, reliability of radionuclide measure- Radioactivity measurements ment results. nvironmental assessment studies Monitoring near nuclear are regularly commissioned to facilities determine the activity levels of E In 1999, a new work item pro- radioactive substances in the environment and to assess their radiological posal on radioactivity measurement was impact on the public. The robustness accepted by member countries of the of the conclusions of such assessments technical committee on nuclear energy relies, in part, on the reliability of radio- on the basis that standards were needed nuclide activity measurements. to help those in charge of the surveil- Requests for expertise on envi- lance and monitoring of the environment ronmental contamination (radioecol- surrounding a nuclear facility. ogy) and assessment of the impact on the population (radioprotection) are “ ISO standards will help justified by the prior existence of, and addition to, radioactive substances in locate and identify source the environment, whether authorized contamination, define or accidental. These requests originate the risks of it spreading from either official international bodies, or national and regional authori- and determine remedial ties, or from nuclear facility operators. options.” They could also stem from others stakeholders such as public bodies and the Though ISO technical commit- media, eager to ensure the substaina- tee ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, sub- bility of their environment. committee SC 2, Radiation protec- This growing awareness of the tion, working group WG 17 is respon- significance of environmental protection sible for radioactivity measurement, it calls for references that enable socio- decided to create a subgroup devoted economic players to assess the environ- to radionuclide measurement in the mental implications of their activities environment. following the lines of ISO 14001:2004. The subgroup has focused on Measurement results are required to standards that are useful for persons in assess the impact of those practices charge of the initial characterization of during routine operation as well as in a site with respect to radioactivity and the event of nuclear accidents. a routine surveillance, which includes The results of these measure- systematic and periodic inspection of ments are used to establish radiologi- specific sites, such as the area around cal assessment, long term chronologi- a nuclear power station. cal observations, or else to explain or The references of the initial quantify radionuclide transfer mech- radio-activity of a site are thereby estab-

ISO Focus June 2006 27 Protection of human health and the environment by Eugene Pauli, Chair of ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, Main Focus SC 2, Radiation protection verified through periodic checks that Within the scope of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, the impact of the facility remains con- subcommittee SC 2 covers radiation protection : standardization in the field of sistent with the evaluations of the pro- peaceful applications of nuclear energy and the protection of individuals against visional environmental studies. all sources of ionizing radiations. The subcommittee’s standards must answer public demand for the protection of human health and the environment, in order to help the operators comply with Ensuring comprehensive the rules and requirements in this area and to share good technical practices. studies of ‘fallout zones’ In addition to the usual radiation protection themes (reference radiations, dosimetres, materials and devices for protection against all types of radiations, The full set of standards, when air control and monitoring), SC 2 is devoted to energetic nuclear applications and published, will also provide advice developing standards for medical and biomedical applications including: radia- to make sure that the study is com- tion dose evaluation and protocols during medical diagnosis, biological dosim- prehensive of the distribution of the etry in post-incident or post-accident situations. radionuclides in the various environ- It also deals with radioactive sources, radiation measurement in the envi- mental compartments, which may be ronment, illicit trafficking by detecting radioactive material, and radiation dose transferred back to the human popula- evaluation for aircraft crews. tion through diet (mushrooms, black- An international advisory group, composed of participating members and berries, fish, etc.). other representatives from international organizations, helps the subcommittee’s Standards will also help to car- Chair to give orientations for new standardization fields. These orientations have, ry out site inspection where pollution for example, been taken for complementing the guidance principles and stand- occurred following radioactive fallout, ards of two important SC 2 liaisons, the International Commission on Radiolog- with a view to drawing up an invento- ical Radioprotection and the International Atomic Energy Agency. ry of its level of contamination. It may The market of radiation protection comprises: equipment designed, built involve fallout from accidents in nuclear and operated according to the safe practices defined by radiation protection spe- power stations that generate immediate cialists, reactors, fuel cycle and medical equipment, and instruments for moni- or regional deposits, such as Chernobyl, toring personnel, facilities and sites. or even those of past atmospheric nuclear tests. Following their specifications, these standards will allow to: Work is already in progress in • locate and identify the sources of About the author the International Electrotechnical Com- contamination, mission (IEC) on radionuclide meas- Dr. Dominique urement equipment for gas and aero- • define the risks of it spreading, Calmet is project leader sols, with a view to drafting standards • determine remedial options. for the French on radon volumic activity in the atmos- Atomic Energy phere and in ISO/TC 147, Water quali- Board – a lead- ty, on the measurement of radionuclide Radioactivity levels in ing technologi- volumic activity in water. solids, liquids and gases cal research organization – Sampling soils The whole set of standards that and a prominent will be drafted by the group concerns the European player To cover the scope of radioac- measurement of the various gamma-emit- in fundamental research in energy, defence tivity measurement in soil, the first ting radionuclides, the beta emitters such and security, as well as health and infor- standard (ISO 18589) is divided into six as strontium, or alpha emittors such as mation technology. He is a member of parts which can be used jointly or sep- uranium and plutonium isotopes. several working groups of the International arately as required. The first part deals These standards are intended to Atomic Energy Agency. He is currently with definitions. It covers setting-up assist in the determination of activity lev- responsible for the BNEN/AFNOR programmes and sampling techniques, (Bureau de normalisation d’équipements els of these natural and artificial radio- bearing in mind existing ISO soil qual- nucléaires /Association Française de ity standards (ISO 10381). nuclides present in the various matrices Normalisation) committee on radioactivity that can be sampled in the environment: measurement in the environment. Part two deals with the neces- gas, aerosols, natural water, soil, sedi- Dr. Calmet is the convenor of ISO/TC 85/ sary methods of pre-processing and ments, and organs of plant and animal SC 2/WG 17, Radioactivity measurements, making a solution of soil samples in origin considered as bioindicators. and ISO/TC 147, Water quality, WG 4, the laboratory, while parts three to six In addition to the natural envi- Radioactivity. He has written numerous present the methods for measuring the ronment, they may also concern farm- articles on radioecology and radioactivity radionuclides in the soil test samples. land, urban or industrial sites that may measurement. At this draft stage, they integrate the have been contaminated. specification of the new standard on

28 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability determination of the detection lim- Improving transparency it and decision threshold for ionizing through international radiation measurements (ISO 11929- collaboration 7 and GUM1). The laboratory in charge of radi- Particularly at the international oactivity measurement has to apply the level, standardization of the measure- expanding partnerships from nation- general requirements for acknowledg- ment of radioactivity signals the will al players to those of other countries ing a testing laboratory as competent of all the players to share know-how will, thanks to ISO’s work, ensure that and reliable, in order to facilitate its and improve transparency in this area. activity measurements (as given by a accreditation and create confidence Soon, transparency will be supported country to characterize environmental between laboratories. These laborato- by a full set of standards on measure- samples) are reliable and reproducible. ries have to follow the general requirement of radionuclides found in the Results will also be accepted and shared ments for the proficiency in testing environment. by all countries that might potentially and calibration laboratories specified For the nuclear industry and its be concerned by regional transbound- in ISO/IEC 17025:2005. way of interacting with the environment, ary contamination. Complementary to the latter, the laboratories must use the ISO test methods drafted by ISO/TC 85, ISO standard for early assessment of radiation Nuclear energy, SC 2, Radiation protection, including sampling methods, exposures and health risks which meet the needs of the custom- by Elizabeth Gasiorowski-Denis er and which are appropriate for the tests undertaken. Though radionuclide A new International Standard will help protect workers from radiation measurement techniques are specific exposure and contribute to the overall safety of the work environment. in nature because of the nuclear emis- Published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), sion measurements, the sampling and ISO 20553:2006, Radiation protection – Monitoring of workers occupation- storage techniques used for environ- ally exposed to a risk of internal contamination with radioactive material, is mental samples can be part of gener- designed to protect workers against risks by monitoring potential intakes and/ al considerations used to measure oth- or quantifying actual intakes and exposures. er analytes. Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation can occur in a range of Meanwhile, some radionuclides industries, mining and milling, medical institutions, educational and research have specific requirements because of establishments and nuclear fuel cycle facilities. Although exposure to ioniz- their short half-life or the volatility that ing radiation – whether accidental or chronic – carries risks, a monitoring pro- require sampling and storage procedures gramme plays a key role in greatly minimizing them. to be adapted. For these radionuclides, The new standard offers guidance for deciding whether a monitoring parts of the standard cover the sampling programme is required and how it should be designed, established and main- procedure and information on storage tained. Its intention is to optimize the efforts of such a monitoring programme, and transport of samples. consistent with legal requirements, and with the aim of the overall radiation Today, the state of develop- protection programme, which starts with an assessment to identify work situ- ment of nuclear measurement tech- ations where there is a risk of radionuclide intake by workers. niques used to quantify radionuclides According to the 2000 Report of the United Nations Scientific Commit- has surpassed the state of maturity; tee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), an estimated 11 million the mechanisms are fully understood, workers are monitored for exposure to ionizing radiation. They incur radia- the principles well-established and the tion doses attributable to their occupation, which range from a small fraction equipment highly reliable. This state of the global average background exposure to natural radiation up to several of development will progressively lead times the value of natural radiation. to the publication of standard-setting “Recommendations of international expert bodies and international documents describing measurement experience with the practical application of these recommendations in radia- protocols. In the context of ISO/TC tion protection programmes have been considered in the development of the 85/SC 2, this approach will evolve standard,” says Dr. María Limson Zamora, Convener of the ISO working group in conjunction with standards need- that developed the standard. ed to assess the radiological impact “Application of ISO 20553 will enhance the harmonization of moni- on humans. toring practices and facilitate the exchange of information between regulatory bodies, supervisory institutions and employers which may include nuclear 1) GUM – Guideline to the Expression of Uncertaintity in Measurement, published facilities, hospitals, research organizations, radio .pharmaceutical companies, jointly by seven international organizations. governmental or private laboratories.” ISO 20553:2006 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, subcommittee SC 2, Radiation protection. Main Focus

production. As mentioned in the article, Managing soil the important driving forces behind the quality in changing development of reliable environmental measurement methods are : times • National and international legislation ; • The need to obtain reliable by Frank Kortstee, Secretary results ; of ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, and Frank Lamé, • Correspondence with (inter)national threshold values. Chair of ISO/TC 190 However, continual change has oil is a dynamic resource that resulted in two main developments for supports plant life. It regulates ISO/TC 190 : the evolving soil pol- Sthe distribution of rain and irri- icy in Europe and the integration of gation water, stores nutrients and oth- soil in more general environmental er elements, and acts as a filter to pro- assessments. tect the quality of water, air and other resources. It is made up of differ- Benefits of collaboration ent sized mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay), organic matter and numer- As a follow-up on other envi- ous species of living organisms. ronmental fields, for which European Thus, soil has biological, chem- policy has existed for years, the Euro- ical and physical properties, some of pean Commission (EC) is working on which are dynamic and can change in soil legislation. In 2002, it adopted the response to how the soil is managed. Soil Protection Communication1). This Soil quality is the capacity of a comprehensive strategy document is specific kind of soil to function – within the basis for further development of natural or managed ecosystem bounda- a European Soil Framework Direc- ries – to sustain plant and animal pro- tive, which is expected in early sum- ductivity, maintain or enhance water mer this year. and air quality, and support human The EC relies on the European health and habitation. Committee for Standardization (CEN) to develop standards that meet the technical requirements for its legislation. “ Soil will become more In 2002, in order to actively integrated into the respond to an anticipated request by the overall environmental EC, CEN established technical committee CEN/TC 345, Characterization standardization.” of soils. To avoid overlap and diver- gence between ISO and CEN stand- Management that enhances soil quality will benefit cropland, rangeland and woodland productivity. Enhanced 1) Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil soil quality can help reduce on-site and Protection COM (2002) p. 179. off-site costs of soil erosion, improve 2) For an explanation of the relation between water and nutrient use efficiencies, and ISO/TC 190 and CEN/TC 345 in the light of ensure that the resource is sustained for the development of European legislation on future use. It also benefits water qual- soil, a brochure is available from the NEN ity, air quality and wildlife habitat. secretariat (see information at the end of this article). Two years ago ISO Focus (June 2004) published an article on the sig- 3) Soil threat as defined in the Thematic nificance of standard development by Strategy for Soil Protection are : Local and diffuse contamination (including ISO technical committee ISO/TC 190, uncontaminated soils), erosion, organic Soil quality, in relation to the protec- matter, sealing, compaction, bio-diversity and

30 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability ards, close collaboration between the The broader context two technical committees has been After its establishment in 1985, established, with ISO/TC 190 taking ISO/TC 190 first dealt with the methods the lead in developing soil standards for determining the chemical, physical for European use 2). and later biological characteristics of Awaiting the outcome of the Soil soil. These standards are used for fer- Soil as part of Framework Directive and the result- tilization and soil protection. Current- the environmental ing European need for soil standards, ly the committee has developed over CEN/TC 345 has already started using standardization 90 standards and nowadays focuses ISO knowledge as a basis for Euro- ISO/TC 190 is also involved in more on local and diffusive soil con- pean standards. During the last two the European project HORIZONTAL tamination. In addition, another 30 years, existing ISO/TC 190 standards that started in 2003. The project aims standards are currently being devel- where identified as possible European to develop standards covering several oped and are expected to be finalized standards. Most of the standards were environmental fields of similar nature. in the near future. used as input for the European project The need for this so-called horizontal In 2002, the scope of ISO/TC called HORIZONTAL. approach can be easily seen in the fol- 190 was widened to bring it in line with In other words, European needs lowing example : scope of CEN/TC 345. This led to the following the Soil Framework Direc- incorporation of the main threats to soil 3) tive strongly boosted the advancement as defined in the European Soil Pro- of ISO standards on soil. “ ISO has developed over tection Communication1). The broader The close collaboration between 90 standards for soil, with scope brings ISO/TC 190 a wider range the two standardization organizations of environmentally-linked issues like another 30 underway.” has resulted in informal participation agriculture production, farming and of non-CEN members, mainly from forestry practices, waste issues (sew- A soil sample is analyzed for Asia and Australia, in CEN standard- age sludge, treatment of wastewater), contaminant concentrations. One or ization. This committee has always quality of irrigation water and spatial more of the concentrations found strongly supported receiving construc- planning strategies. It is therefore rea- exceeds the threshold values in force. tive comments and input from non-CEN sonable to expect that this will also rein- As a consequence the soil sample members in European standardization. force the relation between other ISO becomes a waste sample. However, This also ensures that ISO will accept and CEN technical committees. for waste other chemical standards European standards to be developed apply that are referred to in legislation, into International Standards. so the analysis must be repeated. As long as the matrices are comparable and thus the analysis could be identi- About the authors cal, this is clearly a waste of valuable time and money. Frank Kortstee Frank Lamé Horizontal standards are defined is Secretary of has held Chair as standards aimed at a particular aspect ISO/TC 190, of ISO/TC 190, regardless of the matrix, over a field Soil quality and Soil quality, as wide as possible. In the environ- has a degree in since 2001 and environmental has worked for mental field, horizontal standards are planning and the Netherlands possible because different technical design in rela- Organisation of committees are working on similar or tion to land and Applied Scien- identical issues. water use with tific Research Project HORIZONTAL covers emphasis on TNO since 1985 the topics of sludge, soil and treat- geo-hydrology. He is a standardization in the field of soil quality, contamination ed biowaste. Where possible, certain consultant within the department of envi- and protection. He is a technical expert in standards will also incorporate charac- ronment at the Netherlands Standardiza- the field of sampling strategies, where not terization of waste. Therefore several tion Institute (NEN), where he is mainly only sampling strategies for soil are devel- CEN technical committees are involved involved in issues related to soil and the oped, but also for building materials and in the process including CEN/TC 345 use of standards as policy instruments. waste. As an expert, he is actively Mr. Kortstee is also the Secretary of the involved in national and international and thus ISO/TC 190. This means that European counterpart CEN/TC 345, standardization for sampling soil and some aspects of soil standardization Characterization of soils. waste materials. He is also the Chair of will be integrated in other environ- the counterpart for CEN/TC 345, Charac- mental fields and vice versa, further terization of soils. enforcing the relation between other

ISO Focus June 2006 31 Main Focus technical committees of both organizations. Soil will become more integrated into the overall environmental standardization. In recent meetings of the HOR- IZONTAL project leader in Australia, Japan and the USA, the project’s concept has been welcomed as a valuable new approach. Non-CEN members of ISO/ TC 190 are able to actively work on this European project via the technical committee by commenting on the draft standards.

Reflection on the future ISO/TC 190 is at a crossroads for future standardization and must deal with a variety of challenges as part of an integrating environmental world. © ISO © Members of ISO and CEN committees realize this and initiated a dis- tile in terms of diversity of families/ cussion last year on the future develop- Plastics – one grades available and breadth of prop- ment of the committees. This includes of the most erties obtainable, or offers so many the challenging incorporating topics such ways to modify composition or molec- as erosion, organic matter, sealing, com- resource-efficient ular structure to customize perform- paction, bio-diversity and salinization, ance. Polymers are routinely manipu- as well as broadening the participation materials available lated to reduce material consumption of users and stakeholders in standards and provide the right balance of cost, development. performance and mass. As a result, by Michael M. Fisher, Chair, in many applications today, plastics “ Future development ISO/TC 61, Plastics have become thinner and lighter, while of the committees offering higher performance. includes broadening the his issue of ISO Focus, with its emphasis on environmental sus- “ Plastics play an important participation of users and Ttainability, offers an opportunity stakeholders in standards to examine the relationship between role in protecting the plastics and the environment. Plastics 1) environment.” development.” play an important role in protecting the environment by reducing material con- Material and design changes in A major challenge for 2006 is to sumption, fossil-fuel usage and hydro- the packaging industry have led to min- make an outline together for the future carbon emissions, conserving natural imal shrink-wrapping that adequately on how to respond to global and Euro- resources and helping manage solid protects food, and replacement of rigid- pean requests for soil standards, which waste. Products derived from plastics plastic containers with flexible pouch- consider the integrating environment. also support economic development and es using 70 % less material. A brochure explaining the rela- social progress, making these materials Today’s average plastic package tionship between ISO/TC 190 and CEN/ key to sustainable development. weighs 28 % less than a decade ago, TC 345 in the light of the develop- yet accomplishes the same task while ment of European legislation on soil, saving 1.8 million tonnes of material. entitled Characterization of soils – the Driving product A German study 2) calculated that pack- essential role of standardization in the innovation aging waste (and material consump- characterization of soils, is available Design versatility is a hallmark tion) would increase 158 % if plastics from the secretariat. of plastics and key to understanding did not exist. For more information, contact : how they help the environment. No [email protected] other category of material is as versa-

32 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability Plastics help reduce fuel usage and emissions in transportation, too, because their low specific gravity yields lighter parts, which are less energy-intensive to ship. As plastics replace traditional materials on com- Even removing a few kilo- ponents for commercial and personal grams has impact because a vehicle’s transport, greater mass reduction is “use phase” dominates the life cycle attained, lowering fuel consumption in terms of emissions and energy con- and tailpipe emissions. sumption. In one LCA study, the con- A European study estimated servative estimate for a “lightweight- that 100 kg of plastics already replace ed” generic vehicle over its lifetime 200-300 kg of traditional materials provided calculated energy savings of on a typical passenger vehicle, yield- 830 litres of gasoline and 1.6 tonnes

ing fuel savings of 750 litres over the of CO2, while less conservative calcu- vehicle’s 150 000 km lifetime. Using lations projected reductions of about Europe’s annual vehicle build, this 3 200 litres of fuel and 5.8 tonnes of

represents 12 million tonnes of fuel CO2. When such savings are multiplied saved each year. across a global fleet of “lightweight- Life cycle assessment (LCA; ed” vehicles, the numbers become ISO 14040) studies show that when extremely significant. plastics replace traditional materials, Reducing fossil-fuels reductions in energy usage and emis- “ Plastics offer many sions achieved for a vehicle over its and greenhouse gas entire use-life are far greater than val- recycling options.” emissions ues for the production of the polymer Two important and intercon- in the first place. Newer bio-plastics (derived nected ways in which plastics help the from annually renewable plant-based environment are reductions in the use chemicals rather than petroleum) con- sume CO during growth of the plant of fossil fuels and in the emission of 2 greenhouse gases, particularly carbon “ feedstock,” creating a net reduction About the author in hydrocarbon emissions. Plastics- dioxide (CO2). Of all the oil consumed globally enabled alternative power devices (e.g. Michael M. fuel cells, windmill blades, photovolta- each year, 42 % is used for heat and to Fisher, PhD, is ics) are also helping transition from a generate electricity and 45 % powers senior director, commercial and personal transporta- technology for fossil-fuel economy while reducing tion. Only 4 % goes to produce plastic the American emissions. feedstocks and monomers, yet plastic Plastics Council products help many industries reduce (APC) in Arling- Conserving natural their energy needs. ton, Virginia. resources APC represents Polymeric foams help refriger- the interests of Plastics also have a role to play ators/freezers keep food cold with less major resin pro- in conserving other natural resourc- energy, a savings that translates directly ducers and is part of the American Chem- es. Plastic packaging helps preserve into reduced hydrocarbon emissions. istry Council (ACC), the leading trade food from spoilage, reducing waste. Increasing foam thickness just 15 mm association representing the business of Plastic piping and cisterns bring water saves 17 times more energy over the chemistry in the United States. His to humans and animals. Lightweight appliance’s use-life than is consumed responsibilities focus on plastics in the producing the insulation. automotive and electrical and electronic Similarly, insulation reduces the markets with an emphasis on future 1) The terms plastics and polymers here energy required to heat/cool buildings. growth and product stewardship issues. include a broad range of thermoplastic and thermoset rigid and elastomeric Fuel consumption for an old house can He received his doctorate in physical and polymer chemistry from the State Univer- materials, coatings, adhesives, gels, as well be lowered from about 20 litres/m2 to sity of New York, College of Environmen- as composites, including bio-composites, 2 3 litres/m . In just the first year, the tal Science and Forestry in 1970. Dr. Fish- nanocomposites, polymer-matrix composites energy required to produce the insu- er has chaired ISO/TC 61, Plastics, since and plastic-metal hybrid systems. lation is saved, and CO2 emissions are March 2002 and can be reached at mike_ 2) Gesellschaft fuer Verpackungsmarktforsch reduced two to five times. [email protected]. ung, 1991.

ISO Focus June 2006 33 Main Focus

energy and space efficient and facil- Plastic scrap and components itate transport. Since durable-plastic can be mechanically recycled into components do not rot/rust, they can new products or chemically recycled be reused longer and with less main- into new polymer/chemical feedstock. tenance, extending intervals between Alternatively, their heat content can replacements. be recovered via high-temperature Plastics offer many recycling combustion as a substitute fuel. For options. Programmes for recovering example, replacing coal with plastics post-industrial and post-consumer plas- waste to fuel power generation has the

tic waste mean materials see multiple potential to reduce CO2 emissions by use-lives and the recovery of plastics 20-25%. is expanding worldwide. Plastic bot- Biodegradable plastics have tles are mechanically recycled to make a role to play in protecting the envi- © ISO © plastic lumber for decking/fencing and ronment, and eight standards have plastic containers make it easier to seating, or spun into fibers to make been published in this field under the transport goods into remote locations. “fleece” clothing or carpets. supervision of ISO technical commit- Additionally, plastic films and irriga- tee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, subcommit- tion systems help crops grow on sites “Plastics are key to tee SC 5, Physical-chemical proper- that otherwise would not support agri- ties, working group WG 22, Biode- culture. Plastic fabrics stabilize soils, sustainable development.” gradability. preventing erosion and loss of valu- Degradability can be useful for able topsoil. Polymer-based geotex- In the auto industry, specifica- single-use applications that are likely tiles line landfills, preventing escape tions for non-critical parts often allow to end up (due to breakage or discard- of leachate into the water table and incorporation of post-industrial and ing) out in the environment (exposed surrounding soils. Corrosion-resistant occasionally post-consumer recycla- plastic replaces steel tanks at gas state in virgin resin. Nylon carpeting is tions to prevent leakage and ground depolymerized (chemically recycled), References contamination. Washable “ synthet- then repolymerized back into nylon and 1. The American Plastics Council : ic straw,” extruded from biodegrada- blended with virgin polymer and addi- www.plastics.org ble plastics, helps reduce mountains tives. Auto suppliers have explored of natural straw and manure at horse use of this material in under-the-hood 2. PlasticsEurope : www.plastic- racetracks. Hot pepper in the syn- applications. Confidence in the use of seurope.org straw makes the bedding unappetiz- post-consumer plastics is growing with 3. PWMI Japan: www.pwi.jp ing to horses. the introduction of advanced recycling technologies. 4. Life Cycle Evaluation of Vehicle Lightweighting through the Managing the solid- Use of Plastic Materials, waste problem Ecobalance, Inc. / Pricewater- Carelessly discarded plastic houseCoopers. litter can be an aesthetic blight and 5. J. Sullivan, R. Williams, S. endanger wildlife. However, both the Yester, E. Cobas-Flores, S. littering problem and its solution lie in Chubbs, S. Hentges, S. Pomper, changing human behaviour and values. Life Cycle Inventory of a That said, another way plastics protect Generic U.S. Family Sedan the environment is by helping manage Overview of Results USCAR AMP solid waste. The motto “ reduce–reuse– Project, 982160, SAE (1998). recycle ” is very applicable to the plastics industry. 6. Wulf-Peter Schmidt, Claudia As previously discussed, plastics Duranceau, and J. Sullivan, can improve performance, lower mass Sustainable Materials in Auto- and costs, and also reduce material con- motive Applications, 2001-01- sumption and hence solid waste. Fur- 3762, SAE (2001). thermore, plastics are less dense and 7. M. Fisher, Plastics and energy : can be compacted further than many A cradle-to-cradle relationship, traditional materials – a benefit for ISO Focus, pp. 7-11, (June countries that landfill. Plastic bags are ISO © 2005).

34 ISO Focus June 2006 Environmental sustainability to sunlight, water, and bacteria) and which would be difficult to collect after use. Examples include weed trim- mer line, fishing nets, and agricultur- al films. Depending on the recycling process being employed, care needs to be taken to avoid commingling Cutting the with non-biodegradable plastics in the recycling stream to avoid cross- complexity contamination of recyclates. of glass building ISO/TC 61/WG 2, Guidance on environmental provisions in plastics products standards, continues to provide a forum and develop horizontal standards that will facilitate technical understanding of plastics’ role in environmental by J. Brian Waldron, Chair of issues. ISO 15270, Plastics – Guide- ISO/TC 160, Glass in building lines for the recovery and recycling eople have lived with glass as of plastics waste, is the most recent a building material for several initiative and is presently undergoing thousand years. Its use and tech- a Final Draft International Standard P nological evolution naturally continue (FDIS) ballot. into areas such as computerized con- Recently, two new technical trol systems, coating techniques, solar committees have formed that, along control technology and “ smart matter ”, with ISO/TC 207, Environmental man- the integration of micro-electronic and agement, have a significant focus on environmental issues, ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies, and IEC/TC 111, Environmental standardization for electrical and electronic products and systems. The work programme of ISO/TC 61 can serve as an important plastics environmental resource for these committees. Plastics are one of the most resource-efficient materials available. They improve the environment by lowering material consumption, increasing energy efficiency, reducing mass and emissions, replacing other fuels and preventing losses and spoilage. Production of polymers and products made from them also provides jobs, creates wealth, improves the quality of life and expands the creative potential of the human mind. Indeed, they are a key to sustainable development. © ISO ©

ISO Focus June 2006 35 Main Focus mechanical know-how to create glass Products and performance The which is able to “ react ” to external forc- Europeans Glass for use in a building is pro- es. Despite these innovations, glass is a took the ear- duced in many forms including : product that most people look through ly outcomes without paying specific attention to its • Basic glass products : float, drawn from ISO/ performance characteristics. sheet, polished wired, patterned, TC 160 for- Why is glass such a widely wired patterned, channel shaped ; ward as the accepted material in this environmen- • Coated glass products ; basis of the tally-aware world ? The answers are work programme for the European Com- • Thermally treated : toughened/ many and varied, and a few are out- mittee for Standardization (CEN) tech- tempered, heat soaked toughened/ lined in this article. nical committee CEN/TC 129, Glass in tempered, heat strengthened ; building. There are now more than 80 • Laminated ; product, test and calculation standards • Insulating glass units (IGUs). available within CEN. Glass products can be manufactured to give a wide range of char- The fruits of closer acteristics such as : collaboration Made to last • Safety in case of fire : fire resist- The mid-1900s saw two major ance, reaction to fire ; Glass is manufactured mainly events within the glass standardization from naturally occurring raw materi- • Safety in use : security-bullet, explo- field : the Vienna Agreement between als. The most common type, account- sion, anti-bandit resistance, safety- ISO and CEN allowing for closer coop- ing for probably 99 % of glass man- resistance to human impact, ther- eration; and plenary meetings of ISO/ ufactured, is soda lime silicate glass mal, mechanical stress ; TC 160, SC 1, Product considerations, which is made from sand, limestone, • Sound reduction ; and SC 2, Use considerations, held in Kyoto, Japan. At these meetings, an dolomite, salt cake and soda ash. • Energy conservation : thermal insu- agreement was reached on the prin- The initial production process of lation, light transmittance/reflect- ciple of using the Vienna Agreement, melting the glass is enabled by using ance, solar heat transmittance/ wherever possible, and on setting-up cullet or broken glass. Cullet allows reflectance. the raw material batch to melt at lower joint working groups between ISO/TC temperatures and hence save energy. 160 and CEN/TC 129. Depending on the type of glass prod- The standards work The first fruit of this collab- uct, cullet levels of up to 30 % may programme oration was the publication of ISO be employed. 12543:1998 consisting of six parts, ISO technical committee ISO/ Glass in building – Laminated glass TC 160, Glass in building, was formed and laminated safety glass.1) in the late 1970s, early 1980s as the The next area of collaboration “ISO standards help global attempt to unify this field. A reduce the amount was between ISO/TC 160/SC 2/WG 2, number of countries : Canada, Japan, Light and energy transmission prop- of energy used to run Russia, South Africa, USA, together erties and thermal properties of glaz- buildings.” with European countries, including ing, and CEN/TC 129/WG 9 in the Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Nor- area of spectrophotometric and radi- way and the United Kingdom, set down Glass is a material that can be ometric properties. the original work programme, which regarded as remaining constant over were initially split into the following time. It is insensitive to photochemi- 1) This standard is now undergoing the five- two groups (see table below). year review. cal effects, such as spectral properties, which are unaffected by direct or indi- rect solar radiation, while its surface Product considerations Use considerations is virtually insensitive to attack from the environment. Basic glass products Mechanical design of glass This means that during the life Coated glass Spectrophotometric properties of the building, the glass will only Thermally toughened/strengthened glass Fire behaviour of glass require limited maintenance, such as cleaning, which will probably be Laminated glass/laminated safety glass Safety – impact behaviour further reduced with the development Insulating glass units Security of self-cleaning coatings.

36 ISO Focus June 2006 Product considerations and use considerations

The two subcommittees of Environmental sustainability In 2002, ISO 14438, Glass in ISO/TC 160 are structured as fol- building – Determination of energy lows : balance values – Calculation meth- • SC 1, Glass in building – Prod- od, was published. The scope, shown uct considerations, includes eight below, explains the importance of this working groups for basic glass standard in respect of environmentally products, toughened glass, lami- acceptable design. The benefits nated glass, insulating glass units, This standard specifies a calcu- mirrors, coated glass for build- of environmental lation method to determine the energy ings, glass blocks and glass pav- sustainability balance value of glazing. It applies to er units and curved/bent glass. transparent materials such as glass and Glass products, especially coated glasses and insulating glass units (IGU), combinations of glass used to glaze • SC 2, Glass and glazing in build- can significantly reduce the amount of windows in buildings. ing – Use considerations, includes energy used to run buildings by: This method is intended to eval- seven working groups for design uate the balance of heat loss and useful strength of glass, light and energy • Reducing the amount of heat loss heat gain by solar radiation entering transmission and thermal prop- through glazing with improved U- the building through the glazing for a erties of glazing, airborne sound values or measurement of thermal given period by means of an average insulation of glazing, fire resist- conductance. Incorporating low rate of loss (or gain) of heat called the ant glazed assemblies, assem- emissivity coatings into, and the energy balance value. bly rules and structural sealant gas filling of IGUs ; The method enables producers to glazing, safety glazing tests and • Helping to keep a room warm compare the performance of their glaz- security glazing tests. through passive solar heat gain (ISO ing products. The energy balance value 14438, Glass in building – Deter- • The major areas of work being should not be used for energy use or heat- mination of energy balance value undertaken in SC 1, Product ing capacity calculations in buildings. – Calculation method) ; considerations, include defin- Directions for ing soda lime silicate glass and • Reducing the requirement for air conditioning by reducing the g- the 21st century specification of float glass, the alignment of ISO draft and CEN value or total solar heat transmit- The answer is from strength to published standard for thermal- tance. strength. The technical committee now ly tempered/toughened glass has approximately 20 participating and standard, a five-year review of “ Glass will remain 30 observer members and can now ISO 12543 for laminated glass, be regarded as a truly international the harmonization of test meth- a building material body. ods between North America and of choice.” Europe for the determination of the durability of insulating glass The incorporation of these prod- About the author units, the production of a product ucts into windows is being exploited standard covering: definitions, in many countries as a way to reduce J. Brian Waldron test methods and classification the use of carbon dioxide, e.g. win- is Chair of ISO/ of coated glass, and production dow energy rating schemes in North TC 160, Glass in of a standard covering all types America and Europe. building, of SC 1, of curved/bent glass. Product consid- Standardization will be incor- porated into the work programme in erations and of • Significant areas of work in SC the next few years to cover more prod- CEN/TC 129, 2, Use considerations, include ucts/applications including: Glass in build- design strength of glass, harmo- ing. He has a nization of measurement and cal- • Newer coatings with improved Bachelor of properties, such as self-cleaning ; Technology in culation methods and of the rules Material Science and Technology and with respect to structural sealant • IGUs incorporating vacuum ; worked as a consultant specializing in glazing, development of harmo- • Glass compositions that increase standardization of glass for building and nized test methods for resistance visibility. application of compliance with the Euro- to bullet, explosion and anti-ban- pean Construction Products Directive. dit attack and extreme weather Glass will remain a building Mr. Waldron spent 35 years working for conditions. material of choice, and glass products Pilkington plc in product testing, advisory and properties will be modified to make work and site complaints. the world a better place.

ISO Focus June 2006 37 Developments and Initiatives Interview with IEC President Renzo Tani

ISO Focus : How do you view the benefits of the World Standards Coopera- tion – the collaborative effort between IEC, ITU and ISO ?

Renzo Tani : While the IEC, ISO and ITU are the three pillars that underpin international standardization, the WSC has a task of paramount importance, that ponents (IECQ) and the IEC scheme of promoting the international stand- for the certification to standards for ardization system formed by the three electrical equipment for explosive organizations, as well as the Internation- atmospheres (IECEx), each uniquely al Standards developed by them. Spe- international in scope and accessibil- cifically, WSC efforts are directed at : ity, all have an important role to play reaching out to the markets we serve, IEC here, each at different times as econ- including developing markets ; helping © omies grow and expand. future managers in our communities to IEC understand standardization ; and, where “ Cooperation between © relevant, harmonizing more among the three organizations those processes that the IEC and ISO makes serve the market. market sense.” But I also think it’s a good thing that the three organizations can put their heads together over practical issues process as efficient as possible using that are common to each of us. The our electronic working environment benefits accrue to each of our respec- and electronic libraries of revisable tive memberships. WSC initiatives in and non-revisable files. the area of patent policy and securi- For those newly industrializ- ty, for example, will result in harmo- ing countries, where the electrical and nized approaches. electronics industries are still nascent or may not develop much further we ISO Focus : What specific actions does have created the IEC Affiliate Country the IEC undertake to encourage the use of Programme. IEC standards, in combi- IEC International Standards ? nation with our conformity assessment services, can help to develop those Renzo Tani : We insist that our national economies by helping manufacturers committees be fully representative of there to create products and services all domestic electrotechnical interests. for international markets. Conform- The result is that the very best Interna- ity assessment is the key to ensuring tional Standards are being developed the highest quality of goods that go by everyone who has an interest in the both in and out of these countries. So IEC’s domain. But our members also the Worldwide System for Conform- have a duty to use IEC International ity Testing and Certification of Elec- Standards as the basis for their national trical Equipment (IECEE), the Quality standards – and we make the adoption assessment system for electronic com-

38 ISO Focus June 2006 We also encourage non-member ISO Focus : IEC and ISO cooper- countries to realize the benefits of using ate on the principles and method- our standards and to adopt them. For ology for the development of Interna- those countries that are not members tional Standards. They strive to opti- or that are not eligible for the Affili- mize the organization and distribu- ate Programme, we are implementing tion of technical work. What benefits the means for them to access and adopt have these activities and this collab- IEC standards under reasonable com- oration brought the IEC community ? mercial terms that protect the IEC’s What similar or further collabora- intellectual property and the interests tion would you encourage ? of the IEC national committees. Renzo Tani : Let’s be clear about collaboration and cooperation between IEC and ISO Focus : What new directions do ISO. Of course we should work together you see the organization taking in the where it makes sound economic sense future ? As for the technical area, we’ll and offers real efficiency benefits for our Renzo Tani : There are two broad areas continue to see increasing use of the markets, customers and memberships. that I’ll call operational and technical. most up-to-date electronic tools to Let me stress that from our perspective In terms of the first, we’ll likely see develop and disseminate our publica- the principal aim behind all cooperative continuing decentralization as region- tions. So, we’ll see more collaborative actions must be to improve the efficien- al offices increase in number. We have tools such as our electronic conferenc- cy of the standards development process one in Singapore for the Asia-Pacif- ing initiative that enables our experts and thus reduce the tremendous overall ic, one in Boston for North America to work in the most efficient manner, costs incurred, benefiting those who pri- and we will be opening a third in São more standards in database format that marily finance standardization – indus- Paulo in Brazil for the Latin America offer greater user friendliness and try – as well as delivering International region. Other regions are also under greater use of electronic platforms for Standards to all end-users as efficiently consideration. distribution and sales. and quickly as possible.

“ WSC initiatives in the area of patent policy and security, for example, will result in harmonized approaches.”

ISO Focus June 2006 39 Developments and Initiatives

I would like to look beyond the take up those ISO best practices that The first regional event “ Electrification: examples you gave towards the future are of real value to the market. Switching on Africa’s Potential ” was that might see even more cooperation held in Kenya in February and brought between IEC, ISO and ITU. As I men- ISO Focus : Could you briefly describe together representatives from African tioned previously, with the continuing the milestones in IEC’s history and the industry and utilities – which made merging of technologies, it is crucial three or four contributions to techni- up some 50 % of the delegates – and that the three international standardiza- cal progress and innovation you con- the national authorities. I’m actually tion organizations work in harmony. If sider most outstanding ? very proud that Kenya held the first we are looking at specific areas where centenary event because, at that time, cooperation between the IEC and ISO Renzo Tani : Our main aim is to facil- they were our newest member. There makes market sense, areas include the itate access to technology and, in this are also events planned in Europe, ongoing sharing of experiences in the regard, it is difficult for me to limit our Asia and the Americas, so it’s really field of digital rights management, the major contributions to three or four. a world-wide affair. development of products that will serve 1996 stands out as a key milestone One of the big initiatives is the the market needs and IP protection pol- when the IEC community really started IEC Centenary Challenge (see top icy. In the future I hope to see more working in an electronic environment. photo on preceding page). In partner- joint workshops in areas such as dig- The main contributions, for 100 years ship with the Institution of Electrical ital technologies in the home, already in some cases, are in the horizontal are- Engineers (IEE), Institute of Electri- held, IPR and marketing, planned for as, including electrical safety, termi- cal and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) the near future, and also I hope to see nology, electromagnetic compatibili- and Association for Electrical, Elec- an extension of the areas in which joint ty and quality. The major technology tronic & Information Technologies databases are created. sectors served that come to mind are (VDE), and in association with The I also believe that the best form digital communications, IT, multime- Economist, we’re putting on a com- of cooperation is to learn from each oth- dia, colour management, and portable petition for papers on the economic, er. From my perspective, I would like power, to name but a few. business and social impact of Interna- to see ISO looking at the IEC Affili- tional Standards. We aim to bring out ate Country Programme, in particular ISO Focus : What celebrations are the best in today’s thinking on this with regard to adoption of International being planned to mark the 100th anni- and generate some incisive analysis Standards – helping countries to adopt versary? about the economic impact of Inter- relevant standards in the most cost- national Standards. It’s open to any- effective way, as a lead-in to real par- Renzo Tani : We have planned a one affiliated with an academic insti- ticipation in standardization. number of centenary events through- tute, including university staff, indi- I should add that the IEC is out the year in addition to initiatives vidual professors, and other teaching quite willing to consider how it might planned by our national committees. or research staff. IEC © ©

40 ISO Focus June 2006 New on the shelf

– providing guidelines on trans- Metrology, standardization and Executive lating principles into effective conformity assessment – Building an actions ; and infrastructure for sustainable develop- summary on ment, which is available free of charge – distilling the best practice that on ISO’s Web site www.iso.org and has already evolved and dissemi- ISO and social as a four-page brochure, is based on nating it worldwide for the good a paper prepared by the Joint Com- responsibility of the international community. mittee on coordination of assistance The new brochure underlines to developing countries in metrolo- that ISO 26000 will provide guide- gy, accreditation and standardization lines, not requirements and will not, (JCDCMAS)1). therefore, be for use as a certification It conveys that every country standard like ISO 9001:2000 (quali- needs a sound infrastructure to achieve ty management) and ISO 14001:2004 its societal goals – from the basic lev- (environmental management). el such as providing a plentiful supply The brochure conveys the essen- of clean water, to garnering the bene- tials of ISO 26000 – which is targeted fits of the wider world of internation- for publication in late 2008 – by giving al trade to meeting the Millennium answers to the basic questions : Why is Development Goals. it important ? What will it contain ? How The brochure also underlines will it relate to existing good work ? that the cost of providing all these How did the initiative come about ? activities at their most advanced level Who is developing ISO 26000 ? It concludes : “ ISO 26000 will be a distillation of international expertise on social responsibility – what it means, what issues an organization needs to address in order to operate in socially responsible ways, and what is best practice in implementing SR. ISO 26000 will be a powerful SR tool to SO’s series of executive summa- assist organizations to move from good ries on high profile aspects of its intentions to good actions.” Iwork has a new addition – on the future ISO 26000 standard providing voluntary guidance on social responsibility (SR). ISO and social responsibility, which is available free of charge on ISO’s Web site www.iso.org and Executive as a four-page brochure, joins simi- summary on lar documents : ISO in brief, ISO and the consumer and ISO and conformi- building an ty assessment. ISO and social responsibility infrastructure points out that ISO 26000 will : for sustainable 1) JCDCMAS is composed of the Bureau • be for organizations of all types in International des Poids et Mesures both public and private sectors, in (BIPM) ; International Accreditation Forum development (IAF) ; International Electrotechnical developed and developing coun- Commission (IEC) ; International tries ; Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC) ; International Organization for • add value to SR existing work by : uilding corresponding techni- Standardization (ISO) ; International Trade – developing an international con- cal infrastructures to support Centre (UNCTAD/WTO) ; Telecommunication Standardization Bureau of ITU (ITU) ; sensus on what SR means and sustainable development and B International Organization for Legal the SR issues that organizations trade is the subject of a new execu- Metrology (OIML) ; United Nations Industrial need to address ; tive summary. Development Organization (UNIDO).

ISO Focus June 2006 41 New on the shelf is prohibitive – particularly for devel- The ISO Pack for Paint systems for oping countries – and, therefore, pro- corrosion protection of steel surfac- ISO/IEC poses a list of items that capacity-build- es – Specification and performance ing efforts should be based on. contains the most widely used stan- standard It concludes : “ The three pillars dards for the specification and test- are vital for everyone. Provision of ing of paints and the measurement of benchmarks assistance aimed at strengthening the dry-film thickness. It covers : provision of technical infrastructures of developing • protective paint systems ; countries is necessary for sustainable • laboratory performance and test software asset development, and to enable develop- methods ; and ing countries to effectively participate management in global trading.” • design considerations. The ISO Pack for Paints – Assessment of old coatings, contains standards on methods of assessing the state of an old, by Elizabeth Gasiorowski-Denis, degraded paint coating and covers : Journalist, Editor of ISO Focus, First ISO Central Secretariat

new ISO and IEC standard for managing software assets is A expected to result in cost savings for users, whether large or small enterprises, as well as improved efficiency, risk management and customer (internal and external) satisfaction. Published by ISO and the Inter- national Electrotechnical Commission • standards on measuring the surface (IEC), ISO/IEC 19770-1:2006, Infor- to address roughness ; and mation technology – Software asset management – Part 1: Processes, will needs of the • dry-film thickness. enable organizations to benchmark Customers can now choose amongst their capability in delivering managed paint industry a pre-selected list of standards (ISO services, measuring service levels and Packs) instead of individually pur- assessing performance. chasing the full collection for their Software asset management particular industry, and cut costs. (SAM) principles apply to the media, SO has launched a new collec- Both ISO Packs are available in Eng- installations, licenses, proof of license, tion of CD compilations of ISO’s lish and French, as a download version and intellectual property associated Iportfolio of standards, called ISO (zip file) and in CD-ROM format from with the software. Until now the appli- Packs, designed to save time and ISO national member institutes or from cation of these business processes has money for specific industry sectors. the ISO Web store. Moreover, the col- been arbitrary and relatively few orga- The first two ISO Packs will bring lection of standards CD-ROM version nizations have been able to implement big benefits to the paint industry by comes with intuitive navigation, explan- a comprehensive strategy. The imple- providing International Standards atory notes and additional information mentation of ISO/IEC 19770-1:2006 relating to best practices for testing on other ISO publications and standards. will standardize the framework, making protective paint systems and assess- Both are available from the Web store it possible for companies to integrate ing the state of old paint coatings. (www.iso.org/isostore). SAM into their other compliance and “ In order to better answer the custom- best practice models. er’s needs in a range of specific areas, “ The standard will help com- ISO Packs give the user as complete a panies better manage their software collection as possible of all the infor- assets and their accompanying licens- mation required about the key standards es,” explains Roger Wittlock, Convenor for a specific industry sector in a con- of the working group that developed venient, easy-to-reference form ”, says the document. “ Companies who under- Nicolas Fleury, Director of Marketing stand usage patterns, asset inventory and Sales at the ISO Central Secretariat. and specific contract terms are poten-

42 ISO Focus June 2006 to encrypt and decrypt messages trav- ISO standard to elling to and fro. This enables two (or more) communicating parties to estab- ensure security lish confidentiality, message integrity and user authentication without hav- of financial ing to exchange any secret informa- transactions tion in advance. “The use of ISO 21188:2006 on the Internet ensures the privacy, authenticity and integrity of financial transactions conducted over communications network,” said Mark Zalewski, Chair of the ISO by Elizabeth Gasiorowski-Denis, technical committee that developed the Journalist, Editor of ISO Focus, new standard. “It is expected to ensure ISO Central Secretariat more consistent and predictable security in financial systems and confidence ith the expanded use of in electronic communications.” Internet technologies by the The new standard sets out a Wfinancial services industry, a framework of requirements to enable new International Standard to protect the use of public key certificates and to online transactions has a huge poten- manage a PKI through certificate pol- tial to improve security measures tak- icies and certification practice state- en against identity theft, cyber crime ments in the financial industry. It also and intrusion attacks. defines control objectives and support- ISO 21188:2006, Public key ing procedures to manage risks. infrastructure for financial services Mark Zalewski commented: “The – Practices and policy framework, new standard is a significant effort to offers a set of guidelines to assist busi- fend off the trends in cyber crime and ness managers and analysts, technical the intrusion attacks attempted on finan- designers and implementers and opera- cial transactions worldwide. To put this tional management and auditors in the threat into perspective for the digital financial services industry. age, over USD 222 billion in losses A public key infrastructure (PKI) were sustained to the global economy SAM ISO © is an arrangement that provides for as a result of identity theft.” tially saving millions in licence costs third-party vetting of, and vouching ISO 21188:2006 was developed and maintenance fees each year.” for, user identities. It enables users to by ISO technical committee ISO/TC ISO/IEC 19770:2006, which is be authenticated by each other, and to 68, Financial services, subcommittee issued in two parts under the gener- use the information in identity certif- SC 2, Security management and gen- al title, Software asset management, icates (i.e., each other’s public keys) eral banking operations. will enable service providers to understand how to enhance the quality of service delivered to their customers, ISO © both internal and external. Part 1 : describes the processes involved in SAM. Part 2 : defines a product identification that will simplify the software inventory process *.

* ISO/IEC 19770-2 is not yet published.

ISO Focus June 2006 43 New on the shelf

ument contents access, ISO and search, use, integration and development in new IEC approve and innovative ways. “ISO/IEC 26300 OpenDocument is a shining example of OASIS standard what partnership in standardization can achieve for data for the business community, said Alan Bryden, interoperability ISO Secretary-General. “ Its publication under- of office scores the importance of partnership among applications ISO and IEC and stan- and books), spreadsheets, databases, dards developing organizations such charts, and presentations – regardless as OASIS to craft a common set of by Elizabeth Gasiorowski-Denis, of application or platform in which the standards, and reflects the interna- Journalist, Editor of ISO Focus, files were created. tional community’s recognition of the ISO Central Secretariat Organizations and individuals importance of open formats in enabling that store their data in the open for- business interoperability.” he OpenDocument Format mat avoid being locked in to a single “ISO/IEC JTC 1’s approval of OASIS standard that enables software vendor, leaving them free to OpenDocument as an International users of varying office suites switch software if their current vendor Standard is a major step forward in T goes out of business, raises its pric- advancing the adoption of a format to exchange documents freely with one another has just been approved es, changes its software, or alters its that gives all of us the flexibility to for release as an ISO and IEC Inter- licensing terms. select the office application – com- national Standard. Billions of existing office doc- mercial or open source – that best OpenDocument, submitted by uments will be able to be converted meets our needs,” noted Patrick Gan- OASIS (Organization for the Advance- to the XML standard format with no non, president and CEO of OASIS. ment of Structured Information Stan- loss of data, formatting, properties, or “We are particularly gratified by the dards), was balloted as an International capabilities. This will facilitate doc- broad range of national ballots cast Standard in ISO/IEC’s Joint Technical in favour of the standard. This action Committee 1 on Information Technol- underscores the international support for the OASIS open standards process ogy. The standard has been given the About OASIS designation, ISO/IEC 26300. that produced OpenDocument and Most of today’s electronic office OASIS is the not-for-profit, glo- delivers an assurance of long-term documents have been created by a few bal consortium that drives the viability that is particularly important commercial software programmes and development, convergence, and to governments.” more often than not each one has its adoption of e-business stand- ISO/IEC 26300 is the respon- own format. In order to process a docu- ards. Members themselves set the sibility of ISO/IEC JTC 1, Informa- ment, users need the same programme OASIS technical agenda, using a tion technology, subcommittee SC 34, (and corresponding versions) or a filter lightweight, open process express- Document description and processing that allows the document to be opened ly designed to promote industry languages. The standard will contin- and modified. OpenDocument Format consensus and unite disparate ue to be maintained and advanced by does away with this need. efforts. OASIS produces world- the OASIS OpenDocument Technical The newly approved ISO/IEC wide standards for Web services, Committee and the recently formed 26300, Open Document Format for security, conformance, business OASIS ODF Adoption Committee, Office Applications (OpenDocument) transactions, and interoperabil- both of which remain open to parti- v1.0, has been designed to be used as ity within and between market- cipation from users, suppliers, govern- a default file format for office appli- places. Founded in 1993, OASIS ment agencies, and individuals. cations with no increase in file size has more than 5,000 participants or loss of data integrity. It will allow representing over 600 organiza- users to save and exchange editable tions and individual members in office documents such as text doc- 100 countries. uments (including memos, reports,

44 ISO Focus June 2006 Coming up

Developments and Initiatives

Ensuring quality in welding Welding is undoubtedly one of the more important manufacturing processes available to industry. Accord- ing to the authors of this article, however, whilst welding is the preferred joining method in many industrial sectors, a critical factor is to ensure that the welds produced are satis- factory in terms of mechanical performance and sound- ness. The article traces good welding practices and how © ISO © to considerably improve the Main Focus quality of welding on a worldwide basis. Maritime security gy being developed for electronic port © ISO clearance, and maritime port facility Much of the world is linked by large Linux standard base core security assessments and security plan specification numbers of international supply chains development. transporting goods among nations and A Linux operating system represents economies. International trade securi- Other articles cover the 28th Contin- an amalgamation of software projects ty is a complex issue that requires the uous Cargo Handling Conference, – created by various organizations and coordinated actions of governments, chaired by a director of the Interna- individuals – which are integrated into intergovernmental organizations and tional Cargo Handling Co-ordination a single computing solution. In the arti- industry, in order to address impor- Association (ICHCA), which discussed cle, the author explains exactly what the tant security issues. containers, the contribution of centres Linux Standard Base covers and who of higher learning, new technologies benefits most from its existence. This dossier examines what ISO is and risk, safety and security manage- doing (primarily within ISO techni- ment of supply chains and maritime The Linux Standard Base is produced cal committee ISO/TC 8, Ships and transport security in the Pan-Europe- by the Free Standards Group, a not-for- marine technology) towards improv- an context. profit organization dedicated to devel- ing the efficient and safe transporta- oping and promoting open source soft- tion of goods from their point of ori- ware standards. gin to their destination, including the movement of goods, shipping data and Adopting ISO/IEC associated processes. ISO © standards as regional or national ones The portfolio of articles looks at best How do you adopt ISO stand- practices for the security of supply ards at regional or national lev- chains, covering some of the initia- el and why do it ? This article tives that governments and intergov- reviews the mechanisms for ernmental organizations have under- adopting International Stand- taken, and the role that industry and ards as national standards, as its standards can play. explained in the recently pub- It brings together a selection of articles lished ISO and International from the ISO/PAS 28000 supply chain Electrotechnical Commission series, which is the umbrella manage- ISO/IEC Guide 21. It high- ment system standard based on ISO lights the rights and obliga- 14001:2004, capturing its plan – do tions linked to the commer- – check – act continual improvement cial exploitation and distribu- principles essential for good security tion of adopting ISO and IEC management, including new technolo- standards nationally.

ISO Focus June 2006 E-mistakes.indd 1 2006-05-08 11:34:44