ISO Focus The Magazine of the International Organization for Standardization Volume 6, No. 3, March 2009, ISSN 1729-8709

Practical sustainability

• IISD : Positive change with standards • Consultation on ISO’s new strategy begins © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus Contents

1 Comment Alan Morrison, ISO President 2 World Scene Highlights of events from around the world 3 ISO Scene Highlights of news and developments from ISO members 4 Guest View Daniel Gagnier, Chair of the Board of Directors of the ISO Focus is published 11 times a year (single issue : July-August). International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) It is available in English. 8 Main Focus Annual subscription 158 Swiss Francs Individual copies 16 Swiss Francs

Publisher ISO Central Secretariat Practical (International Organization for Standardization) 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse CH-1211 Genève 20 sustainability Switzerland Telephone + 41 22 749 01 11 • ISO’s contribution to sustainability Fax + 41 22 733 34 30 • Tools for combating the economic recession E-mail [email protected] • Helping consumers take a stand Web www.iso.org • ISO, energy and renewable sources Manager : Roger Frost • World’s first carbon neutral city Acting Editor : Maria Lazarte • Generating confidence in the building sector Assistant Editor : Janet Maillard • “ How to ” guide for green product standards Artwork : Pascal Krieger and • De-carbonizing the supply chain Pierre Granier • Waves of continuity – How maritime ISO Update : Dominique Chevaux transport is making a difference Subscription enquiries : Sonia Rosas Friot • The contribution of a humble steel box ISO Central Secretariat • Two sides of the same coin – Telephone + 41 22 749 03 36 Social responsibility and sustainable organizations Fax + 41 22 749 09 47 • Just what the doctor ordered – E-mail [email protected] The benefits of health informatics © ISO, 2009. All rights reserved. 38 Developments and Initiatives The contents of ISO Focus are copyright Davos 2009 – ISO International Standards address global and may not, whether in whole or in part, be reproduced, stored in a retrieval challenges • Help us shape ISO’s future – ISO Strategic system or transmitted in any form or Plan 2011-2015 by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without New on the shelf written permission of the Editor. 41 Safer, better electronic visual displays with ISO collection The articles in ISO Focus express the views of the author, and do not necessarily reflect of ergonomics standards • New ISO manual highlights use the views of ISO or of any of its members. of ICT for standards work • New edition of ISO brochure on getting the best out of ISO 9000 family • ISO standard for ISSN 1729-8709 Printed in Switzerland assessing energy efficiency of new buildings Cover photo : iStock + ISO. 45 Coming up ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus Comment Why “ Practical sustainability ” ?

hat do we mean by “ Practical Indeed, part of the success of the are also a major influence on the quality sustainability ” as the focus of organization in recent years can no doubt of the environment and, in the societal Wthis issue ? be attributed to the guiding influence of sphere, on safety. When the Brundtland Commis- The ISO Strategic Plan which results from This issue of ISO Focus gives a sion’s report, Our Common Future, was a process of consultation and debate that concise selection of just some of the areas published in 1987, it defined sustainable is both thorough and broad. However, the of ISO’s work that have an impact, direct development as “ meeting the needs of the underlying aim of ISO’s strategic debate or indirect, on one or another – if not all present without compromising the ability is to respond to market requirements as three – of the spheres of sustainability. proactively and accurately as possible of future generations to meet their own The debate on sustainability is and to develop globally relevant tools needs.” At that time, “ sustainable devel- certainly “ a big issue ” given the stakes, for practical application. opment ” and “ sustainability ” were far which involve global challenges such as from the buzz words they have become 22 food, water, energy, the environment, years later. Today, however, references to renewable resources and the dissemination sustainability crop up everywhere, from “ ISO’s technical work of innovation to benefit all peoples. But the solemn context of intergovernmental makes practical and tackling these challenges at some point meetings to somewhat frivolous or doubt- positive contributions – usually requires getting down to the sort ful claims in product advertising. of fine technical detail that ISO distils When discussing serious issues, here and now – towards from international expertise to produce it is a good thing to clarify what the a sustainable world.” International Standards. participants understand by the terms The reason for choosing “ Practical being used. While sustainability is an sustainability ” as the title for the Main While the debate continues on sus- almost universal concern – since it is Focus should now be clear. ISO’s tech- tainability and on what model sustainable now widely acknowledged to be closely nical work makes practical and positive development should be based – including linked with the viability of our planet – contributions – here and now – towards within ISO – there is general agreement there is, as yet, no universally accepted a sustainable world. that it addresses economic, environmen- definition. tal and societal spheres. For a long time, Some might see this as a barrier, ISO standards were principally seen as and refuse to take action until a “ chemi- answers to technical problems faced by cally pure ” definition of sustainability engineers. More recently, the perception is agreed upon. has grown that ISO standards have for just For ISO, delay and inaction are as long a time also provided economic, not options. The whole ethos of our environmental and societal benefits. work is to provide practical tools and To take just one example, there is solutions that can be implemented by perhaps no aspect of ISO’s broad port- organizations when they begin the work- folio that better fulfils the stereotype of ing week. Of course, this does not mean standards being an engineering concern that we are only concerned with the than its standards on screw threads, the “ nuts and bolts ” of issues. That is far responsibility of ISO technical commit- from the case, because many of the new tee ISO/TC 1. But looking at the work work areas initiated by ISO are first the of ISO/TC 1 through the lens of sustain- subject of high-level debate and analysis ability, we rapidly see that screw threads, by strategic advisory groups. are one of the bases of industry, and are Strategic debate, upstream of thus of huge economic importance too. Alan Morrison actual standardization work, is particularly And since the strength and integrity of so ISO President important as ISO expands its scope from many of the structures and artefacts that the purely technical to the “ soft ” areas surround us rely on screw threads – from of good practice, management, ethics, bridges to trains, from cars, buses and competence and governance. aircraft to our children’s bicycles – they

ISO Focus March 2009 1 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus World Scene

Good for business companies and organizations which support the Kids’ ISO The first course of a new ISO Deputy Secretary-General 14000 Programme. open programme on interna- Kevin McKinley at the 2009 tional standardization, devel- In a message sent on behalf International Food Safety oped by The Rotterdam of ISO, Secretary-General Conference. School of Management Rob Steele underlined ISO’s (RSM), Erasmus University, support for the programme, was launched in January with consider new pre-requisite adding that ISO 14001 is programme documents that participants from France, Ger- today implemented by at least many, Italy, the Netherlands, can assist in building confi- 155 000 organizations in 148 dence throughout the food Norway, Slovenia, and Swit- countries. zerland. supply chain. The focus of the two-day Tackling the global food The services revolution event was to respond to the safety challenge Recognition of the rapid and needs of companies seeking Prof. Konrad Osterwalder, “ Food Safety : A Global still rising growth of world to acquire the skills and Rector of the UNU, giving Challenge ” was the theme of services exports in recent knowledge to successfully the International Certificate the 2009 International Food years has led to a new World participate in and positively to a student. Safety Conference held by Trade Organization publica- influence the development of The Food Business Forum tion : Opening Markets for International Standards, while (CIES) in February 2009, in Trade in Services. deriving increased benefits Children contribute to Barcelona, Spain. for their own organizations. a greener tomorrow The book highlights informa- CIES is a global, independent tion technology as critically The programme was built on The 8th award ceremony of food business network serving determinant to facilitating many years of experience, international certificates for CEOs and senior management trade, an area well serviced by both in practice and in busi- the Kids ISO 14000 Pro- of nearly 400 member compa- numerous International Stand- ness research carried out by gramme took place in January nies, in over 150 countries, with ards, as is e-business and elec- the RSM’s Chair of Standard- 2009 at the United Nations food retailers being the largest tronic data interchange. ization. University (UNU) in Tokyo, grouping of organizations. Japan. Among the areas the book According to the organizers, focuses on, where International who reported enthusiastic The ceremony was organized Confidence in food through Standards are having an feedback from participants, by ArTech – International continual evolution of the impact, is the cross-border involvement in the pro- Arts and Technology Cooper- CIES-sponsored Global Food trade in services, which gramme provides an under- ation Organization and found- Safety Initiative (GFSI), which involves activities such as busi- standing and appreciation of er of the Kids’ ISO 14000 has been working since 2001 ness process off-shoring. The the benefits of international Programme – with co-organ- to improve food safety man- book provides some examples standardization, whilst ena- izers UNU and the United agement systems in organiza- of sectors in developing coun- bling participants to throw a Nations Environmental Pro- tions, was also discussed. tries that, to improve their critical glance on recent gramme. ISO Deputy Secretary-Gener- attractiveness for off-shore developments in this area. A The Kids’ ISO 14000 Pro- al Kevin McKinley was a pan- contracts, are promoting com- similar course will be held gramme provides environ- ellist at the conference’s “ Big pliance with International towards the end of the year. mental education for children. Debate ”, along with repre- Standards for consumer protec- More information : Operating mainly through sentatives of key organiza- tion, data privacy, digital sig- www.rsm.nl/standardisation schools and community tions such as the Food and natures, etc. Specific reference organizations, it makes the Agriculture Organization, the is made to the ISO/IEC 27000 ISO 14001 (environmental World Trade Organization’s series on information security management systems) Sanitary and Phytosanitary management systems. The Rotterdam School of approach accessible to and Measures Committee, the Management, Erasmus University, understandable by school World Bank, Danone, Tesco the Netherlands. children and young people. and leading food experts. The programme develops envi- The importance of effective ronmental awareness, teaching food safety management sys- participants to act positively in tem implementation, as well solving environmental issues as credible audits, certifica- by themselves in their homes, tion and accreditation were communities and beyond in highlighted during the panel cooperation with other partici- and throughout the conference pant groups, both nationally sessions. and internationally. The role of ISO 22000 (food The 2009 award ceremony was safety management systems) attended by more than 600 chil- and ISO/CASCO conformity dren, their families and repre- assessment standards was dis- sentatives from the numerous cussed, as was the need to

2 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus ISO Scene

Risk management makes tion in the Caribbean. The Training the trainers in the Philippines. good progress workshop was delivered by the Caribbean trainee to the Raising food safety and ISO technical committee The ISO working group on “ Train the trainer ” event risk management held its 6th awareness in the ISO/TC 223, Societal Securi- organized jointly by the ISO ty. meeting in Singapore at the Committee on developing Philippines end of November 2008. Over country matters (DEVCO) Under the ISO Action Plan The workshop was part of the 650 comments were and the ISO Committee on for developing countries, DEVCO programmes aimed addressed on the draft Inter- consumer policy (COPOLCO) “ train the trainers ” sessions at strengthening the participa- national Standard ISO 31000, in Accra, Ghana, the previous on ISO 22000, the Interna- tion of developing countries Risk management – Principles February. tional Standard on food safety in new standardization activi- and guidelines, which was management systems, were ties – in particular, in the approved for registration as a Funding was provided by the held in the Philippines in Sep- work of ISO/TC 223, which final draft standard (FDIS). Swedish International Devel- tember and October 2008. aims to develop International opment Cooperation Agency, The draft revision of ISO/ Standards that support and and the British Standards With the objective of raising Guide 73, Risk management – increase crisis management Institution. Participants awareness, three separate ISO Vocabulary, was also consid- capabilities as well as busi- included 12 representatives of 22000 seminars in different ered, with more than 400 ness continuity management consumer organizations and cities were organized for comments addressed, and capabilities in the face of cri- national standards bodies more than 160 participants, approved for registration at ses on the societal level. from Antigua and Barbuda, coming from industry, gov- the draft (DIS) stage. Dominica, Jamaica, Saint ernment, standardization body Following the decisions made Lucia, Saint Vincent and the staff, consultants, etc. The at the Singapore meeting, the Grenadines, Suriname and events mainly focused on the finalized documents have now Trinidad and Tobago, as well requirements of the standard been submitted to the ISO as 12 from Barbados. and advantages of its imple- mentation. Central Secretariat. Once “ Train the trainer ” sessions translated into French by followed by events delivered AFNOR, Association Following the first two-day by the trainee trainers are awareness seminar in Manila, française de normalisation, probably the best way to the documents will be circu- and with the added objective ensure sustainability of the of building capacity, 15 local lated to ISO member bodies training effort and provide the for their respective ballots. trainers took part in a three- Participants at the societal best chance for replication at day training skills seminar. security workshop in Bali, the national or regional levels If the current momentum can Six of the trainees came from Indonesia. be sustained, the documents without external support. One Cebú and Davao, two cities in should be published in early of the very positive outcomes the Philippines where a fur- 2010. was that CROSQ, the CARI- ther two awareness seminars Among the 40 participants COM (Caribbean community) took place a month later with who attended the workshop, A trainee trainer delivers Regional Organisation for their participation, together 15 represented ISO members Caribbean consumer Standards and Quality, under- with the ISO trainer. in Armenia, Bangladesh, Bru- workshop took to follow up with the indi- nei Darussalam, Colombia, vidual countries on the imple- The seminars were organized Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethio- In December 2008, the Barba- mentation of action plans by ISO and the Bureau of pia, Kazakhstan, Libya, Pales- dos National Standards Insti- formulated during the work- Product Standards, the ISO tine, Peru, Serbia, Sri Lanka, tution, the ISO member body shop. member in the Philippines, Thailand and Uzbekistan. in Barbados, hosted a work- with the financial contribution shop to promote consumer of the Swiss State Secretariat Held within the framework of involvement in standardiza- Participants at the consumer for Economic Affairs (SECO). the programme funded by workshop in Barbados. A representative from the Sida, the Swedish Internation- Swiss Embassy participated at al Development Cooperation the Manila opening. Agency, to support the imple- mentation of the ISO Action Indonesia gets Plan for developing countries, developing countries the workshop was officially together for societal opened by Dr. Bambang Seti- adi, the Director General of security BSN. An ISO workshop on societal NOTE : For more information security was held in Bali, on the workshops, contact : Indonesia, in November 2008. [email protected] The event was organized by Badan Standardisasi Nasional (BSN), the ISO member for Indonesia, supported by the ISO Committee on developing country matters (DEVCO)

ISO Focus March 2009 3 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus Guest View Daniel Gagnier

aniel Gagnier is Chair of The world is challenged the Board of Directors of by a changing climate, loss of Dthe International Institute biodiversity, abject poverty and for Sustainable Development environmental degradation. What (IISD), a Canadian-based, not- can make a difference ? Good ideas, for-profit organization founded in creativity, passion, innovation and 1990. the application of standards in order to achieve – in a consistent man- Chief of Staff to Canadian Premier ner – positive change. Jean Charest since September 2007, Mr. Gagnier was previously Alcan As a policy research institute Inc.’s Senior Vice President, Cor- dedicated to the effective communica- porate and External Affairs. In this tion of its findings, the IISD engages role, his responsibilities included decision-makers – in government, corporate communications, govern- business, NGOs and other sectors – in ment relations, and environment, the development and implementation health and safety. of policies that are simultaneously beneficial to the global economy, Prior to joining Alcan in 1994, Mr. the global environment and social Gagnier held a number of positions well-being. Standards are the means with the governments of Canada to ensure that our actions lead to a and the Canadian provinces of better quality of life and to a safer Ontario and Saskatchewan. “ As someone who has been evolution of humankind. Mr. Gagnier has served as President privileged to work at The pursuit of sustainable of the Brewers Association of the intersection of business, development requires that attention Canada, Chair of the Board of be paid to the interactions between Directors for Canadian Manufac- standards and sustainable the environment, society and the turers and Exporters, Chair of the development, I have gained an economy. As such, IISD explores Canadian Standards Association, how the environment is valued; Chair of the International Emis- appreciation of the importance how public policy instruments can sions Trading Association, and of standards as a fundamental be better designed; and how abject Director of the Canadian Council poverty can be addressed. on Learning. He was also Chair necessity in an increasingly of ISO technical committee ISO/ challenging, interdependent To meet such a broad chal- TC 207, Environmental manage- global reality.” lenge, each IISD programme includes ment, from 2001-2007. economic as well as environmental and social inquiry. This interconnect- Mr. Gagnier is a graduate of Loyola ISO Focus : Can you tell us about ed endeavour requires the use of multiple College and McGill University, and a IISD’s mission and its vision of sustain- methods and analytical tools. Economics fellow of the Australian National Uni- ability ? What are the main challenges is increasingly interconnected with other versity in Canberra. that must be addressed and how do you fields of inquiry, thus providing fertile view the contribution that ISO can ground for research on how environmen- make in this regard ? tal and social issues are affected by our economic choices and vice versa. Dan Gagnier : The IISD vision is simple : ISO helps us improve our abil- “ better living for all – sustainably ”. Our ity to apply the results of this research mission is thus to champion innovation, in the best possible way across cul- enabling societies to live in a sustain- tures, jurisdictions and governmental able manner. responsibilities.

4 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Championing sustainable development

Established in 1990, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a Canadian-based, not-for- profit organization with a diverse team of 150 people located in more than

Reporting at the Commission on Sustainable Development, United Nations, New York, USA. 30 countries. Through its portfolio of (Photograph courtesy of IISD/Earth Negotiations Bulletin) projects, IISD partners with over 200 organizations throughout the world. In short, International Standards Through its direct work with are indispensable to our ability to execute standards and voluntary initiatives, The Institute contributes to sustainable and operationalize our findings. We can IISD’s SMART programme promotes development by advancing policy recom- even say that sustainable development and transparency, inclusiveness and continual International Standards are a synergistic improvement in their design and imple- mendations on international trade and combination. mentation. These are, simply put, pre- investment, economic policy, climate conditions as we position our economies change and energy, measurement and “ Sustainable development to be better performing entities while we rebound out of this global recession and assessment, and sustainable natural and International financial crisis. Standards : a synergistic resources management. combination.” ISO Focus : IISD is actively involved in With a focus on effective communica- the development of ISO 26000 on social responsibility. Can you tell us why IISD tion and a commitment to electronic ISO Focus : The recent economic crisis seized the opportunity to participate, communications technology to share has shed light on the weaknesses of our and the value that it sees in the final knowledge and build relationships, current economic model. SMART, an deliverable ? What impression has this IISD initiative, looks at how to promote first-hand experience with the ISO IISD makes maximum use of the sustainable markets and responsible standards development system made, Internet to report on international trade, addressing, among other things, and how has it shaped IISD’s under- negotiations and to share knowledge the role of International Standards. standing of the challenges of interna- Can you tell us more about SMART ? tional standardization ? gained through collaborative projects How, in your view, do ISO standards with global partners, resulting in more contribute to supporting more sustain- Dan Gagnier : ISO 26000 on social able economic markets ? What role can responsibility is a major contribution rigorous research, capacity building in they play in addressing the current to the humanization of the standards developing countries, and better dia- recession ? offering. The experience, from an IISD perspective, reminds us that our common logue between North and South. mission is to better the condition of the Dan Gagnier : The Sustainable Mar- IISD receives core operating support kets and Responsible Trade (SMART) human community while preserving our initiative aims to improve the sustain- planet for the benefit of the present and, from the Government of Canada, pro- most importantly, future generations. ability of international trade by pro- vided through the Canadian Interna- moting economies of scale, efficiency, As many more organizations equity and transparency in the design decide that they must address the prin- tional Development Agency (CIDA), the and implementation of standards and ciples of corporate social responsibility International Development Research voluntary initiatives. (CSR), there is a growing need for tools Centre (IDRC), Environment Canada, These initiatives can set rules to help them define and address what for production, processing, trade, trans- CSR means and how to implement it and from the Province of Manitoba. throughout their organizations. port, marketing, etc. To the extent that The Institute receives project funding they establish common conditions for At its General Assembly in Stock- market participation across multiple holm, Sweden, in September 2002, ISO from numerous governments inside supply chain players, they operate in a decided that the time had come to con- and outside Canada, United Nations manner analogous to public policy and sider the value of developing manage- legislation. Good governance across such ment standards on CSR. This resolution agencies, foundations, and the pri- initiatives is key to ensuring that they recognized the value of the ISO 14001 vate sector. have a positive impact on sustainable environmental management systems development. standard in improving the efficiency of www.iisd.org

ISO Focus March 2009 5 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

corporate ­environmental management, Through their collaboration, this organizations that are often exclud- and was built on a report prepared by wider group is providing advisory input ed from the development of social the ISO Committee on consumer policy to IISD while working to build under- responsibility standards on the value of CSR standards. standing on key issues surrounding ISO’s • Equitable and effective engagement of producers based in developing coun- tries, particularly small and medium- Getting ice, sized enterprises that are so important Banks Island, in the economies of many low-income Northwest Territories, and middle-income countries Canada. (Photograph courtesy • The standard should not : discriminate of IISD) against small producers, become a dis- criminatory barrier to market access, restrict innovation • The standard must be flexible in its ability to respond to the rapid pace of developments in the social responsi- bility agenda more broadly, without locking in a “ status quo ” that is likely to become quickly outmoded. Together, and with the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Eco- nomic Affairs (SECO), IISD has been a major contributor to the development of ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility. The IISD report How material is ISO 26000 Social Responsibility to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) ? is based on a global survey of SMEs and national cleaner production centres.

ISO Focus : Climate change and ener- gy efficiency are oft-cited challenges to sustainability. What is your view on the contribution that ISO’s numerous stand- ards – on environmental management, energy efficiency, renewable sources, biofuels, measuring carbon footprints, etc. – can make in this regard ? What As part of its participation in the potential entry into social responsibility. value has IISD seen in its participation work of ISO’s strategic advisory group A key objective is for each of the partners in ISO/TC 207 ? on CSR 1), IISD committed itself to help- to begin to build a debate in their own country and among their own constituen- ing other organizations get involved and Dan Gagnier : As companies and oth- cies on the pros and cons of engagement become aware of the implications of ers revise their business models to move and the substantive content of any ISO ISO work in this area. In turn, we have towards the monetization of carbon in engaged in a partnership with leading social responsibility standard. order to meet the challenges of greenhouse NGOs from around the world. There is an urgent need to widen gas (GHG) emissions and climate change discussion and engagement around ISO’s impacts, IISD is dedicated to identifying role in social responsibility. Each partner and promoting innovative solutions that 1) Having successfully completed its recognizes a need for ISO’s engagement in support the transition to a clean, secure task, ISO Technical Management Board’s the agenda to be conditional on progress and sustainable future. strategic advisory group on corporate social in a number of key areas, including : Our approach seeks to bring responsibility was disbanded in 2004. The • Equitable representation of civil soci- ISO working group on social responsibility together developing and developed country ety from the South and the North – to (ISO/WG SR) was created shortly thereafter : issues; corporate and social needs; energy www.iso.org/sr include voices of community-based and environment priorities; mitigation

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an appreciation of the importance of standards as a fundamental necessity in an increasingly challenging, interdepend- ent global reality. Industry understands the value of standards, even if they take them for granted too often. The marriage between continuous improvement and the evolution of standards is a value-laden proposition on which industry can lead. The alterna- tive is to abdicate its leadership, in which case governments and regulators will have no choice but to impose solutions as citizens become more demanding in the articulation of their needs. (Photograph courtesy(Photograph Anne Hammill/IISD) of Men talking in a training session on the use of CRiSTAL, a screening tool that helps the developers and managers of rural livelihoods and ecosystem management projects in “ Standards are the means developing countries ensure that their work contributes to reducing the vulnerability of communities to the impacts of climate change. to ensure that our actions lead to a better quality of and adaptation strategies; and economic, management, and of the ISO advisory life and a safer evolution of social and environmental well-being. group on social responsibility), you are human kind.” Actively engaged in the interna- in a position to both fully understand tional climate change arena since the the requirements of industry as well as ISO Focus : Looking ahead, it is clear signing of the UN Framework Conven- what ISO has to offer. What advice that much has to change in terms of tion on Climate Change in 1992, IISD’s would you give to industry on how to how we live and do business in order to unique perspective and effectiveness best take advantage of the solutions promote a truly sustainable world. How have earned the institute recognition as that ISO standards provide to address should we envision the future partner- an international and national leader in the economic, environmental and ship of IISD and ISO to meet this climate change policy research. social dimensions of sustainability ? goal ? We are on the cusp of a very innovative decade in which the work Dan Gagnier : As someone who has Dan Gagnier : The type of partnership done meticulously by both the ISO and been privileged to work at the inter- and virtual alliances represented by the the IISD on climate change and related section of business, standards and sus- IISD, ISO and other organizations repre- standards will fulfil their potential to help tainable development, I have gained sents the mobility of capacity and know- clear thinking on the nature of both the how to provide better information, more mitigation and adaptation requirements Fairtrade coffee producer in San Martín, Peru. pertinent analysis and better solutions that challenge us. (Photograph courtesy of Kathleen Sexsmith/IISD) in a world that is in search of solutions. We cannot revert to living in caves, Our shared responsibility is to provide nor can we condemn developing country solutions, to put in place the tools that burgeoning populations to aspire to less will anchor sustainable development in prosperity. We are constrained to push- order to ensure the economic, and social ing positive change to innovate through well-being of our peoples, and to secure technology and to do so while preserv- the quality of the planet we share. In ing our resources and coping with the plain words, the partnership has to be stresses on the planet we share. Research maintained and continually renewed. to provide clarity and consensus based on NASA’s slogan for Apollo 13 applies in facts rather than opinions, and standards these circumstances : “ Failure is not an to provide a turntable and a toolkit to option ”. ensure consistency of application should be non-negotiable.

ISO Focus : Given your previous expe- rience in industry, as well as your famil- iarity with the ISO system (as former Chair of ISO/TC 207, Environmental

ISO Focus March 2009 7 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus Main Focus

The big picture

standards contribute to sustainable Conference (June 2008), and published an ISO’s contribution development. informative brochure (September 2008) to sustainability In addition, the project was aimed on ISO and sustainability (see below). at finding ways to both encourage best practice in the development of standards and to convey to ISO’s stakeholders, Attentive to the needs by Michel M. Bourassa, including the general public, the impor- of society Convenor, ISO Task Force on tant role standards play in the quest to ISO’s commitment to sustainabil- Sustainability achieve a sustainable world. ity is due, in part, to the United Nations’ Now, close to two years later, Brundtland Commission’s groundbreaking n 2007, ISO’s Technical Management we have compiled an impressive list of report, Our Common Future, published Board (TMB), which oversees the standards that directly and indirectly in 1987. The Bruntdland report defined Iorganization’s technical committees contribute to sustainable development. sustainable development as “ meeting the and their standards development pro- We have also developed related guidance needs of the present without compromis- grammes, launched a project to explore for committees, presented our results to ing the ability of future generations to in detail how, and to what extent, ISO the ISO Technical Committee Chairs’ meet their own needs ”.

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This and similar definitions on the Our first order of business was to topic focus on the need for the integration gather evidence of what was happening of and balance between economic, social at the technical level. This was achieved All of these committees have a and environmental considerations – the though the responses to the request for collection of standards that support one “ three pillars ” of sustainable develop- such information made in July 2007 by or another of the environmental, social ment – in everything that we do. ISO the TMB leadership : Chair, Ziva Patir, or economic pillars of sustainability, took heed of the report’s recommenda- and Secretary, Mike Smith, of the ISO or a combination of the three. See also tions, identifying ISO’s role to provide Central Secretariat. ISO Focus, October 2008, dedicated to “ Intelligent and sustainable buildings ”, “ standards for a sustainable world.” The response was exceptional, which was the theme of World Standards providing both anticipated results as well Sustainability has always been an Day 2008. underlying concept of standards develop- as some unexpected, but very insightful, The environment is another broad ment, and each ISO technical committee, feedback. We found that the inventory of topic that includes many different work subcommittee, project committee and standards with both direct and indirect programmes that support the principle of working group has furthered its imple- impacts on one or more of the three pillars sustainability. While the most obvious is mentation in some manner. of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) was incredible. that of ISO/TC 207, Environmental man- More than 20 years after the Brunt- In fact, the task agement, this area also includes the major dland Report, the challenge of sustainable environmental contributions of ISO/TC development is at the forefront of public 146, Air quality, and ISO/TC 190, awareness and many different Soil quality. initiatives have Water quality been launched also relates directly to facilitate to environmen- its implemen- tal concerns tation. As an and ISO has a organization number of tech- attentive to the nical committees needs of society, that cover some ISO has been pay- aspect of it, such ing attention and as ISO/TC 147, Water built a strong focus quality, and ISO/TC 224, on sustainability into Service activities relating to The ISO Strategic Plan drinking water supply systems 2005-2010, as underlined and wastewater systems – Quality by its title, “ Standards for a criteria of the service and perform- sustainable world ”. ance indicators (see also ISO Focus, Over this period, the TMB January 2009, dedicated to “ Water – the noted the heightened interest in sus- Vital Challenge ”). tainability among the technical com- In addition, ISO and its partner, the mittees and encouraged them not only force found there were entire areas of International Electrotechnical Commission to continue supporting this objective, but standards work that included many dif- (IEC), have published ISO/IEC Guide 64, also to enhance it to ensure standards that ferent standards that all contributed to Guide for the inclusion of environmental contribute in a systematic fashion to the sustainable development in some form aspects in product standards. overall, international effort. or another. There are many other areas of One such area is that of building standards development that are underway construction. A number of ISO techni- or have been completed and that contrib- The task force’s cal committees and subcommittees are ute directly or indirectly to sustainable incredible discovery working on standards that fall into this development. Several are presented in category. The most obvious examples of other articles in this issue. In June 2007, the TMB formed a this are ISO/TC 59, Building construc- task force to look at how existing stand- tion, subcommitee SC 17, Sustainability ards could support the principle of sus- in building construction, and ISO/TC 205, Recommendations all tainability, and how that support could Building environment design. However, committees should follow be improved in the development of new the category includes other technical standards. I accepted the invitation to committees, such as ISO/TC 163 on The task force has also developed lead the task force, knowing that I could thermal performance and energy use in a list of general principles it recommends rely on the enthusiasm, knowledge and the built environment, and ISO/TC 71 – with the TMB’s support – that techni- participation of my colleagues. on concrete. cal committees follow when developing

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Uniquely useful tools We can now be better assured that ISO standards are uniquely useful tools in the promotion and progression of the sustainable development movement. There is still plenty of work to do. The Task Force on Sustainability is now looking at ways to further encour- age committees to develop standards with the thought always in the back of members’ minds of how each standard will contribute to sustainable develop- ment and how it will further enrich the cohesiveness of the ISO portfolio. In this way, we aim to provide the international community with the tools it needs to achieve sustainable develop- ment goals.

standards related to one or several These achievements are largely aspects of sustainable development, in due to the contributions of the task force About the author order to best promote collaborative and members, in particular : supportive approaches. The recommen- • Ivar Jachwitz (SN – Norway) and Michel (Mike) dations are : Juichi Nagano (JISC – Japan), who Bourassa joined • Standards must remain within the con- have reviewed technical committee the Standards text of the committee’s scope activity and provide advice for both Council of Can- ada (SCC) in current and future work • Committees should notify the TMB 1987 after of the title and scope of a proposed • Annick Hamel (AFNOR – France) working in the standard as soon as possible and Amanda Tucker who advise on electrical manu- coordination facturing indus- • Committees undertaking such work try for 18 years. should clarify their intentions in the • Steve Cornish (ANSI – USA) who He is now the introduction of the specific proposed works on promotion, marketing and Director of the SCC’s Standards standard(s) communication branch, where he oversees Canada’s involvement at the governance and tech- Committees should note that the most • Herman Schipper (NEN – Nether- • nical levels of ISO, the International lands) and his consultation with exter- widely used definition of sustain- Electrotechnical Commission and relat- able development is the one found nal organizations. ed regional organizations, and leads the in the 1987 Brundtland Commis- All of us were very ably assisted development of policy pertaining to sion report. by Trevor Vyze (ISO Central Secretariat standards in Canada. Mike joined the ISO Technical Management Board in In September 2008, ISO published – ISO/CS) who has borne the brunt of June 2006 as SCC’s representative. an overview of the results of the Task the behind the scenes work, ably sup- Force on Sustainability’s deliberations ported by the Communication Services in the brochure : How ISO’s technical of ISO/CS. programme and standards contribute As Chair of the Task Force on to a sustainable world. The brochure Sustainability, I am proud of how the was based on the report presented by ISO/TMB has managed to raise aware- Amanda Tucker of the British Standards ness about standards’ contribution to Institution (BSI) at the June 2008 ISO sustainability within ISO’s ranks and to Committee Chairs’ Conference. those familiar with ISO’s mission.

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been quantified at an annual contribution Tools for to the gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.5 billion GBP per year. experts from business and industry and combating are refined over their lifetime, ensuring A closer look at the benefits of consistent delivery and customer satis- the economic consensus-based International Standards highlights several key areas in which they faction again and again. recession can really make a difference in a period of reduced economic growth. Keeping and winning customers by Mike Low, Director, Delivering quality whilst BSI British Standards Business wisdom has it that it reducing costs costs up to five times more to win a here is now broad consensus that At first glance it might seem new customer than it does to maintain the world is in recession. While impossible for businesses to improve the an existing one. Tthis is generally considered bad for quality of their product or service and With businesses and consumers business, there are ways of controlling simultaneously cut costs, but this is at cutting back during the economic down- costs and improving efficiency which the heart of standardization. turn it is now more of a challenge to hold can help see an organization through dif- Working according to Interna- on to customers, but standards can help ficult times and even lay the long-term tional Standards ensures that quality with this for little extra cost. The clear foundations for growth. objectives are identified, delivered and statement of robust quality and delivery ISO International Standards maintained, giving the customer confi- which standards afford a business has can prove fundamental to enabling a dence in the products and services they been shown to maintain the confidence business to survive and grow in tough buy, no matter where in the world they of existing customers whilst inspiring economic times. are produced. potential customers. Studies conducted in a number At the same time, standards can Besides the quality assurance pro- of countries including Australia, Canada help an organization make savings. vided by specific technical standards, ISO and Germany show that the application ISO management system standards, for now publishes a suite of customer satis- of standards contributes significantly example, deliver operational efficien- faction standards, which provide guide- to the national economy. In the United cies by streamlining procedures. On the lines on procedures such as complaints Kingdom (UK), the macro-economic other hand, thousands of ISO technical benefit of standards to the economy has standards reduce the costly research and handling and dispute resolution : development necessary to support new • ISO 10001, Quality management – products or systems. Customer satisfaction – Guidelines for The use of tried and tested stand- codes of conduct for organizations ards also means that less time is wasted • ISO 10002, Quality management – making mistakes – something no business Customer satisfaction – Guidelines can afford at a time like this. All ISO for complaints handling in organi- International Standards are written by zations • ISO 10003, Quality management – Customer satisfaction – Guidelines for dispute resolution external to organizations • ISO 10004, Quality management – Customer satisfaction – Guidelines for monitoring and measuring (under development).

Facilitating trade Now is not the time to shut the door on potential new business. While existing markets and customers are the founda- tions of a business, a buoyant economy depends upon the development of fresh trade and access to new markets.

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The use of standards, especially Standards through thick Innovative solutions in products, International Standards, such as ISO and thin processes and services are key to economic 9001, Quality management systems – growth and are supported by, for example, Requirements, enables easier access to Across the board, standards standards on terminology that explain new markets by offering an explanation provide the extra cost saving, the new new areas being developed, or standards to potential customers of how a busi- customer, the new innovation – a range that help build confidence amongst key ness operates and the outputs that can of benefits that can make all the differ- stakeholders in new concepts. be expected. ence between sink and swim. It is also Overzealous regulation and legisla- possible to identify several specific areas tion can thwart business development and of standardization which could prove wrap business in unnecessary administra- particularly effective during a recession. tive burden. Having been developed with These include : consensus and best practice, standards • ISO 14001 is more important than ever provide government with a voluntary, as it delivers tangible cost savings by ready-made solution to the issues that calling for significant impacts to be regulation tries to resolve, ensuring more identified and controlled – for exam- efficient and rapid solutions. ple, a reduction in the use of natural As well as the many millions of resources and the quantity of waste to companies that use and benefit from landfill are potential outcomes standards without certification, nearly one million organizations worldwide • Use of ISO 9001 will help a business have realized the worth of International maintain a consistent standard in its Standards to the extent of obtaining inde- products and services while stripping pendent verification of their performance away unnecessary costs and stream- via third-party certification. lining operations The potential financial benefits of • Above all else, during a recession busi- International Standards and certification nesses need to keep afloat and carry will drive these companies forward under on. ISO is developing standards in trying economic conditions, ultimately the field of business continuity man- enabling them to survive as stronger, agement and risk which can be used more robust businesses. now, as ever, to determine and invest in critical areas of the business, pro- tect reputation and enhance stake- holder confidence. Investing in sustainability When times are tough it is natural About the author to look for easy savings, but the cost of Government support using environmental and sustainability Mike Low is Governments around the world are standards can be offset against the long- Director of BSI doing what they can to fend off the worst term financial gains. British Stand- effects of the recession and revitalize There are now many national and ards, ISO mem- economies. One way they can do this is ber for the Unit- international standards which provide to ensure that the benefits of standardi- ed Kingdom. the necessary tools to help businesses zation are widely realized. Before joining continually improve their sustainability On a practical level, central and BSI in 2003, performance. Building on the well-known Mike Low was ISO 14001, Environmental management local governments are the biggest procur- ers of products and services, and the use Director of systems, ISO is now developing ISO Group Strategy of standards in this process can achieve 50001, a standard on energy management & Performance and Managing Director efficiency for all parties. Clear specifi- which holds great cost and energy-cutting (MD) of Amey plc; Director of Health cations reduce the risk of ambiguity in potential for businesses in developed and Safety & Environment and Technical & developing countries. what is being supplied. Business Development Director for Carbon management will remain a Government can also support Nuclear Electric; and MD of British key pressure on business throughout the international standardization on a strategic Energy’s UK Generation, where he recession, and to assist with this ISO/TC level, firstly through backing innova- was also a Main Board Director. 207, Environmental management, is tion and secondly through recognizing currently working on carbon footprint standards as an alternative to regulation quantification. and legislation.

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Helping consumers take a stand by Joost Martens, Director General, Consumers International

t is now globally recognized that unsustainable patterns of production Iand consumption are having extremely serious social and environmental impacts worldwide. Ever increasing and irresponsible consumption is putting a catastrophic strain on the environment, by causing pollution, destroying the ecosystem and undermining sustainable lifestyles. Pov- erty and deprivation are increasing at an alarming pace and disparities between income and consumption are now com- mon in all countries. Experts agree that steep cuts in emissions are urgently needed to mitigate climate change, and argue that this will involve significant changes in the way consumers meet their needs. As a result, initiatives to mobilize consumers, encouraging them to make sustainable consumption choices, have spread around the world over the past few years. Businesses, governments and civil society organizations are all involved in the development of consumer education campaigns, new products, labelling and certification initiatives. However, when looking at actual consumer behaviour, it is clear that actions have yet to catch up with the level of concern that has been raised. What then is missing ? 1) • Consumers want more information from businesses about how they are addressing the climate change impli- cations of their products

1) What assures consumers on climate change ? Consumers International, 2007.

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• But consumers do not always trust information provided by businesses in this regard • So consumers are asking for more independent assurance of the infor- mation given about products.

Meaningful is international Consumers International (CI) has long regarded ISO International Stand- ards as tools that can play a key role in promoting sustainability. In recent years CI has been engagement and on the basis of scien- involved both by liaising with the failed to take responsibility for an important tific consensus, that offer consumers a ISO Committee on consumer policy part of their core business, i.e. mortgage trusted basis on which to make product (COPOLCO) and by participating in ISO and consumer loans. We therefore welcome and lifestyle choices and manage their technical committees to meet its vision the fact that ISO 26000 puts consumer overall ecological footprint. statement : a world where everyone has matters on par with other important issues access to safe and sustainable goods and For instance, today CI, which such as respect for human rights, labour services, and where the strength of the represents the global voice of consumers, practice and the environment. collective power is used for the good of continues to play a key role in the con- In fact, the consumer section consumers throughout the world. sumer initiative that led to the decision in ISO 26000 so far addresses, among to develop ISO 26000 on social respon- CI believes that the key to achiev- others, fair marketing, information and sibility (under development). ing this goal is to develop rigorous contractual practices, protection of con- and transparent International Stand- sumers’ health and safety, sustainable ards, through accountable processes of consumption, consumer service, support and dispute resolution, consumer data “ ISO 26000 will contribute protection and privacy, access to essen- to enhanced transparency tial products and services, and education and awareness. About the author on corporate activities.” Joost Martens Not just chocolates is Director Gen- To choose responsibly, consum- eral of Consum- Currently, the credibility of busi- ers need a benchmark against which ness communication on social respon- ers International companies can be measured. As most (CI), the global sibility needs to be enhanced. Often businesses operate internationally, and companies focus on advertising only the federation of even small and medium enterprises source consumer “ chocolate box side ” of their activities, globally, a meaningful standard has to organizations, giving an unbalanced impression – oth- be an international one. which numbers erwise known as “ ethical-washing ” or 220 member “ green-washing ”. organizations Accountability and the Thus, what consumers need are worldwide. He joined CI in October standards addressing reporting issues, 2008, after eight years working as economic crisis and the draft ISO 26000 is clear on this. Oxfam Regional Director for Central Irresponsible behaviour from Good communication implies that report- America, Mexico and the Caribbean. banks has now triggered a financial and ing will be understandable, responsive, Prior to that he worked, among others, economic crisis of historic dimensions. balanced and timely. with the International Labour Organiza- Loans were made to consumers who tion, and the United Nations High Com- Ultimately, to enable consum- could not repay them; risks were reck- missioner for Refugees in Asia, Africa ers to shop ethically, we need to create and Latin America. Mr. Martens holds lessly managed. conditions that enable them to do so. Masters degrees in Business Economics Today, more than ever, consumer ISO 26000 will contribute to enhanced and Urban & Regional Planning from confidence is dependent upon the account- transparency on corporate activities and the State University, Groningen, the able behaviour of companies. What the enable consumers and consumer organi- Netherlands. financial crisis has shown is banks that zations to assess their activities.

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About Consumers International

Its success will owe much to the current multi-stakeholder approach of the ISO working group developing the standard, as well as to the equal participation of all an overriding preoccupation with “ low stakeholders in its development. price at any price, ” as is sometimes said of consumers. On the contrary, there is an Access to energy is part awareness of the need for stewardship of Consumers International (CI) is resources, and a standard could build of the solution the world federation of consumer upon that. CI continues to value its exist- ing cooperation with ISO. Our latest groups that, working together with proposal for an International Standard its members, serves as an inde- “ Consumers International on energy services fits neatly into ISO’s pendent and authoritative global own initiatives in the utilities and services has long regarded sector, with sustainability as an essential voice for consumers. International Standards dimension. With over 220 member organiza- as key tools influencing Access to services and sustain- ability are sometimes seen as being in tions in 115 countries, CI is build- sustainability.” opposition. We, on the other hand, see ing a powerful international move- them as problems in tandem. While the ment to help protect and empower After government and industry, world is concerned with excessive emis- consumers are a fundamental force in sions, almost two billion people have no consumers everywhere. the fight against climate change and access to energy services. towards long-term sustainability. But Founded in 1960, the organiza- In developing countries, this lack to really be able to make a difference, of access often leads to more emissions, tion is needed now more than they must be fully supported by the resulting from the use of alternative ever. This modern movement is other relevant stakeholders, such as highly-polluting energy sources, such businesses, civil society organizations, as the burning of wood and dung, as essential to secure a fair, safe and offset providers and standards setters. well as deforestation caused by forag- sustainable future for consumers CI looks to ISO to take a lead ing for fuel. in a global marketplace increas- amongst standards setters in not only CI’s Global Energy Charter 2 recognizing, but also proactively engaging emphasizes reduction of waste, pro- ingly dominated by international with consumers. This means not just, as it motion of energy efficiency, and corporations. has successfully done, through its internal consumer responsibility. A CI mem- structures, but also by acknowledging ber survey conducted in 2007 found that consumers need to be represented sustainability and access to services at all levels of decision making within to be the top priority of developing of “off-grid ” systems (such as highly standardization. country consumer organizations. We localized solar panel based systems or In the establishment of ISO believe that an ISO standard provid- micro-hydro services) often built by strategic advisory groups, such as for ing requirements for energy services small-scale providers. energy efficiency and renewable energy will go some way towards reconciling sources, and in cooperation with other the objectives of improving access and international agencies, consumers need sustainability. Economic to have a voice. Consumers are key in The CI proposal for a new work and environmental making standards not only credible but item on this subject draws upon ISO sustainability are linked also sustainable, in their own right. 24510, Activities relating to drinking water and wastewater services – Guidelines A reduction in instances of pay- for the assessment and for the improve- ment delinquency is a pre-requisite to ment of the service to users, which we improving the economic sustainability of actively helped to draft; for example, by systems and, in our experience, is likely proposing that the standard be designed to be further ameliorated by consumers’ for all services, including non-integrated contractual rights to service. It is impor- systems where networks are still being tant that everyone pays and contributes, developed, including the recognition especially as this diminishes the need to raise tariffs. 2) www.consumersinternational.org/ In fact, our member survey during Templates/Internal.asp ?NodeID=98515 2007 indicated clearly that there was not

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ISO, energy and renewable sources

by Yang Zeshi and Carole Energy conservation and environ- International Standards help to Le Gall, Co-Chairs of ISO, mental protection are inextricably linked. overcome transition barriers to the adop- Reduced use of fossil fuel means lower tion of appropriate technologies and signif- Strategic Advisory Group on greenhouse gas emissions and reduc- icantly accelerate their deployment. They energy efficiency and renewable tions in other pollutants, plus reduced provide a consistent and clear framework energy sources environmental harm from the extraction describing state-of-the-art technologies, of oil, coal and natural gas. good practice and knowledge, assembled ithin the three pillars of sus- by recognized professionals and based tainability (economic, soci- on international consensus. Wetal and environmental), we Proactive value find the “ three Es ” – the environment, ISO has long been involved in energy security and economic prosper- A new focus ity – which are all challenged by current issues surrounding energy efficiency energy trends. and alternative sources, and members In 2008, ISO created the Strategic recognize the value of the organization’s The International Energy Agency’s Advisory Group on energy efficiency and proactive stance. World Energy Outlook 1) shows that global renewable energy (SAG-E). The group’s energy demand is continuously growing, A portfolio inventory and gap objectives include : analysis conducted by the ISO Council with a 53 % increase projected for 2030 Provide advice and guidance on the Task Force on Energy in 2007 identified • compared with 2004. development of ISO standards on over 20 ISO technical committees and Fossil fuels are expected to con- energy efficiency and renewable ener- more than 160 standards and active work tinue to dominate the energy supply mix, gy sources items. The task force recommended five leading to a commensurate increase in priority areas for standardization work : carbon dioxide emissions. Global carbon • Further develop the portfolio/gap calculation methods, energy manage- dioxide production is projected to exceed analysis undertaken by the previous ment, biofuels, retrofitting and building 40 billion tonnes per year by the end of Council Task Force on Energy and refurbishment. the period. identify high-priority standardiza- In June 2007, the International tion subjects Energy Agency (IEA) and ISO presented 2) • Assess the need to strengthen, promote 1) www.worldenergyoutlook.org a common position paper underlining or re-orientate standards work to better the important role of International Stand- 2) International Standards to develop and serve public policy objectives promote energy efficiency and renewable ards in improving energy efficiency and energy, sources : www.iea.org/textbase/ encouraging development of renewable • Develop proposals for future actions papers/2007/Standards.pdf energy sources. and possible further study

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• Help ISO to coordinate and collabo- As a first step, the group re­com­ rate with key international organiza- mended the establishment of a new project tions such as the International Elec- to develop a common international ter- trotechnical Commission (IEC), IEA minology in the area of energy efficiency is needed which takes into account the and the World Energy Council. and renewable energy. This has now been function and actual use of the building. formally proposed as a new joint project Methodologies on the assessment and committee between ISO and IEC. If the rating of buildings is another area where work goes ahead, appropriate liaisons will Already making progress ISO standards are required. need to be made with relevant commit- By the end of 2008, SAG-E had tees which have already provided related already made progress towards stand- definitions in their standards. ardization for energy efficiency and Promising rays of light Regarding industrial processes, renewable energy. Solar energy is among the most the group has recommended that future promising renewable energy technolo- standards developed in the field of indus- gies. Water heating is the most widely trial automation systems give more focus used solar application due to its mature to energy efficiency. About the authors technology and low cost. By 2004, the They also advised that standards worldwide installed capacity had reached Yang Zeshi is a should be developed to harmonize indus- 98 416 megawatt thermal. trial efficiency indicators and measurement senior engineer Standards should take end use methods for energy-intensive industries. at Standardiza- devices into account, and consider their tion Administra- A systemic approach should be taken in integration with auxiliary energy sources. tion of China this work rather than concentrating on Standards are also needed for the installa- (SAC), the ISO individual component parts of industrial tion, inspection and maintenance of solar member for plant. International Standards for assess- systems to enhance consumer access to China. He is ing and rating the efficiency of industrial and confidence in solar technology. Deputy Director processes are also needed. ISO has established technical com- General of Another recommendation recog- Industrial mittees for solid and liquid biofuels, name- nizes the need for International Standards Standards Department I, responsible ly, ISO technical committee ISO/TC 238, to calculate and disseminate best practice for the Division of Transportation and Solid biofuels, and ISO/TC 28, Petroleum of energy efficiency in machinery associ- Energy Resources. He is Co-Chair of products and lubricants, subcommittee ated with the generation of electricity. SAG-E, ISO Strategic Advisory Group SC 7, Liquid fuels. SAG-E encourages on energy efficiency and renewable Regarding energy production, more progress in the development of energy sources. SAG-E also acknowledges the need for standards for liquid biofuels and also standards on the combined heat and power suggests that ISO should create a new Carole Le Gall and geothermal technology. committee on biogas. is Chief Execu- tive Director of the Centre Lets talk about buildings Keys to sustainability ­Scientifique et Technique du Buildings consume 40 % of the Energy conservation and envi- Bâtiment, raw materials used globally each year ronmental protection are the keys to France. Previ- plus 40 % of the energy and 60 % of the sustainability. The drive for improved ous positions electricity. As the world’s population efficiency and renewable energy sources include Opera- and the trend for urbanization escalate, needs to be addressed by globally accepted tional Director the design and operation of so-called standards, and ISO’s multi-stakeholder for Energy, Air and Noise at ADEME, “ green ” buildings becomes crucial for and international platform is clearly the the French Agency for Environment and ensuring a sustainable future. right place to identify technical solutions. Energy Management, and Deputy Gen- Therefore SAG-E recommended SAG-E encourages all members of ISO eral Manager of Nantes Metropole, in that, with respect to energy and build- and related international organizations charge of the economic development, ings, a systems optimization approach to support these efforts. research and high level education and metropolitan international development. Engineer-in-chief of the Corps des Mines, Ms. Le Gall is also MIT alumna (Master of Science Civil and Environ- mental engineering of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.

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World’s first carbon neutral city

by Khaled Awad, Director of Property Development, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

ust outside Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, Masdar 1) is Jcreating a prototypical sustainable city where residents and commuters will live the highest quality of life with the lowest environmental footprint. With construction well under way, Masdar City, the world’s first carbon neutral, zero waste metropolis, is quickly rising from the desert floor. Masdar City aims to take sus- tainable development to new heights. Finalizing its sustainable governance and standardization model in conjunc- tion with industry, academia and leading organizations, such as ISO, is of para- mount importance. A key aspect is the long-term strategic commitment by the government of Abu Dhabi to accelerate the development and implementation of future alternative energy solutions. Building designs, renewable energy production and resource demand management are all being carefully integrated to create large-scale sustain- able solutions. Masdar City is set to challenge traditional thinking and push the boundaries of how the world under- stands, develops, builds and operates future urban environments. International Standards promote best practice and can play a key role in the proliferation of new technologies.

1) Behind the Masdar Initiative is the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. The key objective of Masdar is to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class research and development hub for new energy technologies through building an alternative energy city, development of specialist carbon management systems, sustainable technology innovation and investment.

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Intelligent and sustainable buildings International Standards play a key role in helping buildings become more sustainable. Last year, on the occasion of World Standards Day, whose 2008 theme was intelligent and sustainable buildings, ISO Focus dedicated an issue to the numerous ISO initiatives that contribute to this goal (October 2008, Vol. 5). At the edge of innovation ISO offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help lessen the enor- Masdar City is based on a novel mous impact that buildings have on the environment – which alone consume concept called “ Cleantech Cluster ”. 40 % of the raw materials used globally each year plus 40 % of the energy Designed and built as a destination for and 60 % of the electricity. innovation, the best and brightest compa- nies and intellectuals are descending upon Among the ISO committees contributing to this goal, ISO/TC 59/SC 17, Sus- Abu Dhabi, eager to make a difference tainability in building construction, has developed numerous standards spe- and put advanced energy technologies cifically focused on sustainability. Another committee, ISO/TC 205, Building and sustainability ideas to work. environment design, emphasizes what it calls the three “ i ”s of sustainabil- The pioneering spirit is alive ity throughout its work : the interactive, iterative and integrated aspects of and well in Masdar City and the town is sustainable design and performance in the built environment. ISO/TC 163, emerging as a corporate hub for innova- tors, researchers, incubators, and investors Thermal performance and energy use in the built environment, is producing both large and small. The world’s leading key standards for tackling the issue of energy efficiency in buildings. manufacturers are working with the city In addition, ISO has developed standards to ensure the reliability and durabil- to find innovative ways to maximize effi- ciency in energy, water and waste. ity of structures, the interoperability of their systems, and to examine design life and how new technologies like geosynthetics can make a difference. A Many companies understand the benefits of partnering and working with relatively new ISO subcommittee is looking at environmental management for Masdar City to develop new ideas and concrete and concrete structures (ISO/TC 71/SC 8) and another is producing products. Corporations also stand to gain simplified design standards for concrete structures (ISO/TC 71/SC 5). a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The Masdar Development And this is just a taste of what ISO has to offer. programme will design, construct, and operate in a way that both minimizes its social and environmental impact, and demonstrates that its exemplary eco- logical footprint is economically viable, About the author innovative and ultimately repeatable on a larger scale. Khaled Awad is the Director of Property Devel- opment at the Standardizing Abu Dhabi sustainability Future Energy Company, the In recent years, both the corporate company driv- and general public’s understanding and ing the Masdar commitment to sustainable develop- Initiative. ment has increased dramatically. Less Dr. Khaled is understood has been the importance of currently overseeing the development in developing a system of standards for Abu Dhabi of the Masdar zone. Prior to sustainable design, construction and his role in Masdar, Dr. Khaled worked city operations. Here, harmonization of in the construction industry in the Arabi- sustainable methodologies and stand- an Gulf for more than 22 years. He was ardization is crucial. the founder and CEO of various compa- nies in construction and real estate, A crucial future challenge is the dealing with the supply and IT side of definition and optimization of sustainable the industry as well as concept develop- development through the use of a widely- ment of large-scale projects. He is an accepted governance and standardization active member of several American Con- model, which at the same time provides crete Institute (ACI) committees, includ- some flexibility. For Masdar, such a ing the ACI Board Advisory Committee model would consist of an enterprise- on Sustainability and was the recipient wide comprehensive system applied to of the Henry Kennedy Award from ACI the design, construction and operation in April 2007. of the city.

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The model should accommodate • Effective delivery platform – “ Plan consistent tracking and reporting protocols a wide range of tools and methods that – Do – Check – Act ” providing a clear and tools; and performance assessment may be applied or piloted throughout strategy and metrics and management. the life of the programme and contribute • Effective standards and implemen- Masdar’s process will include the to the achievement of the sustainability tation tools – Performance is regu- following supporting elements : objectives set in place by Masdar. Cur- larly measured and managed. • Access to material, component and rently, the city has been developed from technology databases for lifecycle the perspective of the future sustain- assessment, carbon and waste man- ability governance and administrative agement, and varied solutions for sus- infrastructure that will be at the centre “ The Masdar programme tainable performance and design of its operation and growth. will design, construct, Masdar is still in the early stages and operate in a way that • Interaction with spatial and temporal of research with industry, academia and design systems such as GIS (geographic international organizations, including ISO, minimizes both its social information systems), CAD (compu- working to consolidate the philosophy and environmental impact.” ter-aided design) and a Green Procure- of a Masdar sustainable governance and ment and Supply Chain network standardization model. • Online Masdar sustainable perform- The sustainable model aims to : In order to achieve its mission, ance standards and guidelines. Masdar recognizes that the processes • Achieve the best sustainable solutions Masdar looks forward to continued and methods it follows must be aligned for the programme collaboration in demonstrating the success with internationally-accepted sustain- • Facilitate monitoring and reporting of a sustainability approach and defining ability standards and related principles. of sustainable performance the means and methods to achieve similar This will enhance Masdar’s leadership objectives across the globe. Create a vehicle for Masdar City’s position as an economically viable, • future operation and sustainable gov- Ultimately, for Masdar and its internationally competitive, and highly ernance partners to reach the goal of creating and innovative organization. operating the world’s first carbon neutral, Implement the environmental, social • zero waste city, it must closely collaborate and economic policies of the Abu with industry leaders and organizations Dhabi Future Energy Company and The way forward such as ISO. Clearly defining the means, the Masdar Initiative Masdar City has developed a methods and measurement of how to focused approach to govern the develop- • Encourage stakeholder and partner achieve sustainability in a standardiza- ment of its sustainability standardization engagement tion model represents one of Masdar’s model. The main objectives are : • Develop a viable and robust Mas- greatest challenges, but it also represents • Sustainability as “ second nature ” – dar sustainability standard for future one of the greatest opportunities for Eliminate gaps between process and generations. reducing the global carbon footprint in the decades to come. implementation Masdar City’s goals will be • Sustainability governance – Lead- achieved through implementation and ership, resources and access to infor- adherence to well-developed sustain- mation, evolving from programme ability objectives, strategies, targets and delivery “ oversight ” into an institu- indicators; structured decision-making tionalized environment and risk assessment processes and tools;

20 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Generating confidence in the building sector by Sean MacCurtain, Secretary, ISO Committee on conformity assessment (ISO/CASCO)

Conformity assessment is a crucial building block in any technical infrastructure that enables sustainable development. It was in this knowledge that the ISO Committee on conformity assessment (ISO/ CASCO) produced the CASCO toolbox – a collection of, currently, 27 conformity assessment standards and guides that have been developed to be applicable generally in all situations. Specifically they cover vocabulary, principles and common elements of conformity assessment, code of good practice, product certification, system certification, certifica- tion of persons, marks of conformity, testing, calibration, inspection, supplier’s declaration of conformity, accreditation, peer assessment and mutual recognition arrangements.

Targeting specific needs Although the toolbox is relevant as it stands, CASCO recognizes that some additional factors may come into play for determining the conformity of sustainable buildings – energy saving, use of sustainable materials, safety • Investigate the impact on the current CASCO toolbox of and maintenance, and operation of buildings, for example. It is extending conformity assessment procedures to urban and possible that these special considerations could translate into city areas. more specific requirements with regard to the technical com- With the results of these preliminary analyses, CASCO petence of persons, auditor qualification and the audit process will be able to take whatever follow-up actions are shown to used in this activity. be necessary. To assess and, if necessary, accommodate such special considerations, CASCO intends to shortly appoint a task group to make recommendations on any actions it needs to take to Ensuring integrity facilitate conformity assessment of sustainable buildings. Spe- What holds true for sustainable buildings may also be cifically, the first actions will be to : relevant for other specific areas of sustainable development. • Review the current CASCO toolbox to determine if conform- Therefore, CASCO is also considering whether, on a regular and ity assessment of sustainable buildings can be adequately ongoing basis, it should monitor the potential need for additional performed using the existing standards and guides requirements in other areas to be identified. • Identify any standards and guides that may need more specific CASCO’s approach to these questions acknowledges that requirements related to conformity of sustainable buildings conformity assessment procedures must be sufficiently robust • Determine how best to accommodate any specific conformity to ensure the integrity of the conformity process and that there assessment requirements for sustainable buildings given the is confidence in the process and its outcome. existing standards and guides. This may, in some instances, require a revision to an existing standard earlier than planned or the development of a new work item proposal

ISO Focus March 2009 21 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

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“ How to ” guide for green product standards

by Christie Daza and Reiner Hager, Co-Secretaries, ISO/TC 207/WG 7, Inclusion of environmental aspects in product standards

ll products impact the environ- ment throughout their life cycle, Afrom resource extraction through acquisition of raw materials, production, distribution, use and disposal. However, product standards can have a powerful influence on these impacts. Address- ing environmental issues in standards is therefore one of the most promising avenues toward improved environmental performance. Over the last 15 years, a series of Don’t just shift • The precautionary principle tools and approaches has been developed, at national, regional and international the burden • Life cycle thinking. levels, to support standards writers and The document has been restruc- The concept of life cycle think- project managers in learning more about tured in such a way as to enable any ing, which means that standards writers environmental issues, why they are impor- standards writer or project manager should consider relevant environmental tant and how to address them. involved in the development of a prod- aspects and impacts at all stages of the uct standard to address environmental product life cycle – from the acquisition issues without necessarily having to be of raw materials to the end of life of the Bettering the good an environmental expert. product – is pivotal to ISO Guide 64. One of those tools is ISO Guide Following this concept reduces 64, Guide for addressing environmental the overall environmental impact of a issues in product standards. “ Addressing environmental product. It also avoids shifting the envi- Initially conceived during the issues in standards ronmental burden from one life cycle 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most stage to another which, for example, could Brazil, the guide was first published in promising avenues toward cause improvements during the use of 1997, following lengthy negotiations. the product to be countered by increased While it provided a good description of improved environmental adverse impacts at final disposal. environmental issues and why they are performance.” The guide also introduces important, the guide was nonetheless lack- approaches associated with product design, ing in one major aspect, namely, practical The new structure, after an intro- the use of products and the exchange of recommendations and examples. duction to environmental issues, presents product information, all of which are To meet that need, working group a set of related terms and definitions. It important in product standardization. WG 7, Inclusion of environmental aspects then introduces the basic principles and in product standards, of ISO technical approaches that should guide standards committee TC 207, Environmental Man- writers and that form the background of Accent on the practical agement, has dedicated much of the last the document. These are : In addition, the guide provides four years to updating ISO Guide 64 and, • Efficient use of natural resources a broad overview of the most relevant importantly, to adding practical guidance environmental aspects that can be posi- on addressing environmental issues in • Pollution prevention tively or negatively influenced by provi- product standards. The revised guide • Prevention and minimization of sions in product standards – for instance, was published in August 2008. environmental risk regarding use of materials, energy and

22 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

water, as well as resulting emissions, The checklist should be completed discharges and waste. at the earliest possible stage of the standard regional or national standards about how While the first part of the guide developing process and attached to all these recommendations can be imple- mainly gives standards writers the nec- drafts to monitor progress. Although the mented in practice. essary environmental background, the final standard may be published without second part contains practical guidance it, the checklist is also an appropriate For some sectors or product on how to actually address environmen- way of informing standards users about groups, it might additionally be useful to tal issues. the environmental aspects related to the develop an environmental sector guide that product. goes beyond the information given in ISO Environmental improvement is Guide 64. Such a sector guide could focus best addressed with a systematic approach. on sector-specific environmental issues, One such approach, explained in the “ Standardization giving complementary and more detailed guide, is the environmental checklist information to the standards writer. ISO – a tool that allows standards writers can make a valuable Guide 64 includes guidance on how to to identify environmental concerns for contribution to develop such sector guides. each stage of the product’s life cycle, environmental protection.” and decide which should be addressed in the standards. For national and In completing the checklist, most international alike standards writers will rely on existing information or data, such as environmen- Although developed for the About the authors tal sector guides, life cycle assessment, international level, ISO Guide 64 is also product specifications, published envi- applicable on a national level. National Christie Daza ronmental studies, legal requirements or standards bodies are thus explicitly is Secretary of international environmental agreements. encouraged to translate and implement ISO/TC 207/ Another way of collecting the necessary the guide for developing their national WG 7 and Vice- information is to permanently or temporar- standards. Chair of ISO/ ily involve environmental experts in the Discussions are underway within TC 207’s Devel- work of the standards committee. ISO/TC 207 on how to effectively imple- oping countries ment ISO Guide 64 within ISO, how to contact group. raise awareness of its importance and how At ICONTEC, Going that extra mile best to make it available to all standards the Colombian writers. Proposals for implementation Once all relevant environmental Institute for include e-learning modules for training aspects have been identified, the next Standardization, she is a standardization courses. professional in the field of environment, step is to draft specific provisions. ISO biofuels, petroleum, mining, plastics and Guide 64 contains recommendations for Standardization can make a fireworks. She also supports Colombian drafting these provisions. valuable contribution to environmental protection, not only by providing standards writers in addressing environ- An informative annex environmental test mental issues in product standards. offers examples methods and drawn from exist- Reiner Hager, tools for envi- ing international, is Secretary of ronmental man- ISO/TC 207/ agement, but WG 7. At the also by improv- German Insti- ing the environ- tute for Stand- mental perform- ardization ance of products. (DIN) he coor- ISO Guide 64 is dinates stand- one of the major ardization tools for fulfilling projects in the field of environment, energy, social this goal. responsibility, management systems and ergonomics. He is also responsible for the DIN Environmental Protection Help- desk, which assists German standards writers in addressing environmental issues in product standards.

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De-carbonizing the supply chain

by Klaus Radunsky, Convenor, March of the carbon Where action must and Claudia Laabs, Secretary of footprint be taken ISO/TC 207/SC 7/WG 2, GHG The carbon footprint (CFP) refers The Carbon Disclosure Project management in the value or to the very relevant impact that we have (CDP) 4) found that the majority of cor- supply chain on the environment and involves the cal- porate emissions are generated in the culation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- supply chain (see Figure 1). “ arming of the climate system is sions associated with a company, event, Good corporate governance on unequivocal ”, states the IPCC activity, or the lifecycle of a product or climate change therefore increasingly Fourth Assessment Report “ Cli- service. It is therefore a powerful tool includes measurement of supply chain W 1) mate Change 2007 ”, confirming and towards de-carbonizing the supply chain GHG emissions, with a view to cutting strengthening earlier assessments about for products. energy costs and emissions, as well as to human-induced climate change. The CFP enables GHG emissions making the supply chain more carbon- According to the 2006 Stern Review along the supply chain to be ascertained and efficient. This is important because it is on the Economics of Climate Change,2) therefore managed. It allows comparison only by reducing the carbon intensity of unless emissions are curbed, climate change of CFP values between different products, the production processes that we can begin will bring high costs for human develop- between the same product from different pro- to solve the climate change problem. ment, economies and the environment – in ducers, and between the same product from The list of companies measuring the range of 20 % of global GDP. the same producer in different locations. GHG emissions in their supply chains is In this manner it safeguards the survival already considerable (see Figure 2). Tak- of companies in the changing regulatory ing one example, the inventory of IBM “ The majority of corporate and economic business landscape. represents about 30 000 suppliers in 60 emissions are generated Not only does CFP further the countries. The company has committed understanding of risks and opportunities to reduce its GHG emissions along the in the supply chain.” in the supply chain, but it also allows for supply chain by 12 % in 2012 compared the focusing of efforts in response to new to 2005. The message is clear. The need regulatory, shareholder and consumer However, even more stringent for decisive international action is pressures. goals will be needed to reduce global emis- urgent, and delay means greater risks By providing CFP information sions by at least 50 % in 2050 – a target and higher costs. labels on products, companies may adver- agreed at the G8 summit of 2008. In response to these findings, heads of tise their efforts to combat global warming state at the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scot- while promoting consumer awareness on land, agreed to “ promote innovation, energy GHG emissions. However, to ensure fair efficiency and conservation ; improve policy, comparison and avoid misinterpretation, 1) Published by the Intergovernmental Panel regulatory and financing frameworks ; and labelling needs specific calculation tools on Climate Change www.ipcc.ch accelerate deployment of cleaner technolo- applying to individual product groups – 2) www.occ.gov.uk/activities/stern.htm gies, in particular, lower-emitting technolo- a type of “ climate declaration ”, based gies.” 3) Carbon footprint measurements are on the ISO 14000 series of standards for 3) The Gleneagles Communiqué, 2005. key for meeting these goals. environmental management systems. 4) www.cdproject.net

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467 97 1 310 CDP5

365 122 2 573 CDP6

0 500 1 000 1 500 2 000 2 500 3 000

Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Disclosed emissions (million tonnes of CO2 equivalent)

Figure 1 – Emissions of greenhouse gases as identified by the CDP, in million tonnes of CO2 equivalent for the production (Scope 1), the energy consumption (Scope 2) and the supply chain (Scope 3) of a company.

First steps the Carbon Trust. In addition, a Guide calculation and labelling, and identify to PAS 2050 has also been developed to tasks for the development and dissemi- Noting the need for standardiza- facilitate implementation.5 nation of CFP systems. Product category tion in the assessment of life cycle GHG regulations are also to be developed. emissions of goods and services in the In 2008, the government of Japan United Kingdom, the publicly available initiated an action plan for achieving a low-carbon society. Its goal is to make specification PAS 2050:2008, Assessing ISO plays its part the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions the GHG emissions of as many goods, of goods and services, was developed by foodstuffs and services as possible, visible International Standards help to the British Standards Institution in coop- to the consumer. Guidelines have been assure quality, allow for comparability and eration with the national Department for developed for the implementation of a contribute to market development. They Environment Food and Rural Affairs and CFP system. They include a method for are a powerful tool for developing global markets and supporting the harmoniza- Figure 2 – Some of the companies that calculate their greenhouse gas emissions. tion of government policies. In addition to supporting the acceptance of energy- Acer Juniper Networks efficient and low-carbon technologies, they pave the way for the development Banco Bradesco Kellogg’s and use of new technologies, including Boeing L’Oréal alternative renewable sources. BT Group Merrill Lynch & Co. Cadbury National Grid “ By providing CFP Carrefour Nestlé information labels on Celesc Newmont Mining products, companies may advertise their efforts to Colgate Palmolive Pepsi Cola combat global warming.” Dell Procter & Gamble

Exelon Prudential At its meeting in Beijing, China, Fiji Water Reckitt Benckiser in July 2007, ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207, Environmental management, Heinz Royal Mail reached an important milestone with Hewlett Packard SSL International agreement on a new work item proposal for the quantification and communication IBM Tesco of the CFP of products. The two-part standard ISO 14067 is being developed Imperial Tobacco Unilever within ISO/TC 207 subcommittee SC 7, Johnson & Johnson Vale Johnson Controls Vodafone 5 www.bsi-global.com ISO Focus March 2009 25 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

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Green house gas management and related In addition, there is the challenge activities, working group WG 2, GHG of combining the concepts and terminol- in the value or supply chain. In develop- ogy of a range of existing ISO standards ing ISO 14067, the working group will that have been developed by different Some existing be able to draw on a range of standards working groups. It will be necessary to (see Box), as well as experience in their agree on a meaningful communication tools application. of the CFP that addresses the needs of The development of ISO 14067 consumers. ISO 14025:2006, Environ- faces a number of challenges. There is the mental labels and declara- need to combine methodological rigour tions – Type III environmental with requirements for broad application. “ The carbon footprint The standard needs to be practical, as declarations – Principles and companies are choosing to monitor the should be regarded as procedures CFP of thousands of products, including a key capability to be their progress towards de-carbonization, leveraged for maximized ISO 14040:2006, Environ- on a yearly basis. mental management – Life business success.” cycle assessment – Principles and framework The significant engagement, ISO 14044:2006, Environ- the increasing willingness to follow mental management – Life About the authors the process and to actively engage in cycle assessment – Require- ISO/TC 207/SC 7/WG 2, as well as the Dr. Claudia contribution of highly qualified experts ments and guidelines Laabs is Project from a variety of backgrounds, makes ISO 14064:2006, Green- Manager at a very good basis on which to manage DIN, the Ger- those challenges. The common goal is house gases man standardi- to make ISO 14067 available as a draft zation body. Part 1 : Specification with International Standard by 2010, with Having a back- guidance at the the published standard following one ground in envi- organization level for ronmental engi- year later. neering, she quantification and joined DIN in reporting of green- 2005. She is responsible for national, Corridors of change house gas emis- European and international committees There is the vision that : sions and removals in environmental standardization as well • CFP is the key to unlocking doors as services standardization.” and designing corridors to the low- Part 2 : Specification with Dr. Klaus carbon marketplace guidance at the Radunsky is • CFP should be regarded as a key capa- project level for Head of a bility to be leveraged for maximized quantification, moni- department of business success. toring and reporting the Umweltbun- desamt (Federal High-cost high-carbon business of greenhouse gas Environment systems may find themselves locked out emission reduc- Agency) in of business opportunities as they struggle tions or removal to deliver and demonstrate credentials Vienna, Austria, enhancements with responsi- which satisfy consumer conditions and bility for the expectations. Part 3 : Specification with Austrian registry under the EU Emission With that perspective, CFP could guidance for the vali- Trading Scheme and the Kyoto Protocol be capable of driving a change not only dation and verifica- as well as for the GHG emission inven- in the management of companies, but tory under the UN Framework Conven- even – beyond that – in the lifestyles of tion of greenhouse tion on Climate Change and the Kyoto society on a global scale. gas assertions Protocol. Dr. Radunsky represents Aus- tria in international bodies addressing climate change issues as well as chairing the mirror committee to ISO/TC 207/SC 7 activities at the Austrian Standardiza- tion Institute. 26 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

– for ships, which must transport cargo Waves of over great distances while remaining a cost-effective mode of transport, it is Initially focused on individual continuity – a matter of routine operation and eco- product standards for the construction nomic necessity. and repair of ships, ISO/TC 8 devel- How maritime oped a new strategic vision in the 1990s Energy efficiency offers significant which emphasized a strong link between transport emissions reductions while generating industry and the International Maritime economic savings. No wonder that it Organization (IMO). ISO/TC 8 set out is making a has been a mandate since the first ship to be this “ linking instrument ” through : at sea. Ship hull designs, the introduc- difference active collaboration with the IMO and tion of bulbous bows and stabilizers have other regulatory governmental bodies ; a contributed to the reduction of wave shift in focus toward process and system resistance and the efficient movement standards ; recognition of the importance by Capt. Charles Piersall, Chair, of ships through the water. of all stakeholders in the maritime industry ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine Sustainability is not new to stand- – shipping, shipbuilding, and the like. technology ardization either : elements of what are conceived to be its three basic pillars It was with this new vision that hink about it, we cannot possibly (economic, environmental and societal) the committee began to think “ sustain- promote a sustainable world with- have been addressed by standards since ability ” – even though the word was not out taking into consideration the their very beginning. The environment, in our vocabulary at that time. The new T objectives asked for standards with a maritime sector. Not only does water economic growth, safety, security and cover 75 % of the earth’s surface, but consumer protection are just some long-term insurance of “ forward com- over 90 % of world trade moves by sea. examples. patibility ”, that is, requiring minimal or no change. Standards that need frequent revision are unlikely to be considered or referenced by regulatory bodies. The new vision also resulted in the creation of specific subcommittees focusing on environmental, life-saving and fire pro- tection requirements to facilitate col- laboration with the IMO.

Maintaining course and speed ISO enjoys a strong and posi- tive relationship with the International Maritime Organization. Already over 100 ISO/TC 8 projects directly support IMO needs, and the list is continuously evolving. We are active participants in IMO committees, subcommittees, working groups and correspondence groups. Many ISO standards are refer- enced in the IMO Fire Safety Code, the High Speed Craft Code, SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Marine This means 46 000 commercial ships Setting a new course Environmental Pollution) conventions, as ply the sea, with a global maritime com- well as numerous other IMO regulations, Within ISO, the technical com- merce worth over USD 200 billion per resolutions and circulars (e.g. navigation, year including more than 220 million mittee ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine security, cruise ship passenger safety, containers. technology, is a major contributor to life-saving devices, ballast water manage- The good news is that despite sustainability and sustainable develop- ment, emissions, waste disposal). its relatively recent emergence as a ment in the transport sector. Out of the In addition, ISO/TC 8 has expand- “ buzz­word ”, sustainability is not a committee’s 300 published standards ed its collaboration with many other novel concept in the maritime sector. and work in progress, 250 can be said to governmental and non-governmental Take, for instance, energy efficiency address sustainability elements. organizations.

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Ship recycling and the cooperates closely with IMO to develop In addition, ISO is currently work- marine environment standards that support IMO requirements ing on several new projects, including and regulations, while carefully avoid- standards to improve the environmental In the context of IMO’s World ing any overlap. Together, ISO and IMO performance of ships in harbour (cold Maritime Day 2007, which focused on provide a strong concerted contribution ironing) ; ballast water management (dis- the IMO response to environmental chal- to ensuring a cleaner and sustainable charge sampling procedures) ; reduction lenges, the ISO Secretary-General said : marine environment.” of SOx emissions and NOx emissions ; “ ISO standards constitute an impor- Currently ISO is developing a energy efficiency in the maritime sec- tant technical complement to different number of standards to provide solutions tor ; greenhouse gases ; and protecting areas of IMO’s work. That is why ISO for specific marine environmental prob- the marine ecosystem from underwater 2) lems. Among the most recent initiatives irradiated noise. is the development of the ISO 30000 series of standards on ship recycling management systems. This work sup- Integrated approach to ports and supplements the IMO/ILO/ transport security Basel Convention Working Group on Security is key to ensuring the Ship Scrapping and the IMO Convention economic sustainability of the maritime 1) and regulations. sector. Over the past decade there have been efforts to address risks generated by “ Energy efficiency attacks against merchant ships, smuggling has been a mandate of illicit drugs, and stowaway boarding. Considering that over 30 countries cur- since the first rently have navies with a global reach ship at sea.” and 160 countries have some navy, coast- guard or maritime police capability, the response to security threats has to be an The IMO Secretary-General has international effort. stated that : “ The issue of ship recycling Matters get more complicated has also become a growing concern, not when looking at transport throughout the only from the environmental point of supply chain, which is not only interna- view, but also with regard to the occu- tional but also intermodal. In response, pational health and safety of workers in ISO has produced the ISO 28000 series the industry.” of standards to address security through- ISO 30000 applies to the recycling out the supply chain. Already, the first of all types and sizes of ships, in both four of a total of six standards have international and domestic trade. Among been published. A standard to establish the potential issues the series will address a “ single portal ” approach for electronic are the scrapping of hazardous materials data for ports is nearing completion. and requirements for recycling facilities. Additionally, guides to assist small ports The standards will be compatible with and small-to-medium size businesses in ISO 9001 (quality management systems), implementation and certification of ISO ISO 14001 (environmental management 28000 are under development. systems) and ISO 28000 (security in the Over 51 ports in 24 countries have global supply chain). committed to certification according to ISO 30000 will assist in uniform ISO 28000, and several are already certi- industry implementation of IMO require- fied by third-party independent auditors. ments, increase transparency, facilitate trade, provide a clear reference for the industry and constitute a valuable risk 1) The IMO Convention on ship recycling assessment tool. is near completion – the International Conference on the Safe and Environmentally Other examples of ISO work Sound Recycling of Ships will be held in addressing marine environmental pro- Hong Kong in May 2009. tection include ISO 13617:2001 on 2) See ISO Focus, Volume 6, No.1, January incinerators to destroy garbage and other 2009 : “ When silence means survival – shipboard wastes, and ISO 16446:2002 Protecting the marine ecosystem from on oil spill booms. underwater irradiated noise ”.

28 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Likewise the world’s largest logistics recognition of national security-related provider has been certified. programmes like the Authorized Eco- Another relevant standard is ISO nomic Operator (AEO). 20858:2007, Ships and marine technology ISO’s efforts make it possible More than just – Maritime port facility security assess- to take lessons learned from the imple- ments and security plan development, mentation of the ISPS Code and apply a buzzword which promotes uniform implementation a similar approach to other links in the Below are some examples of of the IMO International Ship and Port chain, such as road and rail transport, themes addressed by ISO/TC Facility Security (ISPS) Code. and the various places of manufacture, 8’s “ sustainable ” standards and warehousing and consolidation. Ulti- work in progress : mately, such efforts will enhance the “ Security is key to security of society as a whole, thereby • Oil spill recovery and response reducing the risks threatening cargoes planning ensuring the economic or persons. sustainability of the • Ship-generated garbage maritime sector.” • Anti-fouling paints Custom-fit • Ballast water management Sustainability, while a relatively • Cold ironing (alternate shore Several government agencies, in new term, is the critical set of items nec- power) particular customs administrations, seek essary for our standards to be considered to apply similar security measures to by the international regulatory bodies and • Shipboard pollution prevention companies operating in other segments the global maritime industry. Its three pil- equipment of the supply chain. As such, ISO stand- lars – economic, environmental protection • NOx and SOx elimination/ ards can facilitate some of the goals set and societal – provide aspects that must minimization out in the World Customs Organization’s be taken into account in all we do. Framework of Standards to Secure and We are no longer simply writing • Corrosion protection of sea- Facilitate Global Trade – such as mutual specific hardware standards in ISO/TC water ballast tanks 8. Our market norm today is a demand • Greenhouse gases for more processes, systems, subsys- Cruise ship passenger tems. We clearly understand this and it • About the author is reflected in our business and operat- safety ing planning and in the execution of our • Securing vehicles for trans- Capt. Charles work programme. H. Piersall, a port at sea retired United The overall importance of sustain- • Improved offload of ships’ ability cannot be emphasized enough. States Navy cargo Captain, has However, it is essential to recognize that over 50 years of it must be addressed and implemented • Ship recycling (ISO 30000 distinguished on a sector basis. Each ISO technical series) maritime serv- committee has a different set of regula- • Supply chain security (ISO ice – first as a tory bodies that it works with and each 28000 series) senior naval industry has its own peculiarities. One officer and then size does not fit all. • Energy efficiency (fuels, emis- as an industry executive. He is recog- sions, hull form to reduce nized worldwide as a leader in the field resistance) of international maritime standards. In addition to the highest military awards, • Protection of marine wild life Captain Piersall is also recipient of (noise irradiation) numerous high-level awards based on • Lifeboat safety his contributions to international stand- ardization. He is a member of Sigma Xi • Shipboard incinerators (honorary science research society), the • Shipboard fire protection, life- American Society of Naval Engineers saving, escape (Gold Medal winner and life member) and the Society of Naval Architects. • Survival equipment Capt. Piersall is the Chair of ISO/TC 8. • Passenger safety The committee is a recipient of the Law- rence D. Eicher Leadership Award, • Port security ISO’s highest award.

ISO Focus March 2009 29 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Main Focus

The contribution of a humble steel box

by Edmund Brookes, Chair, ISO/TC 104/SC 2, Specific purpose containers

he usual sustainability headline will tackle economic growth, carbon Tdioxide emissions, clean energy and carbon capture. It may therefore be easy to forget how a humble steel grey its effects have not been felt, from the But what more can they box known as the “ ISO container ” 1) streets of New York to the remotest parts do ? has efficiently contributed to economic of Africa. But what benefits has the development around the world for half container given us, and what can it still So how can the ISO container a century, and in an environmentally achieve in terms of sustainability ? further promote sustainability, given all it has already achieved ? In several benign way. In terms of energy use (call it ways : Although much has been done, we the thermodynamic perspective), it has should not rest on our laurels – the ISO increased the efficiency of the transport • The intermodal freight transport indus- container still has a lot to offer, especially chain many times over, and improvements try continues to improve its efficien- in times of severe fiscal uncertainty and continue to be made. cy, reducing energy consumption economic downturn. per ton/km • Units are mostly made of steel or steel and aluminium, which are easily recy- It’s all about efficiency “ The ISO container clable at the end of a box’s life using But first, what do we mean by has increased electricity generated from renewable sustainable development ? The concept sources. Probably only the plywood is generally understood as “ development the efficiency container floor is not recyclable at that meets the needs of the present without of the transport present, though that may become pos- compromising the ability of future gen- sible in the future erations to meet their own needs ”.2) chain many times over.” • Once its effective life as a trans- In this context, the freight con- port unit is over, a container still has tainer, built to the basic parameters of many uses, for example, as a mobile storage unit or even, in some cases, ISO 668, Series 1 freight containers – In detail, the ISO container has as a home Classification, dimensions and ratings, efficiently speeded up the flow of goods ; and ISO 1496-1, Series 1 freight contain- reduced losses through pilferage or break- • Containers are capable of carrying ers – Specification and testing – Part 1 : age, including during transhipment ; and goods safely to and from the remot- General cargo containers for general provided improved protection for dangerous est places and can be unloaded from purposes, has made a vitally important goods, reducing transportation hazards. semi-trailers using trailer-mounted contribution. The container has also enabled the cranes. While more expensive, these The container has increased the vast expansion of the economic transporta- units obviate the need for free-stand- energy and human efficiency of trans- tion of fruit and exotic foodstuffs around ing cranes. porting finished goods to such a degree the world. For example, it is more energy Given a container’s existing dura- that we take it all for granted. There is efficient to grow some products in the bility, does it make sense to suggest an scarcely a corner of the world where southern hemisphere and move them by sea even longer life ? There are ways this in insulated refrigerated containers, than could be achieved with subtle design to grow the same products in heated glass changes to reduce deterioration and 1) “ Freight container complying with all relevant ISO container standards in houses in the northern hemisphere. improve protection against damage. existence at the time of its manufacture ” Finally, the ISO container has ena- Stronger header plates, more sub- (ISO 668:1995). bled the transportation of some products stantial cross members, and protection 2) Definition from the UN Brundtland which could not otherwise reach markets against bottom rail damage or distortion committee on sustainable development. economically. are all possible. At one time, some shipping

30 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

lines required these features on all boxes That is currently true, but in the they bought, because they reduced repairs foreseeable future lorries may be powered and extended unit lives. using energy from renewable sources True testament However, with the phenomenal such as fuel cells. Improvements in the Freight containers have enabled a increase in fleet sizes and consequently overall efficiency of ships are also likely very resource-efficient expansion of the of build contracts as container produc- Though ships will probably be among safe carriage of goods to and from all parts tion moved largely to China, it became the last transport modes to convert from of the world. The ISO container, well on more difficult to specify these extras, fossil fuels, that time will come. the way to being 100 % recyclable, can as factories sought to build an endless be carried using efficient prime movers stream of identical boxes while paring that may be increasingly powered by costs and weight. “ Freight containers energy from renewable sources. Although these changes are not That surely is the true testament necessarily the province of ISO technical have enabled a very of a contributor to sustainable develop- committee ISO/TC 104, Freight contain- resource-efficient ment as the world becomes more aware, ers, they could easily be incorporated. and wary, of the use of non-renewable However, if there were any consequent expansion of the safe materials and energy sources. additional fuel consumption and container carriage of goods to and maintenance costs, a careful cost-benefit from all parts of the world.” analysis would be necessary to ensure a positive overall environmental impact. It may be argued that the prime mover for containers – a ship’s engine or lorry motor – uses non-renewable fossil fuels, which in itself is not particularly sustainable.

About the author

Edmund Brookes is the Deputy Direc- tor-General of the United Kingdom Chamber of Shipping. A member of ISO/ TC 104, Freight containers, since 1987, he has chaired ISO/TC 104/ SC 2, Specific purpose containers, since 1989. A Cambridge University-trained mechanical engineer, Mr. Brookes spent his formative years in manufacturing engineering, where he was involved with the maintenance of ISO containers as early as 1975. In the 1980s, he was Head of Technical Services for the ACTS group in Southampton, where he was responsible for re-equipping the company’s large fleet of reefer contain- ers for the Australasian trade. He was also involved with some of the group’s pioneering environmental work.

ISO Focus March 2009 31 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Main Focus

and practical approaches, such as respect Able to do it all Two sides for human diversity, the fight against The main goal of sustainable devel- corruption, promotion of quality of opment is the pursuit of a better world of the same life in the workplace, the influence of for human beings. This means the ability organizations on personal behaviour, coin – Social to supply goods and services enabling and environmental protection. a dignified life for the present genera- responsibility tion, while preserving and protecting the and sustainable environment so that future generations Green roots can do the same. It is a socially inclusive organizations Sustainable development had its development proposal that respects the roots in various environmental initiatives. environment so that it can continue to The expansion of industrialization and supply the resources needed for pros- by Dr. Jorge Emanuel Reis occupation of areas intended for agri- perity. As such, it can be understood in cultural and mineral exploration, with three dimensions : economic, societal and Cajazeira, Chair of ISO/WG SR, deleterious effects for the environment, environmental (see Figure 1). Social responsibility, and called for action in this field. At the end The ideals of social responsibility Dr. José Carlos Barbieri, of the 1960s, a variety of environmen- and sustainable development converge in Professor and Researcher of tal crises drove home the point that the the notion of a sustainable organization – Sustainability Studies, Getúlio vast majority of human beings live in one that not only contributes to meeting precarious conditions. these goals, but which can also success- Vargas Foundation fully achieve its own objectives. The UN Conference on the ustainability and social respon- Human Environment, held in Stockholm sibility are intrinsically linked. in 1972, was an important milestone in The need for ISO 26000 SA study undertaken by ISO in the movement for sustainable develop- 2004 showed that at present we com- ment, although that term was not yet Although meeting these criteria monly associate social responsibility in use. One of its main contributions might at first appear daunting, the good with sustainable development and the was to associate environmental and news is that organizations can count on the economic, environmental and social social issues – a landmark for social wealth of principles, guidelines, models aspects of the activities carried out by responsibility. and management tools created in recent an organization. 1) In spite of their differing ori- gins, the movement towards sustain- able development and the one towards social responsibility present convergent Figure 1 – Dimensions of organizational sustainability. trajectories, so that it is no longer pos- sible to speak of one without mentioning the other. They are as inseparable as the front and back of a coin. The ideal of social responsibility has of course been present throughout Equitative history in one form or another, but the Social/ Economic modern notion had its heyday for the societal business community in the 1960s. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman initiated an intense debate on this topic with a famous 1970s article in Sustainable the New York Times Magazine entitled “ The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits.” Liveable Viable From this debate grew opposing views which enriched the social respon- sibility movement with new theoretical

1) Working Report on Social Responsibility, Environmental/Nature ISO Advisory Group on SR, April 2004.

32 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

decades, such as environmental manage- ISO 26000 incorporates several ment International Standards, health innovations in the way a standard is built. and safety management standards, anti- For example, national working teams are 26000 drafts. Representatives of the corruption conventions and others. divided by stakeholder category (govern- International Labour Organization and the United Nations Global Compact are However, this diversity generates ment, NGO, industry, consumer, worker also participating in the IDTF. choice problems, underlining the need and services). for a comprehensive International Stand- Currently, representatives of six Currently, the standard is in the ard – which guidelines to follow, which stakeholder groups participate in the committee draft stage, meaning that the standards to apply? To this end, the future working group on social responsibil- document is already sufficiently mature ISO 26000, Social responsibility, aims ity (WG SR) : industry ; government ; to be submitted to initial international to integrate several recognized concepts, labour ; consumers ; nongovernmental scrutiny. guidelines and social responsibility tools, organizations ; and services, support, The decision for progress was so that organizations can align choices research and others. taken at a recent plenary of the WG SR. with their strategies and needs. Two experts from each stakeholder The meeting was one of the largest ISO category – one from a developed coun- standards development meetings ever try and one from a developing country held, with 386 experts attending from Stakeholders have a say – take part in the Integrated Drafting 76 ISO member countries and 33 liaison Another central point in the discus- Task Force (IDTF) which is responsi- organizations, highlighting the diverse sion of social responsibility and sustain- ble for reviewing and revising the ISO and wide interest in this standard. ability is the importance of dialogue with stakeholders. Beginning with ISO 14001, Environmental management systems, ISO has been a pioneer in including and com- municating with all stakeholders to respond to the demands of society – a concept that What industry is saying was taken even further with the develop- ISO Focus has often asked leaders of industry and international organizations ment of ISO 14063:2006, Environmental to comment on the future ISO 26000. Below are excerpts from guest views management – Environmental communica- tion – Guidelines and examples. featured in previous issues during 2008-2009. “ The value of ISO 26000 lies in that it will be the outcome of work carried out by 400 experts from 90 countries representing industry, trade unions, NGOs, con- About the authors sumers, governments, standardization bodies, consultants and researchers.” Eija Pitkänen, Head of Sustainability, Stora Enso (February 2009) Jorge Emanuel Reis Cajazeira, “ ISO 26000 is a way of truly mainstreaming the concept of social responsibil- Head of com- petitiveness at ity, using a worldwide standards system that most companies are likely to be Suzano Pulp familiar with.” and Paper. Alan Rosling, Executive Director, Tata Sons Limited (September 2008) Chair of ISO/ WG SR work- “ Organizations that proactively engage in and support sustainable activities ing group on will not only have a competitive advantage, but also improve their chances of social responsi- bility. establishing good long-term relationships with their associates.” Siegfried Dais, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management, Robert Bosch José Carlos Barbieri, GmbH (June 2008) ­Professor and Researcher of “ I also have expectations as to the ability of ISO 26000 to help introduce Sustainability organizations worldwide to what fundamentally we expect when we say ‘social Studies at the responsibility’.” business school Fundação Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme Getúlio Vargas (February 2008) (São Paulo), and board mem- “ One of the good things about the new ISO 26000 standard is reporting respon- ber of several scientists’ committees and sibility… It creates a pressure that leads to positive progress.” funding agencies in Brazil. Henry Jarlsson, CEO, Kinnarps (January 2008)

ISO Focus March 2009 33 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Main Focus

The decision to move to the com- Organizational social responsibil- and planning as a strategic activity with mittee draft stage is not only a milestone ity, understood as a means to contribute a high commitment by top management. in the process of developing ISO 26000. to sustainable development, sets out new ISO 26000 will be a vital instrument in It is also living evidence that the multi- requirements for entrepreneurial com- achieving these goals. stakeholder approach adopted by ISO for munication. This requires conception this task is an effective tool for dealing with complex subjects in large and highly diversified groups.

Seven themes, seven chapters In its present version, ISO 26000 is structured into seven chapters, as illustrated in Figure 2, following the logic that seven principles of social responsibility guide central themes which should be integrated into organizational management. These themes – governance, human rights, environment, labour practices, loyal operations practices, consumers, community development and stakeholder expectations – should follow the inte- grating model proposed in Chapter 7, encompassing dialogue with society as a vital element of integration.

Figure 2 : ISO 26000 standard simplified structure.

Clause 5 Stakeholder identification and Recognizing social responsibility Clause 4 engagement Seven principles of social responsibility Seven core Clause 6 1. Accountability subjects Organizational governance

2. Transparency Community Labour The Fair operating Consumer Human rights involvement & 3. Ethical behaviour practices environment practices issues development 4. Respect for stakehold- er interests Related actions and/or expectations 5. Respect for the rule of law Integrating SR into Clause 7 an organization Relationship of Understand- the organization’s ing the SR of the 6. Respect for inter- characteristics to SR organization national norms of behaviour Practices for Selecting initiatives integrating SR through- Communication 7. Respect for human on SR out the organization on SR rights Reviewing and Annex SR Enhancing credibility improving SR actions initiatives regarding SR and practices

34 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Just what the doctor ordered – One source for all The work of ISO/TC 215, Health informatics concerns healthcare services The benefits of and practice and the related information systems. Major product categories health informatics include EHR data structure, data interchange, security, medical terminolo- gies, health cards, EHR and pharmacy-related business requirements, and medical device information interoperability. Yun Sik Kwak, Chair, and Audrey Among the stakeholders are healthcare organizations and providers, their Dickerson, Secretary, industrial suppliers and the citizens served by the systems, private and ISO/TC 215, Health informatics public financers, as well as national governments with responsibility for health planning, standards setting, evaluation and monitoring. ealthcare is undeniably one of The maintenance of health is an important political objective for all coun- the major issues of discussion Hamong the public, policy mak- tries, and political decisions greatly impact the organization of healthcare, ers, service providers and industry alike including investment in HIT. To support national standards bodies in devel- – particularly in the 21st century when oping countries, ISO/TC 215 provides advisory services, and promotes HIT powerful influential factors are continu- in order to enhance participation. ously arising from social, economic, cul- tural, science and technological domains Since 2007, the technical committee has started to contribute much needed to pressure the healthcare sector into health informatics standards in terms of “a single set of standards, for ensuring delivery of high quality, safe single clinical operations, and single test”. and efficient services. Healthcare services are char- This standardization work is carried out acterized by complex information and in collaboration with other standards specialized knowledge, as well as high developing organizations, such costs, technology dependency and a fast as the European Committee for changing environment, not to mention Standardization (CEN), Health regulatory considerations. The myriad Level Seven (HL7), Clinical Data complexities and finance mechanisms diminish the usual market forces that Interchange Standards Con- control cost and quality, creating a unique sortium and the International set of problems related largely to society Health Terminology Stand- and the individual. ards Development Organization.

HIT for improvement The current practice in most healthcare organizations is to maintain and store information and records in manual paper-based systems. As a consequence, vast document storage space is required and retrieval of information on patient care is often quite problematic. Further, these systems demand a large amount of resources, such as paper and energy. Solutions recently introduced in some parts of the world to allevi- ate these problems, such as medical device and healthcare information tech- nology (HIT) among others, appear to be stimulating growth in the industries concerned.

ISO Focus March 2009 35 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Main Focus

It is also ensuring compatibil- About the authors ity of data for comparative statistical purposes (for example, classifications), Dr. Yun Sik thereby reducing duplication of effort Kwak plays a and redundancy. By producing those ISO leading role in standards which the international com- medical infor- munity regards as necessary to enable matics in Asia the successful use of HIT throughout the as the Chair of healthcare environment, ISO technical HL7-Korea. He committee ISO/TC 215, Health infor- also serves as matics, is achieving its prime objective Deputy Region- al Commission- of contributing to the improvement and er for Far East maintenance of health. Civilian Laboratories, Laboratory Accreditation Program of the College of American Pathologists. The immediate Past-President of Asia Pacific Associa- “ Even if only 10 % tion for Medical Informatics (APAMI), of communications is Chair of APAMI WG 1, Standardization, carried out through and past President of the Korean Society The adoption of new generation of Medical Informatics, he was also the HIT, specifically electronic health records standardized HIT, founding Chair and Professor of Medi- (EHR) and digitized healthcare services the potential savings cal Informatics at Kyungpook National (e-Health) is particularly relevant for University School of Medicine and amount to USD 50 billion improvements such as: Graduate School in Daegu, Korea from a year.” 1999 until his retirement in 2002. Dr. • Reduction of preventable medical Kwak is Chair of ISO/TC 215, Health errors and risk to patient safety – for Informatics. these issues, clinical decision sup- A major aim of international Audrey Dicker- port and knowledge management systems should be provided at the standardization in this field is to agree son is Secretary on definitions of information specific to of ISO/TC 215, point of care healthcare to ensure effective national Health Infor- • Access by healthcare providers to and international communication. A large matics. A patients’ lifetime health and health- repertoire of information with a com- former critical care records when needed care nurse with plicated structure needs to be modelled an adult health • Providing “individual-based” and in such a way as to recognize multiple nursing masters, “evidence-based” medicine existing paradigms of care and encour- age best practice. Ms. Dickerson • Empowerment of citizens for the has been active maintenance of their health and well- in the Healthcare Information and Man- being – this requires personal health agement Systems Society (HIMSS) records (PHR), expected to ultimate- since 2003, and was involved in estab- ly improve healthcare services and lishing the Global Summits to define the reduce costs work of health informatics within the context of governments, vendors, and • Ensuring security, confidentiality and clinicians. She is currently HIMSS Sr. privacy protection of an individual’s Manager, Standards Initiatives, Staff health information during its commu- Liaison for the HIMSS Dictionary Work nication and integration. Group, and Co-Chair to the Nursing Sub-Committee formed under the IHE- (Integrating the Health Enterprise) Compatible objective Patient Care Coordination domain. Interoperability is essential if healthcare information systems are to suc- cessfully adopt HIT. This is particularly true for electronic health records. International standardization in the field of HIT is helping to achieve compatibility and interoperability between systems.

36 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

medical knowledge, as well as efficient access to the patient’s own personal health record. This, too, will contribute to significant healthcare cost savings by promoting personal health.

Green and safe New systems that are built on standards for interoperable electronic and personal health records (EHR and PHR) create new opportunities for building solutions to the problems that healthcare services face today. The ability to share patient care data can facilitate sharing information globally among health systems and Counting the benefits providers to enable the delivery of effi- cient patient care and the development Today, sustainability is rapidly of knowledge. In addition, the efficient becoming the overarching business driver. exchange of information facilitates Whether a response to rising energy and administration of claims and reimburse- resource costs or as a corporate growth ments, and reduces the use and cost of strategy, sustainability demands a bal- paper-related resources. ancing of economic, environmental and societal challenges and opportunities – Health informatics standards and it is not always easy. developed by ISO/TC 215 aim to bring benefits to the international healthcare community and to all stakeholders by “Standardization of HIT efficiently sharing health and healthcare data electronically, in order to facilitate empowers patients to take a resource-efficient and green industry, more control of their own as well as the safest and best possible health.” healthcare.

The costs for implementing stand- ardization of health informatics are dif- ficult to calculate. However, in terms of benefits, it can be noted that some 30-50 % of all working hours of providers is used for information management, and that in Europe alone, USD 500 billion is spent on healthcare. Given that today, information is largely managed manually, it is easy to see that even if a modest 10 % of communications is carried out through standardized HIT, the potential savings amounts to USD 50 billion a year. Standardization of HIT is also important to empower patients to take more control of their own health, by facilitating interaction with various health- care organizations and access to general

ISO Focus March 2009 37 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus Developments and Initiatives Davos 2009 – ISO International Standards address global challenges

Copyright by World Economic Forum Swiss-image.ch/Photo by Sebastian Derungs

or the fourth year running, ISO par- • Promoting stability in the financial commerce and positive market condi- ticipated in the annual meeting of system and reviving global econom- tions, while in the longer term, public Fthe World Economic Forum (WEF), ic growth and private investment was needed in this time through the active involve- energy efficiency, renewable energies • Ensuring effective global, region- ment of ISO Deputy Secretary-General and tackling climate change. al and national governance for the Kevin McKinley in many sessions where long term A lack of confidence in the market- International Standards offer solutions place was also a prevailing theme at this to address global challenges. • Addressing the challenges of sustain- year’s event, along with an expressed ability and development The theme of the WEF 39th annual need for responsible corporate behav- meeting, held from 28 January to 1 • Shaping the values and leadership prin- iour, more realistic valuation of risks February 2009 in Davos, Switzerland, ciples for a post-crisis world and the need for appropriate oversight was “ Shaping the post-crisis world ”. of financial markets. • Catalyzing the next wave of growth The objective was to catalyze a more through innovation, science and tech- Kevin McKinley commented : inclusive, integrated and systematic nology “ ISO’s existing contributions to these approach to improving the state of the challenges are already extensive. Interna- world. • Understanding the implications for tional Standards provide a common global industry models. This year’s forum attracted some lexicon for matters of trade, health, safety, 2 500 participants from 96 countries, With the world economy in the security, communication, and such inter- including 41 heads of state or govern- middle of its deepest downturn in 40 connected challenges as climate change, ment and a record number of more than years, global leaders discussed the need energy, water and development. 1 400 chief executives and chairpersons to balance immediate measures with “ ISO’s comprehensive catalogue from the world’s leading companies. longer-term ones. There was agreement of testing, sampling and measurement The meeting was organized along six that, firstly, governments needed to standards provides the comparability of programme tracks : intervene with fiscal measures to restore and confidence in results for improved

38 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

“ Global Compact ” was announced at Davos by then Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Panellists concurred that an International Standard such as ISO 26000 on social responsibil- ity had merits in today’s world. Going forward from Davos 2009, existing and potential new ISO Interna- tional Standards will assist businesses to weather the economic crisis and can help guide their activities towards renewed stability and sustained success. ISO standards can assist global business to : • Improve product/service quality • Reduce business and transactional costs through operational efficiencies • Reduce rework and mistakes • Increase trust and customer confi- dence • Ensure product/service compatibil- ity • Provide products and services that com- Copyright by World Economic Forum Swiss-image.ch/Photo by Sebastian Derungs ply with applicable regulations. The pressing challenges evoked food safety and nutrition, increased well- author on food safety issues. The session at Davos will also help ISO to orient its being and effective commerce. was facilitated by Joost Martens, Director own consideration of key priorities to be General of Consumers International. “ ISO’s development of standards addressed in its Strategic Plan 2011-2015. on good management practice provides This theme of using ISO consen- A consultation of ISO members and key frameworks for improved quality man- sus-based voluntary standards was also international organizations will begin in agement, environmental performance, raised as an effective means of imple- the coming weeks to provide input on the risk-based decision-making, business menting best practices in addressing future direction of international stand- continuity and social responsibility. broader social issues. In another session, ardization to not only face the current panellists discussed progress made in crisis, but also to provide a sustainable “ Finally, ISO’s conformity assess- the 10 years since the United Nations future for all. ment standards further contribute to global consistency and confidence in the results of inspection, certification and accreditation.” In an interactive session on “ Mending holes in the food safety net ”, the ISO Deputy Secretary-General, who was one of the panellists, commented on global food safety challenges facing both developed and developing countries and described to global leaders how multi- stakeholder, consensus-based voluntary standards can complement food safety measures taken by governments and implemented by industry. Kevin McKinley’s fellow panel- lists included the Chairman and CEO of Burger King Corporation ; the Chairman and CEO of General Mills ; the Agricul- tural Minister of Tanzania, and a leading Copyright by World Economic Forum Swiss-image.ch/Photo by Christof Sanderegger

ISO Focus March 2009 39 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

Developments and Initiatives

Help us shape ISO’s future – ISO Strategic Plan 2011-2015

by Daniele Gerundino, Strategic Advisor to the ISO Secretary- General

he first step in the development of the next ISO Strategic Plan – Tcovering the 2011-2015 timeframe – is consultation of ISO’s stakehold- ers. This is carried out through ISO’s national members and key international and regional partners. The six-month consultation, launched in March 2009, will end in September. Since the current ISO Strategic Plan 2005-2010 was conceived, the world has entered into a new era characterized by an increasing interdependence of nations; the spectre of worsening recession following a period of growth; and new challenges concerning the access to, and Brochure ISO Strategic Plan 2011-2015.i ndd 1 use of, natural resources. This calls for even more global action and responses on the three fronts of sustainable develop- 25.02.2009 11:20:54 ment: economic growth, environmental integrity and social equity. through partnerships with regional and answers and suggestions, together with Disseminating new technologies international organizations), as well as a summary of the input from different and promoting best business and conform- increasing the effective participation of groups of stakeholders, if applicable. ity assessment practices at world level emerging economies and the volume This consultation is a unique are key to addressing these challenges. and efficiency of production of ISO opportunity to contribute to shaping To this end, we believe that International publications. ISO’s future and we hope to receive many Standards of the type produced by ISO As a result, the next strategic contributions through the substantial are an essential component of the world plan may build on this foundation and participation of ISO’s stakeholders. market and society infrastructure needed consider how ISO can best meet the for progress. expectations of the world community The ISO system, constituted by in the upcoming period. its members, the Central Secretariat, In order to both structure the con- experts and a network of partnerships and sultation and facilitate the consolidation liaisons, is increasingly called upon as a of its outcome, the document Consultation leading multi-stakeholder and multi-sector for the ISO Strategic Plan 2011-2015 has platform for the production of consensus- been, or is in the process of being distrib- based International Standards. uted to ISO national members and key All contributors to the ISO sys- international and regional partners. tem can proudly consider that, under the The document identifies 10 key current ISO Strategic Plan 2005-2010, a areas in which views and contributions solid foundation has been laid by expand- are sought, based on a questionnaire for ing the ISO membership and its outreach which the ISO members and key part- to stakeholders (at the national level and ners are invited to provide consolidated

40 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus New on the shelf

Safer, better

electronic visual ISO Packs displays with ISO collection of ergonomics standards

by Roger Frost, Manager, Communication Services, Marketing & Communication

SErgonomics of electronic visual displays

Y

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O SO has just launched a new CD- LES Ergonomics of ROM compilation of International G RAP The ISO International Standards and technical reports on this Standards aimed at making electronic HI CD-ROM representI an important contribution to the ergonomic QUES design of electronicvisual visual displays displays – safernow and and for the more future. comfort - s comprehensive collection guides the visual display designer in – electronic visual displays Thi able for users, while giving designers, Utilisables sur le matériel ergonomics terminology,manufacturers quality and and performance, purchasing test and managers analysis and the latest technology. state-of-the-art guidance. This product is compatible with Microsoft Windows ®, Macintosh ® and Unix®. Electronic visual displays are ISO Packs ubiquitous in modern life – from tel- ISO Packs evision sets to computer terminals and mobile computers. The ISO International Standards compiled on the CD-ROM Ergonomics of electronic visual displays 2009-03 Switzerland in Printed are therefore an important contribution © ISO, 2009to – Allensuring rights reserved their quality and suitability for the people who use them – often intensively. manager, in choosing the best type of The new ISO CD-ROM Ergo- The CD-ROM includes the nine display for the application. nomics of electronic visual displays is standards and technical reports of the ISO The ISO 9241 “ 300 ” series was available from ISO national member 9241 “ 300 ” series on different aspects of institutes. It may also be obtained directly the ergonomic design of electronic visual published in 2008. It is a subset of the ISO 9241 family which, when complete, from ISO Central Secretariat (www.iso. displays. This comprehensive collection org) through the ISO Store or by contact- will guide the visual display designer will comprise more than 50 parts, with subjects ranging from electronic visual ing the Marketing and Communication in ergonomics terminology, quality and department ([email protected]). performance, test and analysis and the displays to physical input devices, dialogue latest technology. techniques, interface control components, software accessibility, human‑centred Its modular structure will facilitate design, workstations and the work envi- its updating to keep pace with ongoing ronment, application domains (control technological development and new forms room/centre design/layout), and tactile of display interaction. and haptic interactions. The performance specifications The ISO 9241 family is the work provided are aimed at ensuring effective of ISO technical committee ISO/TC and comfortable viewing conditions for 159, Ergonomics, subcommittee SC 4, users, while the test methods and metrol- Ergonomics of human-system interaction. ogy – providing criteria for conformity ISO/TC 159 and its subcommittees have and measurement – are well suited for developed 103 International Standards design evaluation. and related documents which help both In addition, its guidance on the to optimize and make safer the interac- newer display technologies will assist tion between people and the systems they the designer, as well as the purchasing use at work and at play.

ISO Focus March 2009 41 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

New on the shelf

New ISO manual highlights use of ICT for standards work

by Roger Frost, Manager, Communication Services, Marketing & Communication

SO has published a new manual to help national standards institutes make the ISO solutions Ithe best use of information and com- munication technologies (ICT). Standards work on the Web: the ISO solutions is aimed in particular at ISO’s members from developing coun- tries, who comprise 122 out of its total membership of 160. ISO is the world’s leading devel- oper of International Standards with a current portfolio of more than 17 800. In recent years, ISO has largely moved from paper-based processes for the development of standards to electronic ones. This system now covers an array of diversified electronic and Web-based International operations including the ISO Web site, Organization for servers for accessing and exchanging Standardization information, an electronic balloting system and a Web store. The new manual provides infor- mation, procedures and guidance for Rob Steele, ISO’s new Secretary- national member institutes and from ISO national standards institutes to ensure General since 1 January 2009, comments: Central Secretariat by contacting the that they are properly equipped and “The publication of Standards work on the Marketing & Communication depart- trained to make the most of ICT sup- Web represents a further action to advance ment ([email protected]). It can also be port for standardization activities, and ISO’s strategic objective of strengthen- downloaded as a PDF file from the ISO for contacts and relations within ISO’s ing the standardization infrastructures Web site (www.iso.org). worldwide system. of our developing country members. It A comprehensive and multi- In a Foreword to the manual, Alan is a useful addition to already available faceted perspective on the use of ICT Bryden, ISO Secretary-General for 2003 guidance documents such as My ISO job, in standardization was provided by the to 2008, writes: “One of the key roles Joining in and Fast forward.” November 2008 issue of ISO Focus of ISO Central Secretariat is the provi- Standards work on the Web: the magazine on “e-standardization”. sion of new electronic tools and services ISO solutions, A5 format, ring binder, which will facilitate communication is published in English (ISBN 978- between all parties involved in interna- 92-67-10493-5, 98 pages) and French tional standardization, and, in particular, (ISBN 978-92-67-20493-2, 104 pages) those involved in the development of editions. It is available free of charge International Standards.” (fee for postage and handling) from ISO

42 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

the user examples, it includes sections of conformity have been issued to public New edition on the following topics: and private sector organizations of all of ISO brochure • A description of the ISO 9000 core types in some 170 countries. series standards The family currently consists of on getting • A step-by-step process for implement- 17 international quality management ing a quality management system standards and guidelines (plus a cor- the best out of rigendum). As a whole, the ISO 9000 • Maintaining benefits and continual family forms a strong base for estab- ISO 9000 family improvement lishing effective and efficient quality • The future of the ISO 9000 family. management systems. The brochure has been authored The ISO/TC 176 authors advise By Roger Frost, Manager, by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 176, managers: “You will obtain the greatest Communication Services, Quality management and quality assur- value by using the entire family of stand- Marketing & Communication ance, which is responsible for developing ards in an integrated manner. It is highly and maintaining the ISO 9000 family. recommended that you use ISO 9000 to become familiar with the basic con- SO has just published an attractive cepts and the language used before new paper edition of its popular you adopt ISO 9001 to achieve a brochure of advice for managers, first level of performance. I Selection and use of the Selection and use of the ISO 9000 family of standards. ISO 9000 family of standards “The practices described in ISO 9004 may then be implemented ISO Secretary-General Rob to make your quality management Steele comments: “With an estimated system more effective and efficient one million users worldwide, ISO in achieving your business goals 9001 tends to overshadow the rest of and objectives. the ISO 9000 family and that means “The ISO 9001 and ISO lost opportunities because integrated 9004 standards have been written use of these standards can multiply to enable you to relate them to the benefits for organizations and other management systems (e.g. their customers. This new edition environmental), or to sector specific of the Selection and use brochure requirements (such as ISO/TS 16949 will give managers ideas on how to in the automotive industry) and to achieve such benefits.” assist you in gaining recognition The brochure includes con- through national or regional award cise examples of the integrated use programmes.” of ISO 9000 family standards in the Selection and use of the ISO following manufacturing or service 9000 family of standards is the lat- organizations: est edition of the highly successful • A metal parts fabricating com- brochure, first published by ISO in pany 1994 as Implementing ISO 9000. A Web version and PDF file of the • A welfare agency paper version can be accessed free • An electrical appliance manu- of charge on the ISO Web site (www. facturer iso.org). The paper version (in Eng- lish, ISBN 978-92-67-10494-2, and • A chemical processing com- The best known standard in the family in French, ISBN 978-92-67-20494-9) is pany is ISO 9001, which specifies the basic available free of charge (fee for postage A firm of international lawyers requirements for a quality management • and handling of bulk orders) from the system that an organization must fulfil • A computer software developer ISO Central Secretariat through the ISO to demonstrate its ability to consistently Store or by contacting the Marketing & • A bank provide products (which include services) Communication department (sales@iso. that enhance customer satisfaction and • A franchise organization. org). It can also be obtained from ISO meet applicable statutory and regulatory national member institutes. It provides an overview of the requirements. The standard can be used standards in the ISO 9000 family and for certification by organizations seeking demonstrates how, collectively, they independent verification that their quality form a basis for continual improvement management system meets the require- and business excellence. In addition to ments of ISO 9001. ISO 9001 certificates

ISO Focus March 2009 43 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus

New on the shelf

equipment. The building sector holds • Conducting the iterative process to ISO standard for great prospects for energy-saving through ensure improved energy efficiency assessing energy the design of buildings with improved of buildings thermal performance and increased • Obtaining the target values for ener- efficiency of new efficiency of mechanical equipment, as gy efficiency ratios used in labelling well of course through the entire range or information to public and/or con- buildings of buildings’ lifecycles. ISO 23045:2008 sumers. will help the building sector design build- ings to a specified level of efficiency. It ISO 23045:2008, Building envi- is an invaluable addition to the growing ronment design – Guidelines to assess by Sandrine Tranchard, group of ISO standards for building energy efficiency of new buildings, was Communication Officer, ISO environment design organized within developed by ISO technical commit- Centreal Secretariat the framework of ISO 16813, Building tee ISO/TC 205, Building environment environment design — Indoor environ- design. It is available from ISO national he new International Standard ISO ment — General principles.” member institutes. It may also be obtained directly from ISO Central Secretariat by 23045:2008 will help the building ISO 23045:2008 will assist in : sector to contribute to energy sav- contacting the Marketing & Communica- T • Collecting and providing information ing by providing it with specific design tion department ([email protected]). regarding the energy efficiency of the guidelines. building under consideration The building sector is recognized as a major contributor to the build-up of greenhouse gases. These emissions of

CO2 to the atmosphere could be reduced significantly through the application of International Standards relating to the energy-efficient design of buildings and building mechanical equipment. ISO 23045:2008, Building envi- ronment design – Guidelines to assess energy efficiency of new buildings, provides energy-related requirements for the design process, or to achieve targeted values of energy efficiency for new buildings. The objectives of the standard are to assist designers and practitioners when collecting and providing the useful data that are required at different stages of the design process and to fulfil building design objectives. ISO 23045:2008 applies to new buildings and is also applicable to systems for heating, cooling, lighting, domestic hot water, service water heating, ventilation and related controls. Introducing energy efficiency in the design process leads to a reduction in energy demand through a global approach to the building, including analysis of the building location, definition of the building envelope, energy systems and products. Mr Stephen Turner, leader of the ISO group that developed the standard, comments: “Today’s worldwide increase in efforts toward rational use of natural resources is increasing the markets for energy-efficient buildings and building

44 ISO Focus March 2009 © ISO Focus, www.iso.org/isofocus Coming up

Guest View

Reiner Mittelbach The April issue of ISO Focus fea- tures an exclusive interview with Reiner Mittelbach, CEO of IFRA, the world- wide research and service organization for the news publishing industry. With headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, and over 3 000 members in 80 coun- tries, IFRA has acted since 1961 as the platform for decision-makers from the newspaper industry. In an informative interview, Mittelbach tells us about IFRA’s expe- rience with ISO standards. “Standards are important for our industry in order to reduce costs and efforts. Also – and probably most importantly – standards Main Focus are helping to improve relations between newspaper publishers and their custom- ISO and the Media ers,” he says. Technology has dramatically trans- create blogs, post advertisements or formed the way we communicate. Minutes share images. Here the ISO/IEC JPEG after it happens, we can read online that and MPEG standards enable quality and an earthquake has hit a remote part of functional pictures, videos and music the world. Today anyone can witness an files that can be read and shared by all. event, capture it on video, and post it on Languages, such as XML which is also the Web to be seen by millions. supported by ISO/IEC standards, facilitate Tools like digital photography, encoding and communication of data. PDF documents and XML have opened Even the ubiquitous PDF has recently up a new world of possibility for the become an ISO standard. Media. Technology is not only tearing But the impact International down geographical barriers and speed- Standards are having on the Media is ing up communication, but also giving not restricted to the Internet. Optical access to a whole new set of players. Yet, discs, such as DVDs, for instance, have none of this would be possible without significantly increased the possibilities the International Standards that behind for storing and sharing data. ISO is also the scenes promote the dissemination of developing standards for digital (and knowledge and facilitate market access good “ old-fashioned ”) photography to innovative technologies, and which and graphical printing, and has recently most importantly, ensure interoperabil- published the first of a series of stand- ity – key for the uptake and use of new ards for the digital cinema. technology in a world of continuous and Mittelbach elaborates on the news- Whether a press agency send- competing developments. paper industry’s use of graphic technol- ing real-time news to all corners of ogy standards like the ISO 12647 series The next issue of ISO Focus the world, a movie studio trying out on process control for the production of looks at ISO’s contribution to the Media. the latest special effects, a photog- half-tone colour separations, proof and The comprehensive portfolio of articles rapher considering which camera to production prints. But he also discusses explores numerous areas where ISO stand- purchase, a freelance blogger setting the more generally well-known standards ards are making a difference by supporting up his page or a magazine evaluating such as ISO 14000 and the environmental the technologies that are revolutionizing its printing quality, ISO standards for concerns of the printing industry. Read how we communicate. the Media continuously contribute to more in the next issue of ISO Focus. Perhaps one of the best examples improving and facilitating communica- is the Internet where, at the click of a tion. Don’t miss out our next issue to mouse, we can access news and videos, find out more !

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