THE14006 ISO STANDARD AS A GUIDE FOR ECODESIGN

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In October 2011 the standard ISO 14006 was published which establishes the guidelines to incorporate ecodesign into an Environmental Management System (EMS) and the different stages to take into account in an ecodesign project. This process involves the consideration and integration of environmental issues, especially in the design and developmental stages of a specific product. The objective is to achieve an effective reduction of the negative environmental impact, and consequently the inherent advantages; emphasizing that all the stages of its life cycle should be taken into account. This paper addresses and analyses this standard, the first international norm on ecodesign, and explains its connection with other international standards such as ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008. A case study is also presented which focuses on the implementation of the standard ISO 14006 in a company and a specific product. The methodology used demonstrates the real possibility of the application of ecodesign in any other product or organisation. It is also shown that the potential benefits obtained are significantly more important than the problems inherently associated with its implementation and development.