Construction activities generate a myriad of negative effects on
the environment. ISO 14000, the series of environmental management
standards released by the International Organization
for Standardization in 1996, has been introduced as a tool that
can aid in reducing these impacts. The implementation of these
standards is focused on the establishment of an environmental
management system (EMS) that can guide an organization toward
achieving its own environmental goals. Certification for
the ISO 14001 standard has been successfully implemented at
an international level, mostly in Europe and Asia. Different
types of companies have achieved ISO 14000 certification, including
those performing construction work. However, up until
2002, only one construction group has received certification for
its subsidiaries. Benefits such as minimization of environmental
impacts, marketing opportunities, and cost savings have been
identified. Some parties, however, argue about the standards
applicability in the US construction industry, stating that ISO
14000 is not economically feasible and that significant or
proven environmental benefits cannot be associated with the
standards usage. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to
analyze ISO 14000 standards and their current status in the US
construction industry, identifying advantages and setbacks of
the application of this EMS in the organizational structures of
US construction firms. The information is based on a literature
search and a case study of a construction contracting firm certi-
fied for the standards. The article concludes that the positive aspects
of certification outweigh the negative aspects and recommends
added government support and the combined use of ISO
14000 with other environmental systems and matrices.