The impact of ISO 14001 standards certification on firms' performance in the State of Kuwait

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Due to the great benefits of ISO 14001, many Kuwaiti private and public companies are preparing to gain the certification of ISO 14001.  Studies that deal with the application of ISO 14001 in Kuwait are scarce. Accordingly, this study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of ISO 14001 standards in Kuwait, using questionnaire-based survey distributed to some of the ISO certified companies in Kuwait. The results indicated that the respondents achieved many benefits from applying the standards including improved environmental performance and increased access to new markets. Most of the firms indicated that applying the ISO 14001 standards allows greater access to capital, increases public image, and helps to reduce regulatory fines and permit costs. It was observed that environmental management system (EMS) implementation improved the environmental awareness among employees, customers and owners.