Integrating ISO 9001 quality management system and ISO 14001 environmental management system for contractors

Previous studies between ISO 14001: 1996 Environmental Management Standard and the old ISO 9001: 1994 Quality Assurance Standard have found compatible requirements that warrant their integration. This study examines the compatibility of the revised ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Management Standard with ISO 14001: 1996 for the purpose of integration. A survey of 96 construction firms was conducted for those who were considering or were already ISO 14001: 1996 certified. Findings on the possibility/difficulty and benefits/costs of integration between ISO 14001: 1996 and ISO 9001: 2000 were obtained. Industry concerns relating to potential problems and implementation challenges were discussed. The study concludes that the revised ISO 9001: 2000 serves as an opportune platform for construction firms to consider certification to ISO 14000: 1996 through an integration exercise.