The financial benefits of implementing ISO 14001 within construction contracting organizations

ISO 14001 is a specification with guidance for use in relation to the implementation of environmental management systems. This research aimed to investigate the issues associated with ISO 14001 implementation in construction firms and the financial benefits that could be achieved by the organizations. Through both qualitative and quantitative research methods based upon literature, four detailed case studies, a web-based questionnaire and two semi-structured interviews, this research identified the stages of ISO 14001 implementation, measures implemented to protect the environment, and some direct and indirect financial benefits that arise as a result of ISO 14001. The research established that there are direct and indirect financial benefits as a consequence of ISO 14001 at all levels of an organization. The case studies showed that an average saving of around 41% could be achieved on costs associated with waste disposal, landfill tax, energy consumption and timber used, compared with the monthly costs of those items before ISO 14001 was implemented on the sites.