Using ISO 14001 as a structure for integrated environmental training

Since the mid-1990s the ISO 14001 standard has won wide recognition as a management tool for companies and organisations aiming for better environmental performance. However, the benefits of the standard are not only restricted to providing a structure for improved efficiency of the environmental work in organisations. It is also a favourable concept for the design of environmental educational programmes. The paper describes how the structure of an environmental management system (EMS) is used to achieve a coherent curriculum embracing various topics related to environmental issues. The methodology has been developed in a short course for professionals active in the mining sector and the experiences gained will be applied in a new 3-year university programme starting in 2001.