A meaningful, systematic approach to environmental management has made IBM one of the world’s most environmentally conscious companies. The globally integrated IT company leverages ISO 14001 for a comprehensive corporate policy on environmental affairs.

In a recent interview for ISOfocus, reprinted here, Wayne Balta, IBM’s vice president of corporate environmental affairs and product safety, explains the company’s environmental management system (EMS), the value of ISO 14001, and how environmental policies contribute to IBM’s success.

With nearly 380,000 employees and serving clients in more than 175 countries, IBM is the world’s largest technology services company. In addition, according to this year’s Computer Business Review, the company is also one of the greenest tech companies in the United States. During the past five years, IBM has spent more than $80 million in capital and $463.6 million in operating expense to manage its global environmental programs.

ISOfocus: IBM is often quoted in the press, commenting on the usefulness of environmental management systems. What is the strategic importance of ISO 14001?

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