Using corporate compliance principles to centralize compliance processes in an ISO 14001 environmental management system: case study of the Manitoba Hydro environmental management system

Abstract

There is an increasing expectation for organizations to operate in compliance, i.e. in adherence with applicable laws, regulations and other commitments. To meet these requirements and to manage their environmental activities, Manitoba Hydro uses an environmental management system (EMS) registered to the ISO 14001 Standard. The history of the EMS being amalgamated from three separate systems, coupled with the culture of Business Unit independence, has resulted in inconsistencies in compliance processes. The purpose of this research is to explore how the application of corporate compliance principles can centralize compliance processes in an ISO 14001 EMS. 15 principles were selected with a consideration(s) provided for how the principle could centralize a process. The considerations were organized into three centralization approaches, which can promote centralization by 1) strengthening CEM’s corporate compliance function; 2) developing a new corporate EMS process or modifying an existing corporate EMS process; and 3) creating conditions that promote centralization.