ISO Focus - March 2009

Practical sustainability

ISO Focus, March 2009

• Online version

 

Sustainability has been defined as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

With a global economic crisis and the impending threat of climate change, this issue has never been more pressing.

At the core of sustainability is collective responsibility. As companies reach out to international markets, they are increasingly aware of the need to reconcile and optimize competitiveness, profitability and sustainability. In this context, ISO has an important role to play by responding to market requirements with globally relevant practical tools that promote economic development, interoperability and sustainability.

The March issue of ISO Focus looks at ISO’s contribution from a practical perspective. The issue highlights topics that are commonly associated with sustainability, but also tackles some unexpected subjects and how International Standards can make a difference, as with health informatics.

Learn how ISO standards can help combat the economic recession. Find out the latest on the development of the carbon footprint standard. And much more!

The issue also features an exclusive interview with Dan Gagnier, Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, who tells us how International Standards can contribute to positive change.  

Comment

Alan Morrison, ISO President
Why "Practical sustainability"

Guest View

Daniel Gagnier
Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

"As someone who has been privileged to work at the intersection of business, standards and sustainable development, I have gained an appreciation of the importance of standards as a fundamental necessity in an increasingly challenging, interdependent global reality."

Main Focus

Practical sustainability

• ISO’s contribution to sustainability
• Tools for combating the economic recession
• Helping consumers take a stand
• ISO, energy and renewable sources
• World’s first carbon neutral city
• Generating confidence in the building sector
• “How to” guide for green product standards
• De-carbonizing the supply chain
• Waves of continuity – How maritime transport is making a difference
• The contribution of a humble steel box
• Two sides of the same coin – Social responsibility and sustainable organizations
• Just what the doctor ordered – The benefits of health informatics

Development and Initiatives

• Davos 2009 – ISO International Standards address global challenges
• Help us shape ISO’s future – ISO Strategic Plan 2011-2015

New on the shelf

• Safer, better electronic visual displays with ISO collection of ergonomics standards
• New ISO manual highlights use of ICT for standards work
• New edition of ISO brochure on getting the best out of ISO 9000 family
• ISO standard for assessing energy efficiency of new buildings

World Scene

Highlights of events from around the world

ISO Scene

Highlights of news from ISO