%0 Conference Paper
%A Venkataraman , Narayanaswamy
%A Kanesan , Muthusamy
%A Open University Malaysia,
%B OIDA International Conference on Sustainable Development
%C Palm Garden Hotel, IOI Resort Putrajaya
%D 2011
%F library_repository:678
%K Sustainability, Environment, Management System, Impacts, SME
%T Impact of International Environmental Management System on Sustainability Index benchmarking for Small and Medium Enterprise
%U https://library.oum.edu.my/repository/678/
%X Sustainability is becoming an important tool towards our better future. More and more companies are looking into  sustainability as their prime focus. Sustainability encompasses responsibilities towards social, energy, water,  pollution and economic factors. Sustainability is the ability to sustain. One of the key factors considered for  Sustainability Index (SI) is the implementation of international environmental management system, typically ISO  14001 system. As per Malaysian government estimates, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute 37 per  cent in the gross domestic product (GDP) of Malaysia by 2010.The objective of the study is to understand the  impact of international environmental management system implementation by SME on sustainability index  benchmarking. Positive and negative impacts besides concerns for implementing ISO 14001 management system  were evaluated. Major barriers were identified as training, resources and cost. Recommendations for implementing  environmental management system for SMEs include integration of management systems, eco-mapping, greening of  supply chain and corporate reporting. Implementation of environmental management system has a strong bearing on  the sustainability index benchmarking. (Abstract by authors)
%Z The paper is also available in The OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development Vol. 02, No. 07, 2011. The journal is indexed in the SSRN  (SocialScience Research Network), EBSCO, AMICUS Library and Archives Canada database.