Certifiable environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 have been an option increasingly used by organizations to review their environmental responsibilities, standardize production processes, reduce costs and improve their image. However, its implementation in industries generates significant changes in culture and structure and needs to be seriously considered by managers and consultants. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to propose practical strategies - in the light of theory and based on two case studies - for the implementation of environmental management systems based on ISO 14001 in industrial enterprises. Thus, we performed two case studies: one in an automotive batteries company and the other in a furniture company. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with managers directly responsible for these systems and with key-employees, in loco observation and document analysis. The end of the paper incorporates suggestions for practices related to: top management, people management, environmental management committees, mission and policies, training and communication.
ISO 14001; Environmental management systems; People management; Resistance to change
