Achieving a balance between the environment, society and the economy is considered essential to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable development as a goal is achieved by balancing the “three pillars” of sustainability.

The purpose of this International Standard is to provide organizations with a framework for protecting the environment and responding to changing environmental conditions, in balance with socio-economic needs. This standard specifies requirements that enable an organization to achieve the intended results it has set for its environmental management system.