Industry environmental processes: beyond compliance

This paper discusses systems of good environmental management, adopted by industry, which go beyond (rather than replace) compliance with laws and regulations, as part of the quality revolution impacting both global and local companies and plants. From environmental auditing to environmental management systems, industry is increasingly focusing not just on compliance with laws—as important as that might be—but on continuous improvement in environmental practices as a marketplace demand. Movement has occurred in three directions: towards (1) enforcement strategies, (2) trade relations, including environmental cooperation, and (3) marketing of diligence as an attractive asset in environmental conduct. Consequently, the responsible green approach is also developing rapidly. That approach among management systems should be encouraged by industry, governments, environmental groups, and the public as a positive process that enhances sustainability as well as giving a competitive edge to local economies. Mexico's embrace of good environmental management as it responsibly develops is exemplary for, and evidence of, its leadership of other Latin American countries, and for other countries, such as China, that are making strides in achieving growth and environmental safeguards.