Master's lecture in Industrial Engineering -Harpa Þrastardóttir

The lecture will be held via Zoom: https://eu01web.zoom.us/j/62372963779

Master's student: Harpa Þrastardóttir

Title:Implementation of ISO 14001 at Malbikunarstöðin Hlaðbær – Colas

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Faculty: Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science

Advisor:  Guðmundur Valur Oddsson, Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science

Other member of the masters committee: Rögnvaldur J. Sæmundsson, Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science

Examiner: Ari Jónasson, Engineer at Isal

Abstract

Ever since the ISO 14001 Environemental Management Standard was introduced in 1996, companies around the world have adopted this standard. It is international, open to everyone and can be adapted to different operations around the globe. The goal of this standard is to help companies managing environmental issues and work towards their continuous improvement.

The objective of this project is to research the main challenges of contractor companies when implementing ISO 14001. The study is carried out by following the implementation process of Malbikunarstöðin Hlaðbær – Colas from the start of the implementation in late 2015 until the ISO 14001 certification is obtained in 2017.

The findings of the study are that the main challenges for contractors when implementing ISO 14001 are the size of the company, operational fluctuations, the cost of implementation, its ability to adapt to changes, responsibility for the system and its operations as well as issues directly related to staff such as attitude, commitment, knowledge, training, staff turnover and changes in management.