IBM operations could potentially impact the environment in a number of ways. Chemicals needed for research, development, manufacturing processes and services must be properly managed, from purchase through storage, use and disposal. Certain processes are energy and/or water-intensive. In addition, IBM products should be designed so that they can be reused, recycled or disposed of properly at the end of their useful lives.
To identify and effectively manage the potential environmental impact of IBM's operations, IBM established and has maintained a strong worldwide environmental management system (EMS) for 30 years. It is a vital element in the company's efforts to achieve results consistent with environmental leadership. To guarantee a certain environmental standard worldwide that is independent of local regulations, IBM's Environmental Management System includes Environmental Corporate Instructions and Environmental Practices. These documents cover areas such as chemical and waste management, energy management, environmental evaluation of suppliers, product stewardship, incident prevention and reporting, and environmental impact assessment for real estate transactions. These documents support the IBM's environmental policy which provides the strategic framework for the company's environmental management system and environmental affairs objectives. These objectives address areas such as workplace safety, the conservation of energy and other natural resources, environmental protection, and the development and manufacture of environmentally conscious products.
During the fourth quarter of 1996 IBM decided to pursue one single worldwide ISO 14001 registration rather than pursuing registration on a site-by-site, business unit-by-business unit, or geographic basis and is believed to be the first multinational company to do so.
In the end of 1997, IBM became the world's first major multinational to have earned a single worldwide registration to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) standard. The registration covered IBM's manufacturing, product design and hardware development operations across its business units worldwide. IBM was able to earn its single worldwide registration to ISO 14001 because of its long-standing global environmental management system.
IBM's environmental management system involves IBM employees across all of its business units in the company's commitment to leadership in environmental affairs. Its structure and programs are designed to integrate environmental considerations throughout the company's operations.
The company's environmental programs are implemented by professionals at manufacturing, development and research sites around the world.
IBM Vac operated from the establishments according to the corporation’s EMS system, and implemented all applicable corporate requirements. The decision to get an official ISO 14001 certification was defined in 2002, and certification was obtained in September 2002.
In order to follow the requirements, IBM Vac took all corporate and legal requirements as base, created the local Manual as the frame of the local implementation, and defined all local procedures and processes to achieve full compliance.
We are committed to be a good citizen in the region we are operating in. To protect the environment is a critical part of this commitment. Further more, we can support with IBM's experience and our work in our location to improve the environment situation in Hungary.