Introduction to KES Certification

KES Environmental Management System Standard
Miyako Agenda 21 ForumIn recent years global environmental problems such as resource depletion and climate change
have become the subject of considerable attention. Sustainable development, which attempts tocouple protection of the environment with economic growth, is one of the main challenges
facing the world in the 21st century. In order to address this issue, governments and businesses
alike have been undertaking various efforts to reduce their impact on the environment, including
the purchase of environmentally-friendly products and the creation of green supply chains.
It is not an exaggeration to say that protecting the environment has become one of the main
responsibilities of businesses. Reflecting this fact, the international management standard ISO
14001 was created as a way for businesses to address environmental problems, and also as away to allow consumers to judge the environmental performance of the companies from which
they purchase products.
While large companies and governments are increasingly been certified ISO 14001 complaint, it
is often difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to do so. As such businesses form thebackbone of Kyoto’s local economy (accounting for over 90% of all businesses), the Miyako
Agenda 21 Forum decided to try and create a low-cost, easy-to-understand environmental
management system that such companies could more easily participate in. The KES
Environmental Management System Standard is that result of those efforts.
KES Environmental Management System Structure
The aim of an environmental management system (EMS) is to help businesses to manage andminimize the environmental impacts of their activities.
Features of the KES Standard:
1. Goal of Certification: To increase an organization’s awareness about environmental
protection and to promote the introduction of environmental considerations into
everyday business practices.
2. Suitable organizations and industries: Any organization (e.g. business, local government,school, household) or industry can take part in KES Standard.
3. Standard Details: Two different stages of KES have been created in order to maximizeease of participation. In addition, in order to promote substantive activities, several
easy-to-understand manuals have been created, such as the Program Introduction andthe Example Environmental Protection Manual.

Program Contents:
There are two levels of KES certification. Organizations eventually aiming for ISO 14001
certification can begin from Step 2.
 Step 1: As a first step toward taking action towards environmental protection, theorganization makes an effort to assess the environmental impact of their activities. Next, adeclaration of intent stating the company’s goals for environmental protection is created.
Finally, with that statement in hand, a plan to meet those goals is finalized and implemented.
The result of implementation is then analyzed by the person in charge of the organization’sEMS.
 Step 2: Companies participating in Step 2 must undertake exactly the same activities as isrequired for ISO 14001 certification.
KES Environmental Management System Standard Certification Procedure
KES ContentsDecision to Join
KES
Kick-Off
Activity Set-up
Environmental
Impact Assessment
Environmental
Declaration
Planning

Implementation

Verification andReassessment(Step 2 only)
Program Assessment

The person responsible for EMS policymaking (e.g.
the president) makes the decision to participate inKES.
Employees of the organization are informed of thedecision and support obtained.
The division of responsibilities internal to theorganization is settled.
Using KESs environmental impact assessment
literature, the organization assesses its influence on
the environment. For step Two, this result isreported to the Forum.
Using the results for the impact assessment phase, adeclaration is made that summarizes the basic
environmental goals of the organization.
Using the declaration, goals for specific activities
are set, and plans made for their implementation.
Using the environmental declaration and activity
planning as a guide, an internal manual is created
and distributed to members of the organization.
For Step 2, an internal program structure is created,
literature written, and both filed with the Forum.
For Step 2, after a fixed amount of time the statusof activity implementation is assessed and problem
areas identified. In addition, an assessment of theentire company’s efforts is made and recorded.
At fixed intervals, the person responsible for theEMS program assesses the entire effort and makeschanges where necessary.

KES Certification Process
Contact made with KES Division↓
Attendance of Explanatory Lecture↓
Start of Activity↓
Consulting↓Internal Planning and Action↓Application for Inspection↓Inspection of Written Materials↓
On-Site Inspection↓Decision↓
Certification and Registration↓(After 1 year, at yearly intervals) Re-certification

Those interested in taking part in theKES Standard:
Those interested in being KES certified
should first contact the KES Certification
Division at their earliest convenience.
Based upon the status of theorganization’s efforts, a date forinspection and consulting will be set.
Fees for service will be collected at thattime of registration.
Fees: At the time of application to theKES program, an auditing fee,transportation fee, and administrative fee
will be collected. At a later time, fees forconsulting, lecture fees, charges for
documentation, re-certification fees will
be collected.
KES Explanatory Lectures: In order tofoster greater participation in the
program , presentations regarding the
program and how to participate will beheld periodically.

KES Certification System:
Certifying Organization:
Certification Type:

Miyako Agenda 21 Forum KES Certification Division
Level 1 Certification – for organizations satisfying Step 1
requirements.
Level 2 Certification – for organizations satisfying Step 2
requirements.
Certification Period:
1 year, annual renewal subject to re-certification.
Proof and Registration of License printed and distributed, and name placed on
Certification:
certification list.
Auditors:
Auditors and consultants selected by the Miyako Agenda 21Forum (all licensed as ISO 14001 Auditors)
Inspection Method:
Document review and on-site inspection once per year

Questions and Applications
Miyako Agenda 21 Forum KES Certification Division
Kyoto Kogyo Kaikan-nai
2 Nishikyogoku-Mameda-cho
Ukyo-ku
Kyoto 615-0801
Telephone/Fax: 075-323-6686
Telephone: 075-321-4767
E-mail: kesma21f@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp

What is the Miyako Agenda 21 Forum?
The Miyako Agenda 21 Forum, formed in Novemberof 1998, is an organization charged with the design andimplementation of activities to promote sustainable
development under Kyoto’s Local Agenda 21 planningdocument. That document aims to promote a lifestylethat is consistent with living in harmony with thenatural environment.
Citizens, businesspeople, representatives of civicorganizations and business associations, and local
government officials all take part in the Forum.
Together, they plan various activities to more

efficiently use natural resources and energy in an effort
to create a more sustainable society.
If you have question regarding the Forum or its
activities, please contact us at:
Miyako Agenda 21 Forum Office
Global Environmental Policy Section,
Environment Bureau, City of Kyoto
488 Kamihonnoujimae-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 6048571
Telephone: 075-222-4037
Fax: 075-222-4039
E-mail: ma21f@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp

Special thanks to Mr. Daniel Rutherford for translation