Using Sustainable Production Indicators to Measure Progress in ISO 14001, EHS System and EPA Achievement Track

This case study presents results from testing a new tool — indicators of sustainable production (ISPs) — at Acushnet Rubber of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The authors demonstrate how the tool can be used to measure continual improvement and how it fits within the current system for reporting compliance to regulations; and performance under ISO 14001 (environmental management system standard), the environmental, health and safety (EHS) system, and EPA Achievement Track. Developed at the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production (LCSP), this tool includes both core (common for all companies) and supplemental (production-specific) indicators, and aims to raise awareness, support decision-making, and promote continuous improvement toward sustainability. Indicators such as energy use, water use, global warming potential, lost work time case rate, turnover rate, community spending and charitable contributions, among others, were tested at both facility and corporate levels. Results showed the company’s progress in EHS as well as the areas that need improvement. The paper concludes with a summary of key lessons learned and recommendations for further use of the tool. 2001 Elsevier