Does the environmental management standard ISO 14001 stimulate sustainable development?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the relation between the ISO 14001 standard and sustainable development, and to present a case study of the energy sector in Poland in order to provide an example of the influence of the environmental management system according to ISO 14001 on environmental quality and sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThe relation between sustainable development and the environmental management system related to the ISO 14000 series is discussed by comparing these series with the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development. The case study is based on the analysis of the fulfilment of environmental goals and tasks, which are part of the environmental management system, introduced in the company under research.FindingsThe case study provides arguments that the ISO 14001 standard may support sustainable development, in particular when standard legal enforcement mechanisms are weak.Practical implicationsThe introduction of standards for business may be a tool for achieving sustainable development.Originality/valueThe paper shows an example of opportunity for business to contribute to sustainable development.