This International Standard gives guidance to an organization on general principles, policy, strategy and activities relating to both internal and external environmental communication. It utilizes proven and well-established approaches for communication, adapted to the specific conditions that exist in environmental communication. It is applicable to all organizations regardless of their size, type, location, structure, activities, products and services, and whether or not they have an environmental management system in place.

This International Standard is not intended for use as a specification standard for certification or registration purposes or for the establishment of any other environmental management system conformity requirements. It can be used in combination with any of the ISO 14000 series of standards, or on its own.