CAA
U.S. federal law regulating stationary and mobile air emissions
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility
Quick Verdict
CAA mandates US air quality compliance through emissions standards and permits, enforced by EPA penalties. ISO 26000 provides voluntary global social responsibility guidance across 7 core subjects. Companies use CAA for legal compliance; ISO 26000 for strategic ESG integration.
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
Key Features
- Establishes NAAQS for six criteria pollutants
- Mandates State Implementation Plans for attainment
- Imposes technology-based NSPS and MACT standards
- Requires Title V permits consolidating requirements
- Enables enforcement via penalties and citizen suits
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven core subjects for holistic SR coverage
- Seven principles underpinning all decisions
- Stakeholder engagement for prioritization
- Non-certifiable guidance for all organizations
- Integration with management systems like ISO 14001
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CAA Details
What It Is
The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute regulating air emissions. It establishes a cooperative federalism framework blending ambient standards, source controls, state plans, and enforcement to protect public health and welfare from pollutants.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary standards.
- SIPs and FIPs for attainment planning.
- Technology standards: NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT, mobile source rules.
- Title V permits, PSD/NSR, market-based programs (acid rain trading), ozone protection (Title VI). No formal certification; compliance via permits, reporting, audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory compliance avoids penalties, sanctions, citizen suits. Manages nonattainment risks, supports ESG, enables permitting agility, reduces enforcement exposure through data-driven monitoring.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, emissions inventory, permitting (Title V/NSR), install controls/CEMS, ongoing monitoring/reporting. Applies to emitting facilities nationwide; state variations require tailored SIP tracking.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is the international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR). It provides a voluntary framework, not certifiable requirements, for organizations to integrate SR into operations. Scope covers all organization types, sizes, and locations, using a holistic, stakeholder-driven approach.
Key Components
- Seven **core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- Seven **principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholders, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- No fixed controls; emphasizes contextual prioritization and integration.
- Non-certifiable; uses self-assessment and reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credibility.
- Builds resilience, reduces reputational risks, supports ESG reporting.
- Drives competitive advantages like talent retention and market access.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess materiality, engage stakeholders, integrate into governance/operations.
- Activities: gap analysis, policy development, training, supplier due diligence.
- Applies universally; no audits required, but transparent reporting recommended.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CAA | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Air emissions, NAAQS, stationary/mobile sources | Social responsibility, 7 core subjects including environment |
| Industry | All US industries with air emissions | All organizations worldwide, all sectors |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law with enforcement | Voluntary non-certifiable guidance |
| Testing | CEMS, stack tests, continuous monitoring | Self-assessment, no formal testing required |
| Penalties | Fines, sanctions, criminal liability | No penalties, reputational risks only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CAA and ISO 26000
CAA FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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