Final answer:
Compliance is the term used to describe an organization's adherence to environmental and quality standards. These standards, such as those from the EPA, are designed to protect natural resources and public health, while also being reinforced by international treaties and consumer pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition or fact of an organization being in agreement with the requirements of a quality or environmental standard is known as compliance. Environmental regulations and quality standards are designed to ensure that organizations operate in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment, maintaining or improving environmental quality. Comprehensive environmental standards such as those set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) define criteria and requirements to protect natural resources and to ensure fair treatment in the enforcement of regulations, aiming to benefit the community by enhancing health conditions and protecting ecosystems.
In the business world, companies strive to meet standards to fulfill legal obligations and to demonstrate social responsibility. Standards like those for water quality ensure that pollutants are minimized, contributing to better health outcomes for individuals and preservation of natural beauty in locales. Additionally, international cooperation and consumer pressure further reinforce the importance of environmental considerations, with entities like the United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO) highlighting the significance of environmental issues through treaties and trade policies.