Certification International urges organisations to prove green credentials

Certification International has called on organisations to prove their green credentials during Green Office Week by gaining certification to ISO 14001:2004 – the internationally recognised environment management standard. Since 2008, the number of certificates issued by Certification International for ISO 14001:2004 has increased 67% as more organisations see the benefit of implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS). ISO 14000 provides a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets. Its benefits include reduced cost of waste management, savings in consumption of energy and material, lower distribution costs and improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the public. It’s compatibility with ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18000 also allows companies to integrate quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems throughout everything they do creating a better environment for customers and staff. And with Green Office Week taking place this week, Certification International believes it is an ideal opportunity for organisations to look at initiatives they have in place and how they can further improve their approach to the environment and sustainability. Certification International’s UK business manager Emma Fawcett-Jones comments: “By achieving certification for ISO 14001, an organisation clearly demonstrates to third parties that they have a strong commitment to reducing their impact on the environment, and are active taking steps to achieve this. The framework provided by ISO 14001 allows organisations of all sizes to implement environmental systems, monitor progress and further improve their performance. “Green Office Week provides an ideal opportunity to look at existing environmental policies and to see how these can be improved. By working in partnership with clients we can help them take it one step further and help them achieve certification to an internationally recognised environmental standard.” Certification International, which is part of the SOCOTEC Group, provides assessment, analysis and certification to a variety of clients across a range of standards. Certification International is a UKAS accredited organisation that provides assessment, analysis and certification services to a variety of clients across a variety of standards across all sectors. It is a global organisation with 5,000 clients in 26 countries. For more information on ISO 14001:2004 call 01793 492892 or visit http://uk.cert-int.com/