Climate change and environmental action are more closely intertwined than ever before. Environmental management, via ISO 14001, can be a crucial tool for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their contribution to the agreements established at COP26.
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On Staalvej 3 in Kolding lies Nowocoat,
a family-owned business with roots dating back to 1861. The company produces paints and varnishes for craftsmen, industrial production, and construction markets both domestically and internationally, all while utilising environmental management through ISO 14001 and the certification they have achieved.
“We’ve been working with environmental management since the late 80s, so it’s a natural part of our management system. We are an international company, and ISO 14001 makes sense no matter what language or culture we deal with. When you bring out ISO 14001, you are respected, whether trading with China or Sweden,” says CEO Ole Enevold Jensen.
The environmental management standard provides detailed instructions for mapping how a company’s products and production affect the environment. The standard also addresses various topics such as waste management, use of harmful substances, energy consumption, and transportation.
“The Environmental Management Standard is a tool that can guide your company or organisation in the right direction regarding environmental issues. The company is given various various tools that enable the company to make informed decisions and work purposefully towards reducing its environmental impact. By adhering to the standard, companies are more likely to achieve their goals,” says Kasper Hillgaard Mühlbach, Chief Consultant at Danish Standards.
Keeping up to date with legislation
Nowocoat expresses its ambitions regarding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through specific environmental and quality objectives, which, in 2021, included developing a unique and approved algaecide to replace products that Nowocoat believes are illegal to use in the market.
Nowocoat was certified to ISO 14001 in 2015, and it took more than a year to integrate the necessary new routines, processes, and workflows—but the effort has paid off.
“Environmental management ensures that we are environmentally responsible towards our communities, customers, employees, and suppliers. At the same time, the standard secures long-term responsible and economic growth”.
The certification also provides Nowocoat with a benchmark for environmental legislation and trends.
“ISO 14001 is a highly dynamic tool because legislation is constantly changing. It can be quite complex as it encompasses employees, products, production, and the local area,” says the Director.
At Danish Standards, Kasper Hillgaard Mühlbach confirms this view.
“We are witnessing an increase in the complexity of environmental legislation, making it increasingly difficult for companies to stay abreast of the latest legal developments. In this respect, the standard is a helpful tool for implementing processes that simplify this task,” he says.
Customers demand environmental management
At Nowocoat, environmental management is divided into four key areas: The factory itself, including employees, safety, and resource consumption; products that will form part of other manufacturers’ products; products that fulfil a functional purpose—such as roof paint that absorbs less sunlight; and advisory services for other companies.
New look – same high quality
Get inspired with our new marketing materials
Environmental management can ensure active climate action and sharpen your business strategy
Waterland and Nowocoat partner to accelerate growth
As the first Danish paint and varnish company, Nowocoat has achieved international certification
Danish firm Nowocoat is continuing its growth
“We no longer need to consult the manual because what we do is what the standard dictates. However, we constantly assess whether our processes and workflows need adjusting,” says Ole Enevold Jensen.
He notes that Nowocoat’s customers expect the company to have environmental management certification or another measurable tool in place.
“We’ve acquired five companies over recent years, and the prerequisite for our acquisitions was that they had environmental certification,’ he emphasises.
According to Kasper Hillgaard Mühlbach, the standard is crucial for companies wanting to introduce a culture of environmental responsibility.
“It’s a seal of approval for the company’s environmental efforts, and it carries branding value. Certification demonstrates to the outside world that the company is actively working to reduce its environmental impact, and that the data supporting this is valid”.
Ole Enevold Jensen is also confident that environmental management positively impacts Nowocoat’s bottom line.
“I like that we have to document everything, including any accidents. It encourages employees to think the process through, and we can then ensure that proper follow-up has occurred. When you add it all up, I’m convinced there is financial value in environmental management, as it helps us avoid repeating the same mistakes,” he says.
Working with environmental management has also meant that the company has avoided any wastewater discharges requiring the involvement of authorities.
A better competitive advantage
Kasper Hillgaard Mühlbach recommends that companies looking to introduce environmental management not only map out the financial benefits they could achieve but also consider the expectations customers and partners will have over the next five years.
“Companies need to consider what they can do to make themselves more attractive to customers, partners, and future employees. The environment plays a significant role here. Developing greener products provides better market and competitive advantages, and it becomes easier to attract tomorrow’s talents when you have concrete evidence that your company cares about the environment,” Kasper Hillgaard Mühlbach points out.
He adds:
“Many people talk about green transitions, and with ISO 14001, you gain a tool that allows you to actively execute your strategy in this area. It’s a systematic approach that enables companies to continuously mature their leadership approach.”
Facts
With an environmental management standard, companies and organisations gain an effective tool that can reduce significant environmental impacts and foster credibility around their environmental efforts. The standard also provides financial benefits and can be used to document these efforts to external stakeholders.
In addition to ISO 14001, which defines the requirements for environmental management and forms the basis for certification, Danish Standards offers several other standards to support companies in implementing and improving their environmental management, including ISO 14004, which offers guidance on implementing environmental management within a company.
Companies can choose whether to follow the ISO 14001 requirements or pursue certification.
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