A Multifaceted Commitment to the Environment

What is ISO 14001? The manufacturing world gets a pretty bad rap when it comes to negatively affecting the environment and we won’t deny that, throughout its history, the manufacturing industry has done some pretty damaging things. That being said, as a manufacturer of flexible couplings for power transmission, we are proud to be a part of the movement towards bettering our industry and ourselves, now and into the future. In fact, we are so committed to this cause, that environmental awareness has become one of our key corporate goals. We’ve been ISO 14001 certified since 2008 and continue to strive to reduce our impact. So much so, that our new office in France was constructed with the unilateral goal of preserving the environment and reducing our carbon footprint. What is ISO 14001? The ISO 1400 Environmental Management Standard series is different than most quality control standards as it focuses on the environmental management of product manufacturing instead of the product itself. Unlike many other environmental standards that require businesses to meet specific criteria, the ISO 14001 acts as a framework for which businesses can apply to their own environmental strategies. In order to become certified, each business must create its own targets and methods of measurement based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology outlined below. [Plan] - Environmental Policy: Organisations must have an environmental policy or plan that reviews the environmental impact of its current elements of operations, processes, and products. Future operations must also be considered in the policy to identify both direct (manufacturing process) and indirect (raw materials used) environmental impacts. [Do] - Communication: The environmental policy must be shared across the organisation, specifically to management to ensure compliance. [Check] - Implementation: The environmental policy must be put into action, monitored, and results must be recorded. [Act] – Evaluate and Take Action: Organisations must carry out planned management reviews (utilising the data obtained during the ‘act’ phase) to ensure the objectives of its environmental policy, and alter operations when necessary. An organisation must also demonstrate its commitment to continual improvement via expanding the aspects of its business included in the policy, improving processes, products, and resources used, and routinely upgrading the organisational framework. Our Eco-Friendly France Headquarters Our commitment to the environment goes beyond our manufacturing operations and ISO-1401 certification as demonstrated by our new Eco-Office in Lyon, France. It was important that the renovation reflected our desire to provide excellent working conditions, our dedication to the environment and our eye for innovation. As such, the eco-friendly renovation aimed to achieve the following: Positive Energy – Our Lyon office was the first positive energy renovation of a tertiary building. This means it produces more energy than it consumes through the use of thermal energy and electricity storage. Reduced Carbon Footprint: It was also important to reduce the impact of such a major renovation by sourcing eco-friendly materials, such as bio-based hemp and cork for insulation and recycled materials such as cladding made from reconstituted wood. Innovative Capabilities: Building an intelligent, connected building was also important as it not only increases the comfort of employees but can reduce our energy use. Building performances such as energy flow, autonomy, and co2 levels are displayed live and steps can be taken remotely to improve performance. High Quality of Life: Specific steps were also taken in order to provide our employees with a comfortable, healthy work environment. Ergonomic chairs, mobile desks, controlled air quality, an office garden, and recreation spaces are just a few of the additions made to ensure employees enjoy their time in the office. In sharp contrast to what some business owners may think, altering corporate policies to protect the environment have helped rather than hindered our progress – and we will continue to do everything we can to encourage others to do the same.

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