eldoLED Awarded ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification
As of October 2022, eldoLED is ISO 14001 certified. This international standard sets out criteria for environmental management systems, mapping environmental risks so that organizations can be managed and mitigated. The scope of eldoLED’s ISO 14001 certification and the related auditing encompasses ‘Designing, configuring and distribution of intelligent drive solutions for LED based lighting systems. An independent body has tested our organizational processes aimed at sustainability. The certification is a recognition of this.
ISO 14001 is part of ISO 9001, the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). The 14001 section helps organizations minimize operations’ negative environmental affects, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other requirements, and keep improving. Progress in all areas is assessed annually.
"Working in a small group, we made sure we were compliant with all items listed in ISO 14001," says Sarah Cheikh, Facility Manager eldoLED. "It turned out that we were already compliant on many points. In some cases, we needed to take additional steps. We've set up an environmental quality system to monitor deviations and create structural change where necessary. Also, we've switched to ISO 14001/9001-certified suppliers for our most used business. Working with parties who are also ISO certified, so that everyone along the chain is using the same standard, is also important. Complying with ISO certification means taking on a big commitment. Developing a strategy isn’t enough - you really need to implement it.”
"Naturally, we find it important to develop drivers and products that are as environmentally friendly as possible," explains Rob Bremmert, Quality Engineer Development. "Today, many different parties are asking specifically for ISO 14001 certification. Architects, for example, have to precisely list CO2 emissions in construction projects, which includes lighting. As each luminaire contains an LED driver, power savings and emission reductions really add up.”
Focus of the audit
ISO 14001 looks at everything from production and supply chains to energy consumption. In preparing for the audit, special attention was paid to three themes in particular:
· Local law and regulations
· Environmental health safety and security
· eldoLED’s participation in parent company Acuity Brands’ EarthLIGHT sustainability program. This encourages every eldoLED employee to think about and act on environmental aspects in their daily work. The program sets ambitious goals for the group’s performance in terms of environmental impact, social responsibility and governance.
During the recent annual ISO audit, conducted by an external party, it became apparent that the processes used are well aligned to the company’s business and requirements.
Three powerful points stood out:
· Environment is a high priority for the company
· The organization has short lines and actions are discussed directly
· The organization has a hands-on mentality, actions are deployed immediately
The team made some interesting discoveries in preparing for the audit. For example, they discovered that drivers are often not dismantled but go straight into a shredder, which resulted in reconsidering how they are made. With the help of sales, product marketing and development, the team is determining how to make products greener. Rob: "For example, we’re looking at standby power, which is legally required to be lower than 0.5W, and radiation. We are also following the relatively new UK TM65 standard, which maps out CO2 in the production of LED drivers, from mining raw materials to manufacture and transport. By September 1, 2022, we will have a clear insight into the recyclability of our LED drivers. In addition, we are also looking into environmental scenarios, such as incidents that may arise from activities carried out in the company. Our packaging materials and logistics should also have the smallest possible impact on the environment."
eldoLED also adheres to the Red List Building Materials directive. This specifies chemicals designated as harmful to living creatures (including humans) or the environment and encourages project teams to avoid using them. Rob: “We’re 95% compliant, and are aiming higher, but it’s hard to completely avoid their use, for example in plastic cables!” Sarah: “We use very few chemicals, but proper storage during use and disposal is essential.”
“In the market, it is becoming increasingly important that products have a low impact on the environment or none at all,” Rob adds. “We have always positioned ourselves as a company that anticipates developments, and that means we need to take a leading position when it comes to the environment. The market wants to know what suppliers are doing with regard to sustainability. eldoLED wants to be at the forefront and continue to distinguish ourselves in that field. Once you have ISO 14001 certification, you have to keep monitoring and you’re never done improving – instead you just keep setting the bar higher and coming up with new solutions to overcome possible limitations. That motivates me!”
Sarah: “More and more regulations and laws are being introduced - we want to make sure we meet certain needs before they become laws. For the future, the team is looking at miniaturization, improving efficiency of our products and further greening our Son facility. This year energy consumption at the Son facility should be reduced by 10% compared to 2021. Furthermore, 1100 solar panels were placed on the roof to generate clean, renewable energy. When solar energy is not available, 100% locally sourced green wind power is used. Thanks to our solar panels and heat pumps, the plant is energy-neutral. Our third heat pump will ensure we are completely independent of gas. Plastics we use are biodegradable or recycled and by smartly combining shipments, transport planning and fuel usage is optimized.”
“I'm passionate about the environment and I think it's great that we're making that a priority and receiving support from across the company. The time and capacity to achieve the right results is available. Not every idea colleagues submit is immediately usable, but it's great to see that people are really thinking about this topic.”
By applying for ISO certification, eldoLED has made a real, lasting commitment to continuous improvement in terms of sustainability.
