The Parkside Group Limited, incorporating Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, Alu-Timber, Axim and Duco, is delighted to announce it has been awarded the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard by BSI.
The Parkside Group Limited provides a unique opportunity for specifiers and fabricators to rely on a single source for architectural aluminium systems, aluminium and timber composite systems, hardware and ventilation control products.
The ISO 14001 standard is accepted internationally and accredits The Parkside Group Limited (TPGL) as having an effective environmental management system in place within its business. This International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard is designed to address the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact; and is achieved with the commitment of the company as a whole.
The concept of an environmental management system, evolved in the early nineties and its origin can be traced back to 1972, when the United Nations organised a Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, it was here the United Nations Environment Programme was launched. In 1992, the first Earth Summit was held in Rio-de-Janeiro which served to generate a global commitment to the environment and subsequently to the development, by the ISO, of the ISO 14000 series in 1996. This is represented by various committees worldwide.
The construction industry and the use of building materials in these projects is a carbon intensive process. By using responsible sourcing, certified to ISO 14001, the industry is actively committed to reducing its carbon footprint, a key government target.
Throughout the supply chain it is imperative that sourcing and operations commit to responsible practices, mandating that companies with which they do business have ISO 14001 certification. This award shows TPGL’s commitment to the active pursuit of an effective environmental management system and commitment to its supply partners.
For TPGL it was important to meet this standard as environmental impact is becoming an increasingly important issue across the globe, with pressure to minimise the impact coming from a number of sources: local and national governments, regulators, trade associations, customers, employees and key stakeholders.
The ISO 14001 benefits the business by certifying that TPGL meets environmental management system requirements and has been assessed by a third party, BSI, confirming they have assessed the business and it meets the requirements set out in the Standard.
The certification to ISO 14001 demonstrates TPGL's commitment as a business to achieving legal and regulatory compliance to regulators and government. The company can now prove and demonstrate that as a business it honours its environmental commitment to its customers and stakeholders. TPGL demonstrates an innovative and forward thinking approach to both its existing and prospective customers, stakeholders and employees. This is vital in an ever competitive business arena and will assist TPGL to increase access to new customers and business partners by ensuring it manages its environmental risks, now and in the future and by enhancing its reputation.
Implementing a management system of any kind is a significant undertaking for any business. After initially researching the standard, TPGL introduced a strategy to ensure it could meet the requirements. TPGL developed an environmental policy which stated its commitment to compliance with legal and regulatory demands, continual improvement and the prevention of pollution. This policy was made available to customers and employees.
Once TPGL agreed its strategy it was paramount to obtain understanding and commitment across all levels within the business to ensure it met the criteria. After an initial assessment TPGL then had to implement the strategy in preparation for the two stage assessment process which would follow and included a document review, and site visits. Having achieved the required elements and being successful in the final assessment TPGL was issued, by BSi, with its ISO 14001 certificate, which is valid for 3 years.
TPGL expects to maintain its relationship with the BSi assessor who will continue to visit during this time to ensure TPGL remains compliant and to support and assist with the company's commitment to continually improve its systems.
For further information please contact the Marketing Department on (020) 8685 9685, email projects@parksidegrp.co.uk or visit www.parksidegrp.co.uk