MEMBER NEWS: The Benefits of ISO 14001

October 7, 2020
MEMBER NEWS: The Benefits of ISO 14001

In the move to becoming more environmentally friendly and achieving a net zero economy, organisations should be considering how they can make their own processes more environmentally efficient.  Improved environmental performance extends throughout the supply chain and is something organisations trying to break into supporting larger renewable energy projects should focus on.  A proven way of improving environmental performance and reducing negative impacts on the environment is to have in place an Environmental Management System such as ISO 14001.

The benefits of ISO 14001 are well known across various industries, but nowhere should they be more obvious than in the renewables and energy industries. ISO 14001 provides a platform for organisations to consider their use of resources and become more resource efficient. It also encourages organisations to consider how the actions or inactions of the organisation can impact on the environment.

Organisations throughout the supply chain need to operate efficiently as well as protect the environment, as every part and process of the production, installation and maintenance of renewable energy will influence the overall environmental impact of the project.  The successful implementation of ISO 14001 will give the organisations in the supply chain the tools to identify and control the emissions of the organisation.

The benefits of ISO 14001 are not only limited to positive environmental change, the successful implementation of an ISO 14001 can result in improved cost control and upturn in business.

Organisations that have identified and appropriately controlled their processes which affect the environment, are less likely to have environmental incidents, leading to fewer fines from enforcing authorities, and potentially, even reduced insurance premiums.

Businesses which have successfully implemented an ISO 14001 system, are also likely to enjoy easier tendering processes.  ISO 14001 is globally recognised as a leading management system for the control of environmental issues, as such any customer will be able to identify the organisation that is environmentally conscientious.  Even if ISO 14001 is not listed as a pre-requisite for the tendering process, businesses with ISO 14001 may stand out from the crowd.

Any organisation wanting to see positive environmental change and contribute to the renewable energy industries, really must consider its own environmental impact, and ISO 14001 can deliver the tools to make that positive transformation.

Angela Scott, Director – Consultancy & Advice, QHSE Aberdeen

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AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise