Cattani achieves ISO 14001 certification

Cattani Australia has received certification to ISO 14001:2004 for their environmental management system, covering Cattani Australia's importation and distribution, repair and technical support. Cattani first implemented an EMS in 2012 and shortly after decided to gain certification for the system, which occurred in October last year, following a 2-day audit (further audits annually ensure the system continues to meet requirements).

Some of the key objectives of ISO 14001 are the prevention of pollution, protection of the environment and compliance to all legal requirements. At a systemic level, this includes understanding and documenting environmental aspects (how the company interacts with the environment) and impacts (what changes are made to the environment as a result of an aspect) and then implementing controls and objectives around those.

Other requirements of the standard include internal auditing of processes and procedures, emergency preparedness, communication of responsibilities and authorities. The standard also calls for continual improvement, which Cattani are now using as a driver to improve their environmental performance year-in, year-out.

In establishing the system, an environmental committee of four team members form different areas of the business was established and an environmental manager appointed. A system to record consumption of resources has been implemented and Cattani uses this tool to set and track progress against reduction objectives and includes everything from fuel and water to stationery and waste streams. Cattani has for several years been using 100% Green Power, but now has plans to install solar panels to provide their total power requirements.

Although their system is still in its infancy, Cattani believes that developing and now evolving their environmental management system (along with their quality and safety systems) has increased company performance in several areas, even reducing costs. Anyone interested in implementing an environmental management system is welcome to contact Cattani, who are more than happy to share their story (including the challenges and how they were overcome) and resources they have used and developed.