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Audio Visual pioneers get the environmental seal of approval

International Audio-Visual Company Electrosonic Ltd is beginning its second year of registration by certification body NQA, to international environmental standard ISO 14001.

Founded in the UK in 1964, Electrosonic is a privately owned organisation with a long established history in audio-visual, mixed media and video display engineering. 

Electrosonic recognises that its three main operations, ‘Products’, network orientated AV products, ‘Systems’, large scale AV systems for major applications and ‘Service’, maintenance and operation of complex AV systems, business activities and products have an impact on the environment.

Robert Webb, Electrosonic Quality, Health & Safety and Environment Manager explains, “As an organisation we continually assess the environmental impact of our operations and include environmental considerations in all investment decisions.  We therefore decided to go for ISO 14001 certification.”

Electrosonic’s relationship with NQA started with its registration to quality management standard ISO 9001 in 1995.  Robert comments, “NQA have always provided us with the necessary support, tools and techniques.  The auditing team are professional, understand our business operations and the culture of the organisation.  NQA have helped us in achieving our business aspirations, getting it right first time.

“In the same way that we use ISO 9001 as the basis for maintaining good operational practice, ISO 14001 has provided us with a formal framework to ensure we achieve best practice in all respects relating to the environment.  We are committed to continued environmental performance and always endeavour to meet and where possible, exceed the requirements of relevant legislation.”

In order to implement Electrosonic’s environmental management system, many different activities were undertaken, all of them designed to improve sustainability.  Most importantly, such activities have helped to make all employees more aware of sustainability:

• Employees are encouraged to cycle to work
• Special attention is paid to reducing paper usage and ensuring effective recycling
• A dedicated recycling area that provides segregation, containment and control has been     created.

To conform to the WEEE Directive, Electrosonic also return any unwanted or obsolete electrical products and arrange the most appropriate method of recycling or disposal.  From November 2008 Electrosonic began a zero to landfill policy whereby residual waste that cannot be recycled is sent to a facility where the waste is converted into energy.

Significant investment has also gone into the organisation’s head quarters, improving the working environment and reducing energy usage:

• Electrosonic’s offices are fitted with occupancy detectors to ensure that the lights go out when the rooms are empty.
• Following a ‘Green Fleet’ review by the Energy Saving Trust, 12 hybrid vehicles were purchased for the use of Electrosonic service staff.  The vehicles have smaller engines and convert some of their energy into electric power to aid acceleration.
• Electrosonic also promote sustainability by working with others of like mind and suppliers are expected to have environmental policies in place.

Having completed a Diploma in Safety Management Robert is currently leading the Electrosonic team in implementing health and safety management system OHSAS 18001.  Robert comments, “We look forward to continuing our work with NQA to implement health and safety management system OHSAS 18001, whilst maintaining and continually improving our existing management systems, adopting an integrated approach.”

For further information about ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and integrated management systems certification visit www.nqa.com

Published 12/02/2010

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