FDBusiness.com

Harrogate Water has joined the elite of the most ambitious and environmentally committed companies across the world. The awarding of the international standard ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management marks another major milestone for the business in 2018 following the historic switch to using more than 50 per cent recycled content in its PET bottles in June. 

It follows 14 months of work by the company’s quality team, ensuring environmental systems and practices meet or surpass rigorous international standards. As part of the programme, every member of staff has undergone environmental awareness training.

In awarding the standard, auditor Richard Walsh of certification agency NQA, said: “I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending a very well-deserved certification, ISO14001:2015, to the company. This clearly reflects the manner in which Harrogate Water cares for the environment in both its products and immediate surroundings.”

CEO James Cain said: “This is a massive achievement that underlines our commitment to greener environmental solutions. We operate from one of the world’s most environmentally efficient bottling plants, a centre of excellence and a showcase for the bottled water sector.

“The ISO certification recognises and validates our environmental credentials with current and future customers. The accolade reflects the work and passion, not only of our quality team, which has led the project, but of every individual within the company. We have all been involved and can all take pride in setting the environmental bar so high.

“Effective environmental management has a significant influence on our performance and efficiency, helping us to reduce waste and drive down costs, as well as improving our overall environmental record.”

The company’s recent switch to using more than 50 per cent recycled content in PET bottles will result in a reduction of 1,250 tonnes in greenhouse emissions in a full year.

Harrogate Water compliance manager Alan Sandel, who led the project, said: “Certification provides assurance that our environmental performance is of the highest standard and, through continued assessment, we will manage our environmental obligations and responsibilities consistently and effectively in line with legal requirements.”

Certification agency NQA is officially accredited by UKAS, the UK’s National Accreditation Body, responsible for determining the technical competence and integrity of organisations providing certification services.

CAPTION:
The Harrogate Water Quality team (left to right): Chris Gray, Alan Sandel and Martin Turnbull.