Inland and Coastal Marina Systems is thrilled to announce it has been officially awarded with ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognised standard for organisations that meet the strict requirements for their Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
After deciding to go through the internal processes and works necessary for compliance in early 2024, Inland and Coastal’s team at its Banagher headquarters in Ireland worked tirelessly to achieve certification within a year, highlighting the effectiveness of its Management System already in place.
The ISO 14001 standard provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an effective EMS and continually improve their environmental performance, taking proactive measures to minimise their environmental impact, comply with legal requirements and achieve their environmental objectives.
The framework encompasses various aspects, from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments.
This addition to the ISO certifications represents a major achievement for the company in their accreditations. Inland and Coastal has been certified for its Quality Management (ISO 9001) since 2014 and for its Health & Safety (ISO 45001) since 2019, spearheaded by Shannon McDermott, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems Quality and Health and Safety Manager, whose knowledge, dedication and support has proved invaluable throughout.
The latest achievement on recently being awarded the ISO 14001 completes the company’s enduring commitment to quality, environmental management and occupational Health & Safety.
Speaking about some of the recent improvements and changes implemented by the business, Floriane Catillon, Sustainability Manager at Inland and Coastal, comments: “The ISO 14001 didn’t require us to make tremendous changes as many of our current practices already align with international standards. That said, any Management System comes with its challenges and the biggest one, I believe, is to get everyone engaged, which requires every department to be involved.
“When it comes to health and safety it literally implicates everyone, and most of the time can be associated with serious injuries if not applied. When it involves the environment, sadly it is up to everyone’s own beliefs, and I think that it is the biggest hurdle for many businesses. The biggest challenge, and one which remains an ongoing journey, is engaging people and encouraging their commitment to the sustainability cause and certification.”
After working alongside consultant firm Antaris – helping guide the team through the process – Inland and Coastal was ready to take the next step to engage certification body SGS, who assigned an auditor to ensure the company was meeting all the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
As a result, Inland and Coastal has now successfully implemented a wealth of practices to improve its environmental impact. These include a more efficient method of segregating waste, greater awareness of hazardous substances and associated risks, and innovative methods for reducing and reusing the water system in its production facility.
It has also created a biodiversity-friendly garden space encouraging pollinator species to flourish in accordance with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) and recently installed Photovoltaic solar panels and EV charging points at the site.
“This accomplishment is the result of the dedication and hard work done over the last year,” adds Catillon. “It demonstrates that our processes are aligned with internationally recognised best practices for managing environmental impacts, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. This achievement is a significant milestone for us, and it highlights the continuous efforts of every team member to integrate environmental practices into our daily tasks.”
“Securing ISO 14001 certification is a fantastic achievement that enhances our reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking company,” says Ollie Shortall, Managing Director at Inland and Coastal. “This certification not only provides peace of mind to our clients but also demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest environmental standards.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in making this possible. Their efforts ensure we continue to lead by example in sustainable practices, and this milestone is a testament to their passion and perseverance.”
Inland and Coastal is renowned for designing and manufacturing a wide range of bespoke water access solutions; from watersports pontoons and superyacht marinas to heavy-duty crew transfer vessel berths and is committed to its ongoing mission to get everyone onboard safely.
To find out more about Inland and Coastal’s pontoon ranges and unique decking options
visit https://inlandandcoastal.com or email sales@inlandandcoastal.com