Environmental management systems are a tool for promoting sustainable development in industry and administration. They can help reveal and rectify environmental and economic weaknesses, and are thus a potential source of significant cost reductions particularly in the longer run.

ISO 14001 certification

Our environmental efforts centre on regular monitoring of environmental data and implementing the actions derived from this. Robust environmental management systems (EMS) are essential if we are to implement our environmental policies consistently across all our operations and continue to raise our environmental standards. SW Umwelttechnik plans to install EMS at all Group production and R&D sites. They are to be based either on the EU's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) or on the international ISO 14001 standard.

Our environmental management system is based on the following principles:

• Assuring and verifying environmentally sound plant operation.
• Continuously improving environmental performance.
• Monitoring the regulatory position and ensuring legal compliance.
• Communicating regularly with public authorities.
• Minimising waste, thereby reducing waste disposal costs.
• Cutting production costs by improving efficiency and safety.
• Reducing consumption of natural resources (water and energy) and emissions.

Management is responsible for introducing and maintaining these systems, by performing the following functions:

• Formulating and implementing environmental policies.
• Monitoring attainment of environmental targets.
• Establishing the necessary organisational structures and processes.
• Delegating related tasks to competent staff.
• Periodically evaluating the effectiveness of the EMS.

Conscientious use of natural resources
Our prime concern is strengthening environmental awareness within the organisation and promoting conscientious use of natural resources. Every employee has a duty to act in an environmentally aware manner within the scope of his/her job. Empowerment and environmental awareness are promoted at all levels of the organisation.