Leading operator Europa Worldwide Group has taken two major steps forward in its sustainability journey. The company has just achieved two globally recognised accreditations, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, across all its UK based divisions, Europa Air & Sea, Europa Warehouse and Europa Road.
These are universally acknowledged “gold” standards, demonstrating Europa’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact, and are recognised across the supply chain as a commitment to improving the sustainability of its operations.
The ISO 50001 accreditation focuses on energy management (EMS) whilst ISO 14001 concentrates specifically on environmental protection. Both accreditations are an important part of Europa’s wider efforts to improve quality and environmental management.
To achieve these quality ISO standards Europa undertook six months of vigorous work to analyse and benchmark operational activities across its 17 UK sites, including resource usage and waste management as well as monitoring environmental performance.
ISO provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance. By adhering to this standard, businesses can ensure they are taking proactive measures to minimise their environmental footprint, comply with legal requirements, and achieve environmental objectives.
Europa is making great progress on doing everything it can to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. In addition to the latest ISO accreditations, Europa has partnered with Pledge to provide Scope 3 emissions reporting as well as Microlise to optimise fleet performance.
Europa is also one of the largest (and longest standing) commercial users of Eurotunnel, which emits significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to alternatives, across its European road fleet. In addition, Europa recently announced an important new contract, which sees the introduction of HVO-100 fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil) replacing diesel on a new route.
Europa proactively purchases green energy, used from renewable sources across it Warehouse sites as well as providing rainwater harvesting and other water saving technologies.
In addition, 79 per cent of waste is recycled across its UK operational sites, with Europa’s ultimate aim to ensure that nothing goes to landfill, and items are either reused or recycled.
Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director, Europa Worldwide Group comments “Sustainability is a massive challenge for our sector, but we are pleased to have taken these major steps forward, which demonstrates our progress in developing a sustainable agenda across the company.
“Europa is committed to taking positive progress for the planet and its people, these accreditations are tangible evidence to customers and suppliers of our environmental commitment.
“This is an important milestone in our sustainability journey, and we are already looking at numerous broader initiatives including eco-friendly workwear as well as further external platforms to help us achieve our long-term goals.”
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