Environmental Certifications for companies: Benefits and requirements

Nowadays, concern for the environment has permeated all sectors, and the business world is no exception. Companies are implementing strategies to reduce their environmental impact, and environmental certifications have become a key tool to validate these efforts and communicate their commitment to sustainability.

Obtaining a certification not only involves complying with regulations but also offers several benefits that contribute to a company’s reputation and long-term success.

Types of Environmental Certifications

What Are Environmental Certifications?

Environmental certifications are acknowledgments granted by independent entities that verify a company’s compliance with specific environmental management standards. They serve as a seal of assurance, demonstrating the company’s responsibility and commitment to sustainability.

These certifications cover various aspects, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to waste management and energy efficiency. Different types of certifications exist, each with its focus and specific requirements. Below are some of the most relevant ones:

EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)

EMAS is a voluntary environmental management system established by the European Union that goes beyond legal compliance. It requires companies to implement an environmental management system, conduct periodic audits, and publish an independently verified environmental statement.

This statement provides transparent information about the company’s environmental performance, including impacts and improvement goals.

ISO 14001: Environmental Management

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard that outlines the requirements for an effective environmental management system. It provides a framework for companies to control their environmental impacts, identify improvement opportunities, and comply with applicable legislation.

Obtaining ISO 14001 certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to continuous improvement and pollution prevention.

At Manglai, we specialize in the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, assisting companies in implementing robust environmental management systems and achieving these certifications. Our tools allow comprehensive emissions tracking, identification of improvement areas, and report generation that meets the standard's requirements.

Zero Waste Certification

This certification focuses on waste management and promotes the circular economy. It recognizes companies that implement strategies to minimize waste generation, maximize reuse and recycling, and valorize waste as resources.

Obtaining this certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting a more sustainable production and consumption model.

How to obtain an Environmental Certification

The path to certification requires planning and effort. While each certification has its specific requirements, some general steps are common across all certifications:

1. Conduct an Initial Audit: Identify the company’s environmental aspects and its level of compliance with regulations.
2. Implement an Environmental Management System: Establish policies, procedures, and controls to manage environmental impacts.
3. Certification Audit: Engage an accredited entity to verify compliance with the standard’s requirements.
4. Obtain and Maintain Certification: Conduct periodic audits and continuously improve the environmental management system.

Seeking expert guidance is essential to ensure success in the certification process. At Manglai, we provide comprehensive support to companies, from diagnosis to achieving and maintaining certification. Our tools simplify data collection and analysis, identify improvement areas, and generate reports compliant with various standards.

Benefits of Environmental Certifications

1. Legal compliance

Certifications help companies meet current environmental legislation, avoiding penalties and improving their image with authorities.

2. Access to new markets

More and more clients and consumers demand products and services from companies committed to sustainability. Certifications serve as a differentiator, opening doors to new markets and business opportunities.

At Manglai, we help you communicate your environmental commitment through a personalized website showcasing your certifications and sustainability achievements.

3. Operational efficiency

Implementing an environmental management system leads to process optimization, reduced resource consumption, and minimized waste, resulting in greater efficiency and cost savings.

Our data analysis tools and personalized recommendations help identify improvement opportunities and optimize operations to reduce your environmental impact.

4. Enhanced corporate reputation

Certifications demonstrate a company’s commitment to sustainability, improving its image among society, investors, and stakeholders.

With Manglai, you can generate awareness reports for employees and stakeholders, fostering a culture of sustainability within and outside the company.

Conclusion

Environmental certifications are a strategic investment for companies seeking to be more competitive, responsible, and sustainable. At Manglai, we provide our expertise and technology to guide you through this journey successfully.

Our solutions, based on the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, enable you to measure, act, report, and certify your environmental performance, contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.