Brogan Construction chose IMSM to take them through the ISO 14001 process because of their excellent reputation for providing a total cost and solution service. According to Nicky Park, QA/Health & Safety Manager, “IMSM then demonstrated their ability to provide us with this.”
The company, which has been in business for 26 years and employs 14 personnel at its Omagh base, specialises in the permanent reinstatement of masonry and concrete bridge structures, bridge strengthening, bridge pipe and culvert replacements, general civil works and the building of residential dwellings. Business is conducted primarily within Northern Ireland, although the company is currently expanding into the south.
Nicky Park explained that their decision to pursue ISO 14001 was manifold: “We realised that environmental standards such as ISO 14001 represented a significant opportunity for our organisation to minimise our environmental impact and capitalise on greater operational efficiencies. We knew that gaining ISO 14001 would show that our organisation met environmental management standards and satisfied independent inspectors that it minimises the harmful environmental effects of its activities and continually improves its environmental performance. We also wanted ISO 14001 to act as a framework that would inspire and focus all members of our company, making them active agents of change in promoting environmental protection, resource conservation and greater efficiency.”
Brogan Construction also felt that implementing an environmental standard would provide the organisation with economic benefits such as the reduced use of raw materials and resources, lower energy consumption, improved process efficiency, reduced waste generation and disposal costs and the use of recoverable resources. Since establishing ISO 14001 they have noticed all of these benefits.
ISO14001 certification is now a requirement specified by many clients and is becoming key to the construction sector, enabling Brogan Construction to carry on tendering for major construction projects.
Nicky continued, “We feel that gaining 14001 has led to a better public perception of the organisation and a competitive advantage, resulting in improved sale opportunities. We have a better community awareness of the impact of our activities on the local residents; noise, smell, dust, vibration, etc. We have backed up our commitment to the environment and instilled confidence into our customers, trade partners, stakeholders, regulators and the local authority, in addition to demonstrating an innovative and forward thinking approach.
“IMSM has helped our business in many ways. Gaining ISO 14001 has helped us to win new business, reduce costs, boost profits and enhance competitiveness, as well as enabling us to comply with legislation and maintain excellent relationships with clients, landowners and the public. Being ISO 14001 certified provides our customers with added confidence that we are able to manage environmental risks effectively. It is something that should be considered by all contractors.”
In conclusion, Nicky said, “The service provided by IMSM has been tremendous. We have recommended them to other companies who are seeking to gain ISO 14001.”
07/01/08
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