Cooley earns ISO environmental standard certification

Recognition for company’s commitment to sustainability and process-efficiency improvement

The Rhode Island-based Cooley Group announced in an Aug. 14 press release its receipt of the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Standard Certification.

Cooley, a geomembrane manufacturer in Pawtucket, R.I., was recognized by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) for its development of sustainable products, reduction and recycling waste, and efficient use of its energy resources, according to the release.

The release noted that “Cooley is now among an elite group of companies that hold dual ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certifications, offering its customers solutions manufactured to the highest quality and environmental standards.”

Cooley has implemented sustainability initiatives, including its G.R.E.E.N. program, which was developed to help employees engage with, and positively influence, environmental and sustainability goals. The acronym represents the program’s: Global stewardship, Reduce and Reuse resources, Environmental compliance, Eliminate waste, and No pollution, the release said. The key objectives are “to develop sustainable products, create zero landfill waste by recycling internal and external waste streams, and to reduce water, gas, and electricity consumption rates.”

The press release said that the ISO certification also comes as a result of Cooley’s history of applying sustainability principles in its manufacturing processes. At the end of last year, for example, Cooley had used almost 25 million pounds of recycled material (that would have otherwise ended up in landfills) to manufacture new products. It also reduced its gas energy consumption by 75% and its material waste generation during production by more than 70%, according to the release.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-governmental body that develops standards for business, government, and society. ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard with specific requirements for an environmental management system. ISO 14001 certification ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations governing a wide variety of environmental activities.