| AMAG Technology, a leading manufacturer of security management systems for the commercial and government markets, exceeded its ISO14001 goals for 2009 by reducing its paper purchases and electricity usage by 2.5% from January to June 2009.
AMAG obtained its original ISO14001 Standard certification in July 2008 and met its first six month goal. In January, a goal was set to reduce paper purchases and reduce electricity usage a further 2.5%, and with the help of the entire company that goal was also met. The ISO14001 Standard is an internationally accepted measurement for environmental management systems.
How they did it
AMAG established the Green Team, which consists of a group of individuals from different departments. Following the requirements of the ISO14001 Standard, the Green Team determined its own Environment Management System objectives and analyzed how to reduce its environmental footprint. If the company worked together, and each department did their part, AMAG could reduce its waste, save money on paper and paper products and significantly reduce its landfill contributions.
The Green Team examined each department to see how much electronic waste (e-waste), paper waste, and electricity waste was produced and how recycling in each department would impact the landfill. If it was significant, the team formed an action plan to reduce and dispose of those three materials in a proper manner. For example, the technical support department used a lot of electricity (several computers remained on around the clock), paper goods and generated electronic waste (circuit boards from products and computer circuit boards). The warehouse generated electronic waste from product returns, and received a large amount of paper packaging materials from shipments.
The Green Team scheduled training for the company to educate employees on how they can do their part to reduce AMAG’s environmental footprint. Training classes occur once a year, and a monthly newsletter is distributed with tips and reminders.
A company policy has been written that explains how everyone is responsible and has the authority to follow AMAG’s Green initiatives. Every employee signed a pledge card committing to do their part.
Recycling bins have been set up so employees can properly dispose of paper, aluminum cans and glass. All employees must shut down computers before leaving for the night. Electronic waste is disposed of in a specified container and removed periodically. Mugs have been distributed to decrease the use of paper cups. The warehouse reuses packing materials.
“AMAG Technology continues to reduce its environmental footprint by exceeding each of its environmental management goals set by the Green Team,” said AMAG’s Director of Operations, Jeanne Imbrogno. “Every individual works to reduce the company’s impact, and it’s not only helping the environment, but it’s impacting AMAG’s bottom line.”
Customers are demanding more environmentally responsible products and services of their suppliers. To stay competitive, organizations increasingly need a sound Environmental Management System to meet legislative requirements and exceed customers’ expectations. ISO14001 provides a proven framework for identifying and tracking regulatory compliance issues. AMAG’s Green Team identified aspects (hazards) and impacts (risks) and established a system to manage them.
In addition to being ISO14001 certified, AMAG products are compliant to the ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.
For more information about AMAG Technology’s Symmetry Product Portfolio, visit www.amag.com or contact Customer Service at 800-889-9138.
About AMAG Technology
AMAG Technology’s Symmetry Security Management and Video Solutions can be found in a wide spectrum of markets: government, commercial, education, transportation, healthcare, utilities and banking. Based out of Torrance, California with sales and support located throughout the US, AMAG sells its Symmetry Product Portfolio of access control and network video systems through its Symmetry Authorized Resellers throughout North America. AMAG Technology is part of Group 4 Technology, a leading manufacturer of scalable, integrated security management systems headquartered in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England. AMAG Technology has been at the leading edge of access control technology for over 30 years. |