Inland and Coastal receives environmental management certification
Inland and Coastal Marina Systems has been awarded with ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognised standard for organisations that meet the strict requirements for their Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
The company, based at its Banagher headquarters in Ireland, embarked on the journey toward compliance in early 2024. Within just one year, its dedicated team worked diligently to align internal processes and practices, securing certification and underscoring the effectiveness of its existing management systems.
ISO 14001 provides a structured framework that helps organisations design, implement and continuously enhance their EMS. It emphasises proactive measures to reduce environmental impact, ensure compliance with legal requirements and meet specific environmental goals.
The framework covers a broad range of environmental considerations, including resource usage, waste management, performance monitoring and stakeholder engagement, all of which are integral to an organisation’s commitment to sustainability.
Inland and Coastal has been certified for its Quality Management (ISO 9001) since 2014 and for its Health & Safety (ISO 45001) since 2019, spearheaded by Shannon McDermott, Inland and Coastal’s quality and health and safety manager, whose knowledge, dedication and support has proved invaluable throughout.
Floriane Catillon, sustainability manager at Inland and Coastal, says: “The ISO 14001 didn’t require us to make tremendous changes as many of our current practices already align with international standards. That said, any management system comes with its challenges and the biggest one, I believe, is to get everyone engaged, which requires every department to be involved.
“When it comes to health and safety it literally implicates everyone, and most of the time can be associated with serious injuries if not applied. When it involves the environment, sadly it is up to everyone’s own beliefs, and I think that it is the biggest hurdle for many businesses. The biggest challenge, and one which remains an ongoing journey, is engaging people and encouraging their commitment to the sustainability cause and certification.”
After working alongside consultant firm Antaris through the process, Inland and Coastal was ready to take the next step to engage certification body SGS – who assigned an auditor to ensure the company was meeting all the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
As a result, Inland and Coastal has now successfully implemented a wealth of practices to improve its environmental impact. These include a more efficient method of segregating waste, greater awareness of hazardous substances and associated risks, and innovative methods for reducing and reusing the water system in its production facility.
It has also created a biodiversity-friendly garden space encouraging pollinator species to flourish in accordance with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) and recently installed photovoltaic solar panels and EV charging points at the site.
“This accomplishment is the result of the dedication and hard work done over the last year,” adds Catillon. “It demonstrates that our processes are aligned with internationally recognised best practices for managing environmental impacts, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. This achievement is a significant milestone for us, and it highlights the continuous efforts of every team member to integrate environmental practices into our daily tasks.”
“Securing ISO 14001 certification is a fantastic achievement that enhances our reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking company,” says Ollie Shortall, managing director at Inland and Coastal. “This certification not only provides peace of mind to our clients but also demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest environmental standards.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in making this possible. Their efforts ensure we continue to lead by example in sustainable practices, and this milestone is a testament to their passion and perseverance.”
Inland and Coastal is renowned for designing and manufacturing a wide range of bespoke water access solutions; from watersports pontoons and superyacht marinas to heavy duty crew transfer vessel berths.
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