The Task
Hewlett-Packard (HP), the world’s largest IT company, has operated in Ireland at its Leixlip facility for approximately 20 years and has been consistently committed to a sustainable environment. For example, HP was one of the first manufacturers in Ireland to introduce PCs that can ‘power down’ when not in use, earning the company the respected Energy Star Label. As part of its commitment to environmental improvement and sustainable development HP Ireland decided to implement a formal environmental management system (EMS) in order to achieve ISO 14001 certification, the international environmental management system. HP decided to engage Antaris to help implement this system.
Action Taken
We conducted an initial environmental review to assess the company’s existing EMS, identify any gaps against the requirements of the standard and provide a basis for the new documented system. We also assisted the company in identifying and evaluating (the identification and evaluation of) environmental aspects and helped it to understand its legal environmental obligations using Antaris’ software Pegasus Legal Register. Legal compliance requirements and obligations were linked to the company’s improvement programme. We developed an Environmental management system manual and an Environmental procedures manual, including references to all documents and records required by the standard. The environmental management system was further documented based on existing materials where possible, including the Environmental policy, Corporate standards, Emergency plans and procedures.
The Results
Shortly after HP implemented the new environmental management system it received ISO 14001 certification. The system has now been operating for some years and continues to deliver environmental improvements to the company. Antaris continue to provide support when required, including, for example, periodic independent assessment of compliance with environmental legislation. ‘‘We have been using the services of Antaris for many years and have found them to be professional, competent and totally customer focused.’’
Ping Lee, EHS Program Manager, Hewlett-Packard
