The latest SIG event for Hamilton / Niagara focused on Environmental Management Systems (EMS).  Jervis B. Webb in Hamilton has successfully implemented and maintains a highly effective EMS, plus they have attained ISO 14001 certification.

Joe Lekhram, Lean Manufacturing and Health & Safety Manager at Jervis B. Webb provided an intriguing presentation about their successes and challenges with reducing environmental impact, achieving ISO 14001 certification, and the effect on their costs.   

• What is ISO 14001 and what are the requirements of the standard
• Jervis B. Webb's Environmental Aspect/Impact identification, including aspects and impacts from office activities, manufacturing processes, and products & services
• A 20 step EMS Registration Audit Cycle

The entire presentation is available for logged-in EMC Consortium members here, and the EMS Registration Audit Cycle can be viewed here.  EMC members wanting further information are welcome to contact Joe at: jlekhram@jerviswebb.com

It is noteworthy that some EMC members have effective EMS systems in place, however have yet to be required by customers to maintain environmentally friendly practices such as achieving ISO 14001 certification.  These members were encouraged to learn the ISO 14001 certification process is not as costly as they envisioned.  Members stated they had incurred consultant costs of approximately $3000 to achieve certification.

After the SIG, many members toured the manufacturing facility.  It was quite "enlightening" to witness the overhead lighting automatically turn on only when the tour progressed through to that area of the plant.

Thanks to Joe Lekhram and Andy McFarlane of Jervis B. Webb for hosting this event.  For more information on the Hamilton / Niagara and region consortium, plus local happenings please email me or call me at 289-442-0871.