13 Nov 2023
Complying with laws and regulations
Certification for sustainability is much more than a compulsory number
There is a topic that is currently spearheaded by almost every company in the Netherlands: sustainability. Customers of companies in almost all industries are asking for it. But more and more companies also have to comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) laws and regulations. None of this seems easy, but certification can certainly help. At least, if and when you see the opportunities.
No advice, but insight
"Of course, as a certifier, we can never and should never act as a consultant and start handing out well-meaning advice,’ Werkmeester clearly states. ‘But what we are very good at is providing an overview and insight."
Especially in the field of sustainability, there is still an awful lot for companies to improve. And certification can very well help with that, says Werkmeester. "With our CO2 performance ladder, for instance, companies can perfectly see where they stand in terms of sustainability. Not only within their own company, but also in cooperation with other parties in the chain." Climbing the CO2 performance ladder is not only convenient and necessary to provide insight into the results of sustainability policies. It also provides direct insight into sustainability towards potential customers and can therefore make a big difference when awarding certain contracts. Because here, too, sustainability is very often central.
Proper certification is only possible if you stand alongside the customer
Normec's certification branch has been active in the sector for more than 20 years, which has accumulated a huge amount of knowledge and experience. ‘Once again, we are really not consultants in disguise, but neither do we stand at a distance testing the conditions and rules,’ Werkmeester emphasises. ‘We really stand alongside our clients. The assessment is the assessment, but the way we do it is so that the customer also benefits from it.’ When it comes to sustainability, Normec offers the comprehensive ISO 14001 certificate in addition to all the specific certificates. This certificate allows companies to show that they comply with all environmental laws and regulations. And it also offers real added value in the operations of many companies, explains Werkmeester. "One of the requirements of this certificate is to set up an environmental management system. This often makes companies immediately aware of the impact of their business processes on the environment. You then map them out and define actions to control the environmental aspects. So this is a certification that can truly help companies in implementation to control and further develop the sustainability of their organisation and operations."
Fast, simple and clear
Although certification is sometimes still associated with a somewhat ‘dusty’ image, Werkmeester believes this is far from the reality. “We certainly have a rigorous approach to testing, but at the same time, we provide direct insights that our clients often hadn’t considered themselves. Without adopting an overly authoritative stance, of course.”
Throughout the entire process, from request to execution, Normec strives to offer maximum convenience and transparency. “We send quotations to customers within a day, and we also aim to make the certification process as straightforward as possible. Clients can always view and track their certification in our system, ensuring an open and transparent approach. That transparency is precisely the foundation for building trust, achieving results, and truly enjoying collaboration.”
More about Normec Certification
Normec Certification
Geldermalsen Netherlands