Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) News
Printer Friendly VersionSwRI progresses in ISO 14001 environmental certifications
San Antonio -- April 24, 2003 -- Two divisions and several service groups within Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) recently earned certification to ISO 14001, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. The certification is granted to organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Automotive Products and Emissions Research Division, the Engine and Vehicle Research Division and four SwRI service groups were certified to meet the stringent ISO environmental management requirements. In addition to extensive planning, record-keeping and employee training, efforts include reducing consumption of electricity, natural gas and water. They also involve minimizing the use of white paper, aluminum cans and other solid wastes and recycling when possible.
The NSF International Strategic Registrations Ltd. (NSF-ISR) audited the SwRI divisions and service groups and issued the certification. The NSF-ISR carries more than 50 years of auditing and certification experience.
Institute groups certified to ISO 14001 provide extensive services to the automotive industry. Major automotive manufacturers, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors, are requiring their suppliers to be certified to the environmental standard. Ford Motor Company has designated the Institute as a Tier 1 product development engineering services provider and has awarded SwRI its Q1-2000 award.
The four service groups - the Institute Safety Office, Buildings and Grounds, Facilities Engineering and Inventory Control - provide environmentally related services to the two divisions working with the automotive industry and are included in the manufacturer requirements.
"Overall, the Institute is following most of the ISO 14001 requirements already and will continue to do so," said Dr. Amos E. Holt, vice president, Institute Quality Systems. "As opportunities arise, other divisions and appropriate service groups will seek the formal third-party certification to ISO 14001."
For more information, visit SwRI's web site at www.swri.org/EMS/ISO14001.htm.
