The ISO 14001 process and requirements
Since 2011, all ECT sites have had ISO 14001 certification.
ECT's particular area is the upcycling of soil excavated from construction sites, by re-using it for environmental and non-built developments. ECT has a proactive approach towards improving derelict or ecologically damaged sites.
Our projects are developed with an eye to what the regions need and want, and with the aim of creating and restoring natural environments to help promote biodiversity. We pay particular attention to the impact our work might have on the quality of life of local residents and future users.
The principle, developed by ECT, of 'circular economy' in the re-use of excavated soils favours short road miles between the sites where the soil is excavated and the ECT development sites where it is re-used.
Designed in collaboration with communities and local and public authorities, these land-use developments make a positive environmental and social contribution to the region. Our ISO 14001 environmental management system has been certified since 2011. From 2021, our approach to biodiversity follows the methodology of French national standard NF X32-001. We take care to comply with the commitments made to our stakeholders, and we take on new obligations, in particular when it comes to receiving soil that is not legally defined as 'waste'.
Our work is also about achieving various strategic priorities; and we have clear environmental objectives. This approach is inseparable from a commitment to ongoing improvement with the aim of optimising our environmental performance. Our operational success rests on the commitment of the business's entire workforce, and it requires the active involvement of all our managers and staff.
Our ISO 14001 approach includes the business's 'value chain' processes
This ISO 14001 approach involves all our stakeholders. The environmental management system under the ISO 14001 standard is relevant to the day-to-day activities of our staff and the way they do their jobs:
- The way we design our development projects
- Traceability, receiving the soil required for the project and putting it to use
- Completing the facilities and landscaping
- Handover of the development, making it a sustainable part of the region
The 2021 innovations for the system of environmental management
In 2021, ECT decided to incorporate into the EMS for ISO 14001 all the activities carried out, and commitments made, by the business in favour of the environment.
- Promoting biodiversity right from the start of projects
In 2019, ECT and the association 'Humanité & Biodiversité' signed a charter of commitment to biodiversity. This commitment was further defined in 2020 with the drafting of a methodology. This makes it easy for ECT to incorporate the French voluntary environmental standard 'NF X32-001 Biodiversité' into its environmental management system.
In place since January 2021, this French standard provides a method for carrying out projects. It calls for an approach that protects biodiversity. It establishes priorities, advancing the concept of the biodiversity footprint and involving suppliers and partners.
- Measuring our environmental impact so as to manage it better
ECT conducts a very extensive process of measurement of its environmental footprint. The objective is to set up a general index of environmental quality. A dozen indicators are now part of our ISO 14001 criteria.
