Havwoods Achieves ISO14001: Their Commitment to Sustainability & Environmental Leadership
When we heard that Havwoods, a leader in wood surface design for nearly 50 years, had achieved the prestigious ISO14001 certification, we wanted to dig deeper. Rather than just announcing the accreditation, we sought to understand the drive, strategic planning, and infrastructure behind Havwoods’ commitment to sustainability. We sat down with Paul McManus, Head of Global Product Compliance at Havwoods, to explore what this milestone means for the company and its environmental goals.
Key takeaways from our interview with Paul reveal Havwoods’ proactive approach to environmental management through ISO14001, its commitment to engaging employees in sustainability goals, and its dedication to continuous improvement across all operations. View Havwoods Sustainability Brochure here.
Paul McManus, Head of Global Product Compliance at Havwoods
Congratulations on achieving ISO14001 certification! Can you start by telling us why this accreditation is significant for Havwoods and how it aligns with your overall business goals?
Thank you! We’re thrilled to have achieved ISO14001 certification which reinforces our commitment to sustainability. ISO14001 helps us minimise the environmental impact of our operations. It ensures that our processes are not only compliant with regulatory standards but also proactively aim to reduce our energy usage and waste production, and ultimately our carbon footprint. This achievement highlights our dedication to sustainability, innovation and quality, solidifying our position as a leader in the wood surfaces industry.
ISO14001 focuses on the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS). Could you provide some details on the specific EMS initiatives Havwoods has put in place to meet the requirements of this certification?
Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) has truly sharpened our focus on reducing our environmental impact at Havwoods. Here are some of the key initiatives we’ve introduced to meet certification requirements:
- Waste Reduction Programme: we launched initiatives that emphasize recycling and efficient material usage, ensuring our waste is diverted away from landfills.
- Energy Reduction Programme: by switching to LED sensor lighting and using energy from renewable sources, we’ve significantly reduced our energy consumption.
- Carbon Footprint Tracking: this allows us to set and achieve emission reduction targets effectively.
These efforts are part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Havwoods conducted numerous ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) surveys with staff in different regions. How did these surveys help shape your approach to environmental performance, and were there any surprising insights that influenced your strategy?
These surveys have been invaluable and providing us with a clear snapshot of our perceived ESG performance. By conducting them regularly, we can pinpoint areas for improvement and align our strategies with staff expectations.
One notable finding was the high level of engagement and interest from staff across all regions regarding Havwoods’ performance against environmental KPIs. This strong demand for more transparent communication about our environmental initiatives and progress led us to publish our first ever Sustainability Brochure.
Overall, these surveys have been crucial in shaping our environmental strategy, ensuring it is both comprehensive and responsive to the needs and values of our workforce.
In terms of sustainability, what are the key environmental challenges Havwoods faces, and how does your ISO14001 certification help address these issues, particularly in areas like waste management and resource efficiency?
Havwoods faces key environmental challenges including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ensuring sustainable sourcing, particularly in line with our FSC and PEFC certifications. ISO14001 certification plays a crucial role in tackling these challenges by improving our waste management systems and increasing resource efficiency. It enables us to minimize waste, optimise material usage, and enhance energy efficiency across our operations, directly supporting our efforts to lower emissions and maintain responsible sourcing standards throughout our supply chain.
The ISO14001 standard requires continuous improvement. Can you tell us about some of the ongoing or future initiatives you’ve planned to further reduce your environmental impact, and what specific sustainability targets you are working towards?
As part of ISO14001’s commitment to continuous improvement, Havwoods is actively calculating our carbon footprint and implementing a comprehensive carbon reduction plan. We’ve expanded our waste reduction and recycling efforts by introducing sample recycling bins in all of our showrooms, allowing customers to return used samples for reuse rather than disposal. Additionally, we are focused on further reducing energy consumption through greater use of renewable energy and energy-efficient systems. Our sustainability targets include lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving resource efficiency, and upholding our FSC and PEFC certifications to ensure responsible sourcing.
How does your ISO 14001 certification support compliance with environmental regulations, and what governance practices has Havwoods adopted to ensure that these standards are maintained long-term?
ISO14001 certification ensures compliance with environmental regulations, including UK Timber Regulation (UKTR), alongside our commitments to FSC and PEFC certification standards. The certification framework enables us to monitor legal requirements across responsible sourcing, waste management, and carbon emissions.
We’ve adopted rigorous governance practices, including regular internal audits, detailed supply chain traceability, and sustainability-focused staff training. Our sustainability team ensures that these standards are continuously met, aligning with both ISO14001 requirements and broader regulatory frameworks to maintain responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
What does this accreditation mean for your customers? How do you expect ISO14001 to impact the way they perceive Havwoods, and are there any tangible benefits they can expect from your enhanced focus on sustainability?
Achieving ISO14001 certification underscores Havwoods dedication to sustainability, giving our customers the assurance that environmental responsibility is at the core of everything we do. Havwoods’ customers can expect products that are responsibly sourced, with waste reduction and energy efficiency integrated into our processes. Our emphasis on sustainability, highlighted with certifications like our Havseal traffic light system for product sustainability, enhances the transparency of our products. This commitment ensures environmentally friendly solutions whilst maintaining the famous Havwoods quality.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the commercial interiors sector. How does Havwoods’ commitment to ISO14001 position your company as a leader in environmental responsibility within this industry, and what message would you like to share with other companies looking to improve their own environmental practices?
As sustainability gains global importance in the face of the climate emergency, Havwoods’ ISO14001 certification demonstrates our proactive approach to improving the environmental impact of our own operations. Our commitment to sustainability is not only a commercial advantage but also the right thing to do for the planet. If every company adopted similar environmental practices, we could make a significant collective impact. We urge others to join us in this effort, share best practices, and collaborate towards making a substantial difference for a more sustainable future.
Find Havwoods on Supplier Finder
Supplier Finder is the UK’s only search platform for accredited suppliers of commercial interior furnishings.
At Supplier Finder, our mission is simple: to help you find the perfect commercial furnishing suppliers for your interior schemes and projects. We understand the importance of having confidence in the suppliers you specify and the products that bring your designs to life. That’s why each supplier featured on our platform is accredited through Commercial Interiors UK’s rigorous membership application process. This ensures that you engage with only the best in the industry!