Westcountry Fabrication Ltd has successfully achieved ISO 14001 certification, awarded by industry specialists the Steel Construction Certification Scheme (SCCS). This marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey and demonstrates our proactive approach to environmental responsibility.

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) (ISO.org). Like other ISO standards—such as ISO 9001—it provides a framework for continual improvement using the "Plan, Do, Check, Act" cycle.

First published in 1996, ISO 14001 was developed in response to growing global awareness of environmental issues. The standard helps organisations identify, control, and reduce the environmental impact of their operations. It states:

“The organisation shall continually improve the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the environmental management system to enhance environmental performance.”
(ISO.org)

To comply with ISO 14001, organisations must demonstrate a structured approach to managing environmental risks and responsibilities, such as climate impact, water quality, contamination, and resource use. Key requirements include:

Consideration of internal and external environmental impacts
e.g. climate change, land use, resource availability
Understanding the needs of interested parties
e.g. legal, political, and competitive contexts, as well as internal capacity
Strong leadership and commitment from top management
e.g. allocating resources for implementation and improvement
Strategic alignment of the EMS
e.g. integrating sustainability goals into the company mission
Effective communication
e.g. toolbox talks, website updates, and media outreach
A life-cycle perspective
e.g. fostering a culture of continuous environmental improvement

For additional guidance, the Supply Chain Sustainability School offers a helpful resource: ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Implementation.

What Does Certification Demonstrate?

Achieving ISO 14001 certification shows that an organisation’s EMS meets rigorous international standards. Certification by an independent UKAS-accredited body, like SCCS, lends credibility and assures stakeholders—customers, partners, and regulators—of the company’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact and complying with environmental legislation.

Why ISO 14001?

At Westcountry Fabrication Ltd, ISO 14001 was a natural next step. With over a decade of ISO 9001 compliance behind us, the EMS framework aligned well with our existing processes. When we decided to take a more proactive stance on sustainability (Cornish Times), we evaluated alternatives such as B Corp and Green Accord. While each has value, ISO 14001 stood out for its relevance, recognition in our sector, and alignment with our environmental objectives.

Steps Taken Toward Certification

To prepare for ISO 14001 certification, we have:

Invested in training and development, including:
- The Supply Chain Sustainability School
- Future Climate Leaders programme (Net-Zero Exchange, University of Plymouth)
- University of Exeter Green Futures conferences
Published our Carbon Reduction Plan and Environmental Policy
Engaged our supply chain, including participation in initiatives like the Climate Group's SteelZero
Worked with sustainability consultant Michael Lunn to integrate our EMS and QMS
Updated our mission and strategy to embed sustainability into our core values

Mission Statement:

"Steelwork: Grounded in Experience, Driven by Purpose, Built with Integrity.”
“At Westcountry Fabrication Ltd, we combine experience with purpose to deliver high-quality architectural metalwork and structural steel solutions. With integrity, sustainability, and community at our core, we are shaping a better future through responsible practices and transparent supply chain management.”

The Bigger Picture: The Future of Construction

Environmental performance is no longer optional—it is expected. Leading construction firms, such as Kier and Balfour Beatty, are founding members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, demonstrating how sustainability is embedded in their procurement processes. Balfour Beatty, for instance, includes a minimum 10% weighting for sustainability in subcontract tenders. Mace, another leader, is a founding member of SteelZero—a global initiative for net-zero steel.

Locally, main contractors like Classic Builders, Nevada Construction, and Obedair have also earned ISO 14001 certification. Classic Builders note that:

“ISO certification is becoming a distinguishing measurement for a company’s suitability for securing publicly funded contracts.”
(Classic Builders)

Nevada Construction adds:

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do.”
(Nevada Construction)

These values are echoed in The Procurement Act 2023, which gives contracting authorities the flexibility to include environmental and social outcomes in procurement criteria (Gov.uk guide). The shift from MEAT ("Most Economically Advantageous Tender") to MAT ("Most Advantageous Tender") opens the door for broader value-based decision-making.

Transparency and Responsibility in the Supply Chain

Transparency in supply chains is now a legal and reputational imperative. This practical guide from the UK Government outlines how to embed sustainability and ethical practices across your supply chain.

It is up to all of us—suppliers, contractors, clients—to embed long-term sustainable practices into our operations. These are not “tick-box” exercises; they require investment, systems change, and genuine accountability.

In Summary

ISO 14001 certification signals robust environmental management, verified by an independent authority. It demonstrates that a company is serious about sustainability, continuous improvement, and long-term environmental performance.

Westcountry Fabrication Ltd is proud to join the growing network of responsible construction suppliers. We are committed to transparent, ethical, and sustainable practices and welcome collaboration with clients and stakeholders to meet the complex environmental challenges ahead.