New England Biolabs, a producer and supplier reagents for the life science industry has received ISO 14001 recertification in recognition of the company's dedication to and outstanding record of achievement in its Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
The certification, which was originally awarded to NEB in 2009, is a continuously monitored standard that acknowledges a company's commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.
The recertification process involves extensive site monitoring and auditing of adherence to all established guidelines by National Quality Assurance USA, the independently accredited certification body responsible for assessing ISO 14001 fitness and compliance.
NEB was founded in 1974 on the principle that it was possible to develop world-class molecular biology reagents in an environmentally conscientious way. To minimize the impact that a manufacturing plant can have on its land and natural resources, NEB implemented a SolarAquatics wastewater purification and reclamation system. This system treats the wastewater from the NEB campus and purifies it until it can be used to recharge the delicate Ipswich River Watershed ecosystem. The company also built a 140,000 square-foot LEED-certified research and production facility, and implemented a first-of-its-kind shipping box recycling program, which has been limiting Styrofoam production and encouraging environmentalism amongst NEB's customers for over 30 years.
Another environmental initiative at NEB is its lunchroom composting program, which diverts compostable refuse from local landfills. Each month, NEB diverts 3.5 tons of compostable materials from the landfill and turns it into rich soils to support the company's on-site garden and local farmers.
"At NEB, we strive to create the purest molecular biology products available, and we do so while keeping an eye towards the environment," said Jim Ellard, CEO of New England Biolabs. "Ultimately, this recertification validates our continued vigilance and lets our customers know that we are committed to producing products of the highest quality while preserving the natural splendor of our campus and planet."
