US-based Bristow Group Inc has announced its UK operations have attained ISO 14001 certification, making it one of the first vertical lift operators in the UK to achieve the global standard.

The certification confirms Bristow’s UK operations have a certified environmental management systems (EMS) in place to monitor, manage, and deliver continuous improvement at its bases in Scotland, England and Wales.

To achieve certification, Bristow successfully completed a rigorous seven-day audit, which demonstrated how its EMS is documented and implemented at all levels of its UK business, its commitment to manage and minimise its impact on the environment, and its commitment to reduce pollution.

The certification encompasses Bristow’s UK oil and gas business and the HM Coastguard bases Bristow operates on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Under its EMS, Bristow conducts audits of its operating bases’ environmental plans to ensure a consistent approach across the company.

Matt Rhodes, Bristow director UK Oil and Gas, said: “It is a significant milestone for Bristow to achieve this accreditation and underlines our commitment to continuously improve our environmental stewardship and performance. Our robust EMS is already achieving significant energy efficiencies, and we look forward to building on this.”

During the certification process, a number of criteria must be met and incorporated into the EMS. These included leadership and top management demonstrating a high level of environmental leadership and commitment, as well as ensuring that it is visible throughout the organisation.

Mr Rhodes continued: “The environmental impact of our operations has understandably become increasingly important to us and our clients, and this certification provides assurance that we are proactively monitoring and managing our EMS and working hard to reduce and offset our environmental footprint and the crucial role we all play in protecting our environment for future generations.”