J+J Flooring Group’s Dalton, Ga., manufacturing facility has achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification. J+J is one of a select few manufacturers in the industry to achieve this certification under the new standard. The 2015 version aims to help organizations improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, drive down costs, provide assurance that environmental impact is being measured, and manage environmental obligations with consistency, while improving overall environmental impact. Among the several new requirements under the 2015 certification, organizations are expected to show an increased alignment of environmental management within their overall strategic planning process and a greater commitment from leadership. Other requirements include: Life-cycle thinking, considering each stage of a product from development to end-of-life; added proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation; greater interactions with external parties; and more effective communications, driven through a communications strategy. 

“The unanimous decision by our leadership team to pursue this new certification–which requires a significant amount of time, investment and resources from the previous certification–was actually an easy one, since conservation is at the heart of who we are,” said David Jolly, J+J president.

Chuck Lee, lead environmental management system auditor at NSF International, the organization that conducted J+J’s certification audit, said, “J+J’s environmental program has accomplished major reductions in energy usage, water usage, and waste through the implementation of not only state-of-the-art programs, but innovative technology as well. The results of in-depth interviews with employees from all levels and departments of the company was particularly impressive and revealed genuine, enthusiastic, committed, and continuous support for the J+J system.”

J+J Flooring Group has a dedicated history of environmental leadership. In 2015, the company was recognized as the first commercial flooring manufacturer to receive independent certification as a zero to waste landfill manufacturer. The company is guided by its 20/20 Vision, a set of environmental goals the company aims to achieve by the year 2020. Since 2010, the company has achieved a 34% reduction in water consumption, a 23% reduction in energy use, and an 18% reduction in green house gas (GHG) emissions.

For more information, call (800) 241-4586 or visit www.jjflooringgroup.com.