Environmental and Safety Achievements

24 September, 2004

New Zealand Sugar Recognised for Environmental and Safety Achievements

Today the New Zealand Sugar Company Limited (NZ Sugar) celebrates two major milestones. In August, NZ Sugar received an Environmental Management Standard from the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The Standard known as ‘14001’ acknowledges the Company’s commitment to excellence in environmental management.

At the same time, NZ Sugar will also be celebrating a major safety achievement. August 17, 2004 marked four years without a lost time employee injury. This internal management and strong safety record demonstrates the Company’s commitment to best practice.

The unique 54 hectare Chelsea site operates according to an Environmental Management System (EMS) that allows the Company to prioritise and effectively manage its environmental responsibilities. The three year development of the EMS has included numerous site and process improvements.

Major achievements and initiatives include: Energy efficiency improvements within the refinery have decreased carbon dioxide emissions by 14.5% over the last 3 years. The installation of a new carbon decolourisation plant has significantly decreased natural gas and water consumption. A concerted effort has been made by staff to minimise waste within the refinery. Ongoing management of the Chelsea Estate ponds in partnership with the North Shore City Council to improve their water quality.

NZ Sugar is the 74th New Zealand company to be granted this standard. The process to continue these standards will include ongoing management and development in order to uphold the Company’s commitment to continuous improvement.

General Manager Bernard Duignan says it is great to see that the Company is being recognised for two outstanding achievements, both nationally and internationally.

“NZ Sugar has been operating on the same site at Birkenhead for more than 120 years and over that time has become an integral part of the North Shore community and the New Zealand food manufacturing and export industries.

“We operate in an environment that places increasing demands on competitiveness, quality and customer service, and it is very pleasing to see there is such a high level of commitment from all our people. NZ Sugar’s focus is on continuous improvement of our business to ensure we maintain our competitive position in the domestic and export markets, and to protect and enhance the unique environment in which we operate.”

Telarc Ltd. representative Alan Sheath will make an official presentation, on behalf of ISO; at the Chelsea site today at 1pm. CSR Sugar Chief Executive Ian McMaster will present the safety award.

ENDS

© Scoop Media