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G&H | Stingray TeamThe team at G&H | Stingray©️ G&H

G&H | Stingray Manufacturing Site Achieves ISO 14001:2015 Certification in Eco-efficiency

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Keene, New Hampshire, United States

The US-based manufacturing site G&H | Stingray, specializing in the design, assembly and testing of lens systems spanning the IR spectrum, has been accredited the ISO 14001:2015 certification, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). This performance reinforces G&H’s overall strong commitment towards exceptional service and positive environmental impact, with other manufacturing sites undergoing the same certification process for eco-efficiency.

The ISO 14001:2015 EMS certification is the internationally recognized standard which aims to steer organizations to improve their environmental performance through a more sustainable usage of their resources, including waste reduction. As such, this accreditation constitutes a competitive advantage when it comes to sustainable innovation delivery and stakeholder trust.

While the optics and photonics sector is known for contributing to the global carbon footprint alongside other engineering-focused fields, it also represents the source of emerging green technology, spanning from reduced energy consumption applications to alternative recycling procedures. For G&H, the mission to become carbon-neutral by 2035 contributes to a greater collective effort in hi-tech for the wellbeing of our planet. Especially in light of continuous business development, this pillar integrates a healthier way of moving forward with the innovative company vision of making the world a better place with photonics.

Engineer at work at G&H | StingrayEngineer at work at G&H | Stingray©️ G&H

The Keene site belonging to Gooch & Housego initially underwent a Stage 2 assessment on May 16th and 17th , 2024, ultimately being successfully recommended for accreditation.

Some of the main action steps towards a greener G&H at the Keene site in the United States include:

  • The tinting of windows to reduce excess heat, in particular during summer months;
  • The purchasing of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for electricity;
  • Exploring alternative solutions to heating with propane gas;
  • The utilization of LED lighting;
  • The utilization of PIR Activated Lighting;
  • Reduction of office paper via a paperless folder process.

“What helped us go through a seamless process is the great knowledge pool we have acquired in environmental management at a global level,” says Matt Schaffer, US Environmental Health and Safety Manager at G&H. “Our commitment to be part of the wider sustainability movement falls in line with the vision we have set for ourselves as a business, beyond delivering stellar solutions in optics, photonics and life sciences. Through rigorous research and disciplined focus, we could pass all stages of the auditing process, earning the ISO 14001:2015 certification in record time.”

“There is much to look forward to,” comments Andy Back, SVP Global Quality at G&H. “With each step taken down this path, including the successful accreditation of our Keene manufacturing site, I am more confident by the day that our actions, collective and individual, will help make G&H an example in sustainable work and performance.”

This latest certification marks a total site coverage by the ISO 14001:2015 requirements of 5 and includes approximatively 70% of the G&H workforce.

Future actions at G&H regarding sustainability include more active engagement with other international code of conduct processes, through which the photonics leader can register its intent to establish continual improvement activities and enable independent verification in support of being more transparent to interested internal and external stakeholders

Environmental, Social, and Governance