Audit by Bureau Veritas

Sustainable management has outgrown its infancy. Establishing a management system that is consistently and verifiably aligned with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals means backing up words with actions, says Henning Ohlsson, sustainability director of Epson Europe and managing director of Epson Deutschland GmbH (Image: Epson)

The European headquarters of Japanese technology group Epson is the first company in its industry to receive international certification for its CSR management system, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company was audited by Bureau Veritas, one of the world's leading certification organisations.

The systems and processes introduced in the company to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were audited according to the SDG Standard developed by Bureau Veritas. Epson is the first company in its industry to have its management system recognised or certified by a certification body for full integration of the SDGs.

"Sustainable business has outgrown its infancy. Establishing a management system that is consistently and verifiably aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations means backing up words with actions. It means creating transparency for everyone, but also learning where we can do even better," says Henning Ohlsson, Sustainability Director of Epson Europe and Managing Director of Epson Deutschland GmbH. "With this certification, we are pioneering our industry. We hope that other companies will follow us and that we can serve as a positive example. Because we know that we all have to continue to achieve maximum together in order to initiate tangible changes," Ohlsson continues.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were agreed in 2015. They are the result of over 190 countries and 1,500 companies working together to identify and address global opportunities and challenges. The overarching goals are to improve health and education, reduce inequality, promote economic growth and combat climate change in 17 clearly defined areas. "Business is a key partner (...) and we call on businesses everywhere to assess their impact, set ambitious targets and communicate results transparently," said Ban Ki-moon, then Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

"Epson has answered the UN's call for better business - we are using our efficient, compact and precise technologies to sustain a livable world. To achieve this vision, we have further developed our short, medium and long-term plans with the support of Bureau Veritas. The United Nations SDGs are Epson Europe's compass as we move towards a fair, responsible and sustainable future," comments Yoshiro Nagafusa, President of Epson Europe B.V..

Global audit standards: Audit by Bureau Veritas

"Epson Europe understands that commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is too important to leave to chance and has chosen to embed them at the heart of its business strategies. We apply and verify a rigorous standard," said Pedro González, Technical Director for Certification at Bureau Veritas. "Epson has implemented the necessary measures to become the first technology company to obtain international certification for a CSR management system that is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. This applies to all activities in the areas of sales, marketing, distribution and after-sales service of Epson products and services. Epson's work is a testament to our shared commitment to building a better world."

Transparency, responsibility and action

In achieving Bureau Veritas certification, Epson has introduced new systems and processes. These include a new policy aligned to the SDGs that combines general business activities and individual employee activities. This aims to continuously improve sustainability activities, control risks and demonstrate commitments to external stakeholders.

This policy is part of the Epson SDG Management System (SMS), a broader governance framework that ensures company-wide implementation. The SMS aligns purpose, mission and strategic direction, outlines overall corporate goals and provides direction for local targets and actions. It also documents ongoing activities to meet the requirements of the SDG-focused CSR management system.

Epson Europe is now committed to ongoing certification by Bureau Veritas, with regular audits taking place each year.

"The role of companies in achieving sustainable development is fundamental. As an independent third party, we help them integrate this into their strategy and verify compliance. Epson Europe is an example of this behaviour and commitment required by society," explains Bertrand Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas Spain and Portugal.

As part of the management system certification, Epson Europe's latest sustainability report was also verified. The Sustainability Report contains a structured and detailed overview of the company's sustainability activities in 2021/22 and provides insights into the strategic direction and specific sustainability objectives.
www.epson.de

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