Excellence in environmental management at Tait has recently been recognised with the achievement of ISO 14001 certification. ISO 14001 is the international benchmark standard setting out the elements that make up an environmental management system.

Key elements that are focused on include the structures, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources employed in implementing environmental policies.

Tait's achievement is notable as it is the first company in New Zealand to gain certification to the ISO 14001 standard using an environmental management system based on The Natural Step sustainability framework.

The Natural Step (TNS) is an international non-profit environmental education organisation working to build an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable society. TNS offers a planning framework that is grounded in rigorous scientific principles and serves as a compass for businesses, communities, government organisations and individuals undertaking the path of sustainable development.

Tait CEO Michael Chick and Quality Manager Roger Atkinson received Tait's certificate in Christchurch at the recent Natural Step sustainability conference from Peter Rose, Chief Executive of Telarc, the internationally accredited certification body that carried out the ISO14001 assessment of Tait's environmental management system. In accepting the certificate, Michael Chick acknowledged the support of all Tait Electronics Limited staff over the past 2½ years and, in particular the tremendous contribution of the small number of enthusiastic volunteers comprising the Environmental Management Steering Group.

Also present was Professor Karl-Henrik Robèrt from Stockholm, the founder of the The Natural Step foundation, who presented Tait with a special certificate of recognition as the first company in NZ to receive ISO 14001 certification via the The Natural Step Framework.