Brandix first in world to get ISO 50001

The Brandix Group has achieved another global first for Sri Lanka by becoming the first apparel manufacturer in the world to receive ISO 50001, less than a month after the stringent Energy Management Systems standard was introduced by the International Standards Organisation.

On Thursday July 14, 2011, auditors from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) - Netherlands confirmed that the Brandix Eco Centre at Seeduwa, a 130,000 square foot Green factory producing apparel for Marks & Spencer (M&S) was compliant with ISO 50001:2011, a standard that became official worldwide on June 17, 2011.

With this certification, Brandix also became only the third manufacturing entity worldwide across all sectors of industry to be ISO 50001 certified, and the only apparel producer in this ultra exclusive group.

Due to the fact the Brandix factory had already achieved and maintained compliance well before the standard was released, it was able to obtain this certification in a short time period, whereas normal certification could take up to three months, officials said.

This is the second time that the Brandix Group and its Green factory have achieved global firsts for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.

In April 2008 the Brandix Eco Centre became the first apparel factory in the world to receive a Platinum rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

“Periodic achievements of compliance with the world’s most stringent environmental standards are important milestones in our road map to reaching the highest possible levels of sustainable manufacture,” Brandix Director AJ Johnpillai said.

“They are also critical to positioning the capability and commitment of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry to eco-friendly operations, and represent a significant competitive advantage,” he said. The latest standard introduced by the International Standards Organisation, ISO 50001: 2011 establishes a framework for industrial plants, commercial facilities or entire organisations to manage energy with a strong focus on continuous improvement.