ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARD ISO 14001

Since 2023, Grenchen-based Ryf AG, which specialises in microscopy and optical measurement systems, has been one of around 300,000 companies worldwide to be certified in accordance with the ISO 14001 environmental standard. This international standard defines the requirements for an environmental management system that improves the company's environmental performance and achieves specific environmental goals. The standard is based on the four pillars of planning, implementation, control and improvement.

In order to fulfil the requirements of ISO 14001, we have implemented numerous measures in recent years. In addition to some "big chunks", it is often small and very small changes which, taken together, have a positive impact on Ryf AG's environmental balance sheet.
Here are a few examples from the recent past:

• Solar system on the production building with 86 panels of 415W each
• Roofs at both sites insulated in accordance with Minergie P
• Triple glazing on the factory building
• Controlled shock ventilation/digital air quality monitoring
• More than 60 PC screens replaced with energy-saving models
• Energy-saving printers of the latest generation
• Use of two BMW electric vehicles for short journeys
• Use of state-of-the-art diesel vehicles for long journeys
• Four delivery vans of the latest diesel generation
• Charging stations that are supplied directly with solar power
• Cycle room for employees, with charging station for e-bikes
• Office and staircase lighting completely converted to LED
• Massive reduction in PET waste through the use of Quooker water system
• Glass bottles and washable drinking glasses in use
• Coffee machine with organic coffee beans (no plastic or aluminium waste)
• Consistent waste separation of cardboard, PET, steel, aluminium, brass, stainless steel, etc.

To ensure that ISO 14001 does not become a "paper tiger", it also requires the management to personally exemplify the values as well as the conviction and willingness to test and utilise new technologies to reduce energy requirements. At Ryf AG, we see ISO 14001 as a continuous process. In the next few months, for example, a heat pump system will be installed in the production building, which will be supplied mainly with our own solar power. And by 2024, the warehouse and production hall will also be completely converted to energy-saving LED lighting.