Group management has endorsed ISO14001 certification as vital–all manufacturing units with at least 50 employees are to be certified. Newly acquired units are to complete the certification process within three years after acquisition. The actions taken within the EMS framework focus on:

• Savings in energy and water consumption
• Reduction of waste
• Replacement of hazardous substances.

The process of implementing an EMS at Electrolux sites is divided into the following 11 steps:

• Initial review
• Identification of significant environmental impacts
• Environmental policy
• Inventory of legal requirements
• Implementation of environmental measurements
• Development of an environmental program
• Documentation
• Internal auditing
• Management review
• Corrective actions
• External certification audit.

Reaping benefits of ISO14001:

• Our EMS ensures that employees with environmental responsibility are provided with appropriate competence.
• There is a real cost savings potential in running an effective EMS; through efficient energy and resource use and cuts in waste disposal expenses.
• We are meeting growing demands put forward by professional customers.
• Electrolux is regularly evaluated on environmental performance, and the information collection process is simplified where our EMS is implemented.
• Lower insurance premiums–companies with an effective EMS are able to demonstrate that they pose less risk.
• Legislative compliance–with a robust EMS in place we are able to think in the long term, avoiding bureaucracy and costs for the company.
• Improved marketing opportunities–poor environmental performance can limit interest from potential customers.
• Improved corporate image–our ability to demonstrate a responsible environmental position fosters better relations with the company's stakeholders and reinforces a positive perception of the corporation.