Shaw Industries Announces ISO 14001 Environmental Certification

Dalton, GA – Shaw Industries’ carpet tile manufacturing facility in Cartersville, GA, recently received ISO 14001 certification. ISO 14001 is a third-party certification that accredits an operation’s environmental management system (EMS). The ISO 14001 recognition reflects Shaw’s continued commitment to environmental excellence in all its operations. The general requirements of the ISO 14001 certification state that an organization must establish, document, implement and continually improve its environmental management system.   ISO 14001 certification validates Shaw’s own environmental management system called the Shaw Environmental System (SES), which applies the success of Shaw’s operational management strategies used in its quality and safety programs to identify and adopt environmental improvements. SES focuses on environmental aspects and impacts including water usage, energy and waste, and is closely modeled after requirements contained in ISO 14001. The strength of the SES is contained in its additional provisions that specifically address environmental considerations relevant to carpet manufacturing facilities. By January 2007, the SES system will certify, or have scheduled to certify, 52 Shaw carpet and fiber manufacturing plants, including all commercial plants.   “The Shaw Environmental System is a stringent EMS that incorporates the international ISO 14001 standard,” says Rudy Wofford, quality manager of Shaw Industry’s contract division. “Shaw is a corporate citizen that takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. The additional ISO 14001 certification of our carpet tile manufacturing plant is another step forward toward Shaw’s Cradle-to-Cradle vision for the future.” The Shaw SES is self-certified through Shaw auditors. All ISO certifications are conducted using external auditors. In accordance with the ISO 14001 standards, Shaw’s certified facility will receive biannual external surveillance audits. Any discrepancies that Shaw receives must be addressed in a limited time frame to remain ISO 14001 certified. In addition to the biannual audits, Shaw will receive a full external recertification audit at the end of three years.   About Shaw IndustriesShaw Industries, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of carpet and carpet fiber, produces and sells carpet, rugs, ceramic, hardwood, and laminate flooring for residential and commercial applications throughout the world. Shaw is committed to Cradle-to-Cradle redesign of its floor coverings through environmentally sustainable innovations. Meanwhile, transitional strategies are focused on recovering energy and material value, and lowering environmental impacts. Shaw is committed to environmental investment in the communities where its employees live and work. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Shaw (www.shawfloors.com) is headquartered in Dalton, GA.

For additional information, contact Kaycee Rogers at (706) 879-4086 or [email protected].