A first for the sector: Keolis Belgium achieves ISO14001 certification for environmental management

Keolis, the international mobility company based in Belgium, aims to contribute to the preservation of the planet through a variety of commitments and action plans. Since mobility and transport has an impact on the environment, Keolis Belgium aims to continuously improve its environmental performance and maximise environmental protection by controlling the environmental impact of its activities, thus preventing pollution as much as possible.

The company has officially taken the first step by obtaining ISO14001 environmental management certification. This is a first in the sector, as Keolis Belgium is hereby the first private bus and coach company in our country to hold the certificate, because of the attention the company pays to environmental performance within the operation of its own organisation. "This is fantastic news, both for Keolis, our colleagues and for the environment," Mariska Magits and Dirk Van den Brempt, the pioneers of the certification, respond proudly. "Thanks to the efforts of numerous colleagues, we cycled smoothly to this certification. The first documents were drawn up in December 2021 and the kick-off in the branches in January 2022. Normaly this takes a year and a half, but Keolis Belgium did this in 11 months, it's impressive to be able to achieve this in such a short time."

From waste sorting to sustainable procurement policy

From its DNA international mobility player, Keolis Belgium has assumed its responsibility and implemented the predetermined action plans. Firstly, by correctly sorting 100% of the waste produced by Keolis employees, allowing it to be recycled without problems. Secondly, by organising training and closely following up required inspections or tests. Also actively preventing wastage of drinking water, monitoring the infrastructure for reusing rainwater and considering the environmental impact when purchasing new vehicles or materials were important action points to minimise environmental impact.

What are they most proud of? "On the commitment of all colleagues who were involved, be it the operations manager, garage manager, prevention advisers, drivers, mechanics and administrative staff. This success was achieved thanks to everyone's motivation and cooperation," say Mariska and Dirk.

These objectives are just the beginning for Keolis Belgium. "The actions we have introduced in the certified branches - our holding company Keolis Vlaanderen and our branches Reniers & Co, Bronckaers and Cintra Landen - we are maintaining and expanding. Moreover, we want to gradually transfer the best practices to all other Belgian branches. The next wave of certification audits will probably take place in October 2023 and this for Eurobus Holding, 3 Walloon and 3 Flemish branches. So the kick-offs will already happen in January and February."

The ISO14001 project is being implemented as part of the wider "Keolis Way" corporate project. where four pillars are central: our People, our PTAs (or Partners), our Passengers and our Planet. With regard to the "Planet" pillar, the carrier is putting its money where its mouth is and acting in line with the regulations and objectives it set itself earlier. "Keolis' future looks greener because of this commitment. We will remain committed to the environment for our current employees and the employees of the future."

In the photos: Mariska Magits, Dirk Van den Brempt and Frank Gysemberg.