PETROLEUM DIRECTORY: TOTE certified for environmental management standards

The attempt in August 2007 was TOTE’s first endeavor to achieve ISO 14001:2004; however, the company has retained an ISO certification for quality management systems (9000 series) since 1998.

TOTE’s two Orca Class vessels are known for their versatility and leading-edge ecology systems. By achieving ISO 14001:2004 certification, TOTE demonstrates its commitment to environmental excellence and quality at all of its land-based activities and facilities, with the focus being on reducing both electrical energy consumption and nonhazardous waste.

“We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously,” said TOTE President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Deaver. “We want to make meaningful contributions to the beauty and preservation of Washington and Alaska, which is where we operate and where our employees live.”

“TOTE is proud to achieve this certification,” he said. “It confirms that we have the framework in place to not only comply with environmental laws and regulations, but to become a leader in this proactive movement.”

As a result of the certification process, TOTE reached a number of achievements through the initial implementation of several programs, including motivating other business tenants at TOTE’s corporate headquarters building in Federal Way, Wash., to join the office waste recycling campaign.

The new certification closely follows TOTE’s acceptance of the Tahoma Environmental Business Award from the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce in April 2007. This award is given to businesses deserving recognition for exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts.

“Our ISO 14001:2004 certification lets other companies know they can feel confident that when doing business with TOTE, the environment is in the forefront of our minds,” Deaver said.

TOTE was also awarded the prestigious Washington State Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices in 2006.

ISO 14001:2004 is an internationally recognized, independently verified management standard designed to continually improve environmental management systems and performance. The purpose of ISO 14001:2004 is to help organizations prevent pollution and protect the envi