GORE BAY, Ont. – Manitoulin Transport is the first company in Canada to receive a certificate compliance with ISO 14001:2004, which sets the criteria for an environmental management system.

The company said it has spent two years preparing for this and is proud to be demonstrating and improving its impact on the environment.

“We are proud to lead the industry in this critical endeavour,” said Jeff Smith, executive vice-president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We feel morally compelled to reduce our CO2 emissions and our overall footprint, given the consequences of climate change that we now regularly experience in Canada and around the world.”

ISO 14001:2004 assures all aspects and people involved in the company are being measured and are aware of their environmental impact.

The company has a long history of reducing emissions by doing things like retrofitting tractor-trailer with skirts and roof fairings as well as the use of super single tires

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to address environmental concerns relating to our business and, more importantly, our equipment,” said Smith.  “Becoming ISO 14001 certified is a significant accomplishment for management and staff.  It was a long and rigorous process, which called for deep commitment to the cause.  It wasn’t easy getting there, but it was all worth it.”