ICT Group has strengthened its sustainability framework with ISO 14001 certification, marking a formal step toward structured environmental management across its European operations. At the same time, the company is preparing for compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which will require detailed sustainability disclosures beginning in 2027.

According to Peter Lamers, Manager of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment, the ISO certification reflects a broader effort to professionalise environmental governance and align with growing expectations from European clients.

ISO 14001 Certification Strengthens Environmental Governance

ISO 14001 provides an internationally recognised framework for environmental management systems. For ICT Group, which operates primarily in software development and engineering services rather than manufacturing, the certification formalises how environmental risks are identified, managed and continuously improved.

Lamers noted that the certification increases credibility, particularly with European customers who frequently require recognised environmental standards in procurement processes. Although ICT Group’s direct ecological footprint is limited compared to production-based businesses, the certification process required systematic review of energy use, emissions, waste streams and broader environmental impacts.

The audit process demanded detailed documentation and verification of actions taken, reinforcing accountability and continuous improvement principles.

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Advancing CO2 Reduction Through the Performance Ladder

Beyond ISO 14001, ICT Group has maintained Level 5 certification on the CO2 Performance Ladder, the highest tier within the framework. This level requires organisations to demonstrate measurable emissions reductions and active collaboration across the value chain.

The company recently integrated ICT TriOpSys, acquired last year, into its Level 5 certification structure. TriOpSys had previously operated at Level 3. The integration ensures that newly acquired entities are aligned with ICT Group’s sustainability standards while benefiting from shared knowledge and established systems.

Both ISO 14001 and Level 5 certification require attention not only to direct emissions but also to value chain impacts. Through chain analyses, ICT Group has identified key emission hotspots and is working with customers and suppliers to implement reduction strategies.

Embedding Sustainability Across the Supply Chain and Workforce

Sustainability expectations are also embedded in ICT Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct. Suppliers are encouraged to reduce their environmental footprint, extending the company’s impact beyond its own operations.

Employee engagement is another priority. Sustainability principles are introduced during onboarding, ensuring that staff understand the company’s environmental commitments and their role in supporting them. This internal alignment supports consistent communication with clients and partners.

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Preparing for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

The next phase of ICT Group’s sustainability journey will be shaped by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. From 2027, the company will be required to publish detailed annual reports on sustainability performance, including key performance indicators covering emissions, governance and social impact.

Preparation is already underway. Data collection processes are being expanded to meet the directive’s reporting requirements, which demand measurable, comparable and verifiable information.

Lamers views the CSRD not only as a compliance obligation but as a structural framework that enhances transparency and stakeholder confidence. By aligning reporting practices with European standards, ICT Group aims to demonstrate clear oversight of environmental, social and governance performance.

Strengthening a European Sustainability Profile

The combination of ISO 14001 certification, Level 5 CO2 Performance Ladder status and CSRD preparation positions ICT Group within a more formalised European sustainability architecture. Together, these measures enhance transparency, reinforce risk management and support the company’s broader European growth strategy.

As regulatory expectations tighten and stakeholder scrutiny increases, ICT Group’s structured approach signals a shift from voluntary initiatives toward measurable and standardised sustainability governance.

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