ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 & 55001 implementation for solar asset management
Our client is a full-service, utility scale, solar+storage developer bringing projects from origination through development. The company has a portfolio of projects in late-stage development totalling 6GW solar + 3GW storage across three key markets of the UK, Australia, and Ireland. Their strategic focus is on delivering a sustainable future for everyone and they aim to become the best-in-class asset manager for solar+storage projects with a focus on innovation and quality from development to operations.
Initially we were asked to assist in diagnosing, designing, developing and implementing a new integrated management system from scratch that met the requirements of ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 55001 (Asset Management). Subsequently we were asked add ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) into the management system. Certification by a UKAS accredited certification body was the goal for both projects.
Whilst ISO 9001 is ubiquitous, ISO 55001 (asset management) is a relatively uncommon management system standard, with consultants and auditors in short supply. Luckily for our client, we were able to provide an experienced consultant from within our network, and to recommend a certification body with this standard as part of their UKAS-accredited scope. Seamlessly introducing another consultant to deliver ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 was a perfect demonstration of the strength and flexibility of our squad.
From our side, the project was a perfect illustration of our core business: helping clients to achieve multiple ISO certifications in the sweet spot where Quality meets Science, Technology and Sustainability.
4
ISO standards.
0
Nonconformities.
QFactorial Service offering
Implementation
Driven by the client’s wish to approach the open market and widen their customer base, the project gathered momentum rather quickly. We approached the ISO 9001 and ISO 55001 work in two stages. Stage one was all about: fact-finding conversations with the client’s key staff; gathering and reviewing existing client documents to be incorporated into the management system; creating the key integrated management system documents – system manual, process maps, policies, trackers, templates - including the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP); and advocating for the client during the Stage 1 certification audit. During stage 2 we provided flexible support (incl. mentoring, progressing, and general advice) in the run up to, and advocacy at, the Stage 2 certification audit.
With the management system established and two ISO certifications in the bag, we were already well up the learning curve with this client, and prepared to plug ‘n’ play two more standards when they came calling again. Switching to another consultant to ensure best fit for competency and location, we were happy to help the client achieve ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, once again with zero nonconformities.
It pays to view your consultant as a long-term partner who can support your various compliance and assurance needs as your business grows. Our flexibility and resilience positions us perfectly to provide this service and support, adjusting the levels to suit the client’s need.
Sometimes you just have to give yourself and your team a pat on the back, no dammit, a fanfare. It was a game of two halves and we came out on top in both. Our client and consultants knocked it out the park with a 4-0 victory. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 55001. Zero nonconformities. Kudos all round. Special thanks to our consultants who gave 110%, controlled the game and netted two ISOs each. Needless to say, we were over the moon!
QFactorial worked with us to achieve ISO 9001 and ISO 55001 certification in 2023. We were impressed by their professionalism, knowledge, and competitive pricing, which prompted us to engage their services again in 2024 when seeking further ISO certification. QFactorial did not disappoint, ultimately helping us gain ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification. Thank you QFactorial for your expertise and support in guiding us through the certification process.