ISO14001 Certification & B Corp Status for White Light

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White Light is the complete technical solutions specialist, operating in a range of markets including live performances, corporate events, broadcasts, themed attractions, education, retail, and leisure. Founded in 1971, White Light has generated an industry-leading reputation for delivering creative solutions and technical excellence. White Light specialises in supplying lighting audio, video, staging, and rigging to projects of all sizes across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. In December 2021, White Light joined the d&b Group as part of the newly formed d&b solutions business.

Recognising the significant environmental impacts of events, White Light created SmartStage® technology to facilitate highly realistic and consumable digital solutions. The use of SmartStage® extended reality (XR) product range has enabled a huge reduction in the carbon footprint generated by events for White Light and its customers.

This cutting-edge system allows for virtual events to provide the same experience as a physical event while eliminating the need for travel for event facilitators and attendees. Using ground-breaking teleportation features, SmartStage® can satellite attendees from anywhere in the world.

Client Objectives

Since its beginning, White Light has made sustainability a major part of its mission under the guidance of Director Bryan Raven, with the goal of becoming a leader in sustainability.

To further its environmental commitment, White Light partnered with Green Element to implement the ISO14001 framework, an increasingly sought-after environmental management certification for organisations. The ISO14001 framework provides guidance for organisations looking to implement an Environmental Management System. Additionally, White Light wanted to gain B Corp certification due to its already strong social and environmental efforts within the organisation.

Business Challenges

White Light was taking steps to ensure its environmental initiatives were officially recognised before the outbreak of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the events industry experienced a significant downturn, and White Light had difficulty sourcing the necessary funds to complete its ISO14001 certification, with the process being put on hold until the lockdowns were eventually lifted.

Green Element Approach

Green Element engaged with White Light to gain a deeper understanding of their business and its effects on the environment. As part of this process, a number of environmental risk assessments were undertaken including an analysis of existing controls in place to help reduce environmental impacts. The Green Element team began by informing White Light of how these existing controls could be improved before moving on to new recommendations.

The risk assessments were supported by data collection on key environmental performance indicators. Targets were set relating to how impacts can be reduced or mitigated, and an environmental strategy was created. To complement this work, Green Element also took time to understand and control any compliance-related issues while compiling an effective communications and training strategy for the White Light team.

Client Benefits

White Light is now recognised within the creative industries as one of the main companies leading the drive for increased sustainability across all sectors. Achieving ISO14001 certification has provided external validation and recognition for the impactful work already being done within the organisation. Additionally, White Light was led by Green Element in applying for B Corp certification which it achieved in November 2022 and gained a score of 88.8.

In early 2022, White Light was acquired by d&b solutions and now plans to roll out ISO 14001 to all UK sites within the group by the end of 2023, with White Light acting as the central Environmental Management System hub.

Working with Green Element on this project also uncovered potential further focus areas, such as analysing carbon savings from the use of the SmartStage® technology over in-person events. Additionally, White Light aims to investigate ways to expand carbon footprint analysis throughout its supply chain.

White Light is looking to improve employee engagement with its sustainability journey using a platform such as PawPrint, an online tool that helps to empower every employee to contribute towards your organisation’s sustainability goals.