Evghenia
Lead-Auditor EHS & Sustainability Integrated Management System
“If everyone takes a small step for themselves, our common world will be better.”
In which area do you work at DRÄXLMAIER? What do you do in your job?
I have been working at DRÄXLMAIER since 2008. For the last nine years, I have represented Group Quality in Vilsbiburg as the lead auditor for internal EHS audits worldwide. I am in charge of the global EHS matrix certification according to ISO14001 & ISO45001, German energy matrix certification according to ISO50001, as well as the sustainability audits at our sites. In addition, I support the central departments in Vilsbiburg in making the processes standard-compliant.
How is your role related to sustainability?
Environmental management, energy, occupational health and safety management systems are essential components of the DRÄXLMAIER Group's sustainability concept. Regular audits of compliance with standards and the certification maturity level of the sites and headquarters provide an objective picture and are one of the stages in preparing for the internationally recognized matrix certification according to ISO standards: ISO14001, ISO45001, ISO50001. In addition, customers are increasingly asking us to carry out sustainability audits worldwide in accordance with the RBA Code of Conduct or in RSCI format. Group Quality supports the sites with the RBA self-audits and supports the site management teams in managing measures.
To what extent does your work contribute to the sustainability goals of the DRÄXLMAIER Group?
An objective and meaningful audit in accordance with the internationally recognized EHS standards helps the sites to identify gaps and determine potential for improvement. I am therefore helping DRÄXLMAIER to achieve the goal of having all production sites certified to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 and the German sites certified to ISO 50001.
How does it feel to be part of this transformation?
I believe that we can achieve a big goal with small steps. Implementing environmental and occupational health and safety standards in countries where laws in this area are not as advanced and where people's environmental awareness is not yet as strong, builds the foundation for a better future. We bring sustainable know-how to these countries and inspire not only our employees but many others to develop. For about 20 years, DRÄXLMAIER locations have gradually been certified according to the environmental management standard. I am proud of the improvements we have achieved.
Where do you see your topic in the future?
The DRÄXLMAIER Group is in a state of constant growth and transformation: new plants are being built, existing ones are being restructured and new projects are being undertaken. An additional future challenge will be certified energy management systems in accordance with DIN ISO 50001 at our relevant production sites. All conditions must be created for all of these topics. Above all, the role of the head office is to describe the processes, disseminate best practice approaches and implement corresponding systematic derivations. With plants on almost every continent in the world, it is a long and ambitious goal for our entire team.
What does sustainability mean to you personally?
For me personally, sustainability means appreciating and protecting our planet, our home, spreading the good, motivating others and being a role model.
How relevant do you think the topic of sustainability is?
Sustainability is very important, but you always have to think about people and give them time to get used to new things. Achieving the golden mean between sustainability and cost-effectiveness is also a top priority. Unfortunately, sustainability doesn't always mean cost-effective, so people should be encouraged and motivated to make major changes.
How does sustainability influence you outside of work?
You can also start small: Driving an electric car on business trips, repairing things, raising children to be environmentally and socially conscious. If everyone takes a small step for themselves, our shared world will become a better place.