GDC is accelerating efforts to secure ISO 14001:2015 certification, the globally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), marking a deliberate shift towards structured, measurable and continually improving environmental governance.
Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 14001:2015 provides a framework for identifying environmental risks, managing impacts, complying with legal requirements and driving continuous improvement through documented procedures, measurable objectives, audits and independent verification.
For Manager, Safety, Health and Environment, Mr. Gabriel Wetangula, the move reflects institutional maturity.
“As we scale up geothermal development, environmental stewardship cannot remain a parallel function. It must be embedded in how we plan, drill and deliver steam. ISO 14001:2015 formalises.
The certification builds on GDC’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, achieved in 2021. While ISO 9001 strengthened operational efficiency and service delivery, ISO 14001 focuses on environmental risk management, covering areas such as drilling fluids, brine handling, waste management and land restoration within an auditable framework.
Operationally, the standard will drive standardized procedures, integrated systems and continuous monitoring across departments. Environmental indicators, including emissions, waste reduction and resource use, will be tracked through measurable KPIs, while audits and management reviews will reinforce accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
Senior Environmental Scientist Ms. Frashiah Njoroge noted that ISO 14001:2015 places strong emphasis on risk based thinking and lifecycle management.
“Every environmental control, whether in drilling operations or site rehabilitation, must be measurable, documented and continuously reviewed,” she said.
Her colleague, Ms. Fridah Nkatha, added that GDC is strengthening audit systems, documentation controls and environmental performance indicators to ensure management remains proactive and evidence-based.
The certification will also strengthen Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems required in carbon markets, enhancing investor confidence and positioning GDC for future geothermal carbon initiatives.
Geothermal energy is inherently clean, but the processes that deliver it must meet the highest environmental standards. ISO 14001:2015 demonstrates that our growth is disciplined, accountable and aligned with global best practice,” said Wetangula.
BEYOND COMPLIANCE
ISO 14001:2015 goes beyond compliance by embedding environmental accountability into everyday decisions across GDC.
The standard promotes shared responsibility among engineers, operations teams and managers, while strengthening investor confidence through robust monitoring and verification systems.
Communities benefit from structured engagement, transparent reporting and improved land restoration, emissions control and waste management.
At its core, ISO 14001:2015 is evidence driven, using audits and performance reviews to reduce risk and improve environmental performance.
Download your copy of the Steam Magazine Issue 18 here: https://www.gdc.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Steam-Magazine-Issue-18.pdf
