Grupo Cayalá Strengthens Sustainability Strategy with ISO 14001:2015 Certification

Grupo Cayalá has obtained the international ISO 14001:2015 certification, validating the implementation of a robust and verifiable Environmental Management System (EMS) aligned with the highest global standards.

A structured and organization-wide environmental effort

The certification process was carried out through a formal implementation, audit, and verification framework that was developed across the organization with a strong cultural focus.

A multidisciplinary team, composed of members from different operational areas, led the initiative under the premise that sustainability must be built collectively.

Building an environmental culture

One of the central challenges during the process was fostering a strong environmental culture within the organization, particularly in a national context where such practices still face important gaps.

Ruth López, Environmental Manager at Grupo Cayalá, reflected on the experience:

“The greatest learning was the courage to take on new challenges and to understand that change leads to improvement. That human attitude is one of the most valuable assets resulting from this process.”

She also emphasized the long-term effort behind the achievement:

“This certification represents more than 10 years of teamwork. It is a milestone in our history because it was implemented authentically, with the purpose of establishing real and measurable environmental standards. Investing in Cayalá means investing in a responsible environmental management model.”

Independent verification by ICONTEC

The ISO 14001:2015 certification was granted by the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC), a globally recognized organization and member of IQNet, one of the world’s leading certification networks.

The process required strict technical rigor, traceability of information, and independent verification. Among the most rigorously evaluated aspects were compliance with environmental regulations and the organization’s environmental communication strategy, which has been a core element of the system since its inception.

“Saying ‘we do things right’ is common. What truly matters is being able to demonstrate it through data, processes, and audits. ICONTEC helped us strengthen that commitment and avoid any risk of greenwashing,” López explained.

Driving operational efficiency and innovation

The certification has a direct impact on Grupo Cayalá’s daily operations, enabling the identification of operational efficiencies, encouraging investment in innovative environmental projects, and fostering greater environmental awareness among stakeholders, including business partners, residents, and visitors.

“An ISO 14001 certification is, and will always be, for the brave. We believe in building community based on responsibility. Implementing an Environmental Management System and submitting it to international certification is part of our operational responsibility to the country,” López concluded.

Environmental commitments and measurable progress

With this certification, Grupo Cayalá reinforces a series of concrete environmental commitments. These include positioning environmental education as a cross-cutting axis of its Environmental Management System, with the goal of consolidating Cayalá as a model city.

In addition, the organization continues to advance its integrated waste management strategy. In 2025, Grupo Cayalá achieved a 75% waste valorization rate and is working toward a medium-term goal of zero waste sent to landfills.

A long-term approach to sustainable growth

This certification strengthens a decision-making model based on measurement, control, and continuous improvement. Grupo Cayalá’s approach aims to ensure that its environmental management system remains adaptable and aligned with the ongoing growth and development of the city.