When you choose tiles, you’re not just choosing a look—you’re choosing a process. Behind every square metre is heat, pressure, and a lot of energy. That’s why we’re excited to share a milestone that makes a real difference: Niro Ceramic Group, the manufacturing arm behind Niro Granite, is certified to ISO 50001:2018 by SIRIM QAS International (accredited by Standards Malaysia and IQNet) for the operation of our tile manufacturing plants in both Pasir Gudang, Johor, and Indonesia.
In plain terms: both our factories run on a proven, audited energy management system that continuously improves how efficiently we make tiles.
What is ISO 50001 (and why should you care)?
ISO 50001 is the global standard for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). It’s not a one-off badge—it’s a way of working that helps organisations measure, manage, and improve energy performance over time.
For you, this means:
- A manufacturer that uses less energy per m² of tiles produced.
- A process that’s more stable and consistent, which supports quality.
- A product choice that better aligns with ESG goals and green procurement.
- By choosing our tiles, you become part of a larger movement that helps conserve energy and contributes to a more sustainable future.
ISO 50001, Made Simple: What Happens on the Floor
ISO 50001 is our day-to-day playbook for energy-efficient tile manufacturing. It turns big goals into small, repeatable actions that lower energy per m², cut carbon, and keep quality consistent—every shift.
At our Pasir Gudang factory, the new kiln is already delivering measurable gains. Early results show factory-wide GHG −10.7%, kiln electricity −50%, and kiln natural gas −39%, while heat-recovery on the line has reduced natural gas for the horizontal dryer by 80%. At the same time, productivity improved by ≈10% initially and is expected to reach ≈20% as the line ramps, with a wider kiln structure enabling higher, more efficient throughput. This is ISO 50001 in action—daily discipline plus smart investments—resulting in lower energy per tile, lower carbon, and more reliable performance for customers.
The habits that make the difference
- We focus where energy really goes
Tile manufacturing uses serious heat and power, so we target the steps that matter most—especially the kiln—with clear goals and practical upgrades.
- We treat the kiln as the “heart” of energy use
Teams tune firing profiles, maintain insulation, and monitor energy per square metre. Small, steady gains each shift add up to big reductions over time.
- We set simple, floor-level goals
Operators track gas and electricity per m² and work to bring those numbers down without compromising quality. Clear targets keep everyone aligned.
- We build good habits into every shift
Thoughtful start-ups and shut-downs, fixing leaks fast, switching lights and equipment off when not needed, and planning runs so lines stay steady—all cut daily waste.
- Water stewardship you can count on
We use water responsibly. Treated water from our Industrial Effluent Treatment System (IETS) is recycled back into production, conserving resources and reducing waste. While we don’t use electrolysis or convert water into other forms of energy, our priority is ensuring every litre is managed carefully and sustainably.
Connecting the dots: ISO 50001 and ESG
E — Environmental: Lower energy, lower carbon
- Efficiency first. Every improvement shrinks our Scope 1 & 2 emissions from manufacturing.
- Less waste, fewer peaks. Smarter controls help stabilise kilns and reduce peak loads.
- Ready for renewables. A strong EnMS is the launchpad for solar and green electricity adoption.
S — Social: Safer, smarter workplaces
- People power. Our teams receive energy-awareness training and take part in continuous improvement.
- Better conditions. Upgrades like heat recovery and insulation can reduce ambient heat and noise on the floor.
- Shared value. Efficient use of energy supports stable operations and healthier local infrastructure.
G — Governance: Verified and transparent
- Documented policies & controls. Energy decisions follow a clear, accountable process.
- Third-party assurance. Certification by SIRIM QAS International adds credibility to our claims.
- Data you can trust. ISO 50001 strengthens our ability to report progress to customers and stakeholders.
Why this matters to architects, developers, and homeowners?
- Supports green specifications. Choosing suppliers with ISO 50001 certification can help meet ESG and procurement requirements.
- Lower embodied energy trajectory. As our energy intensity trends down, the upstream footprint of your project benefits too.
- Consistency and reliability. Tighter process control often means steadier quality and lead times.
- Sustainability Contribution – By choosing our tiles, customers also become part of the ESG journey, actively contributing to reducing carbon footprint and supporting environmentally responsible practices.
What we’re working on next?
The next step for ISO 50001 is to undergo a structured cycle of audits that ensures ongoing improvement. This includes a surveillance audit every year to verify that energy management practices are consistently maintained, followed by a recertification audit every three years to confirm full compliance with the standard and reaffirm our long-term commitment to energy efficiency.
Sustainability shouldn’t be a slogan—it should be a system. Our ISO 50001:2018 certification is one more way we turn ambition into action: less energy per tile, stronger governance, and ongoing improvement that supports your project’s ESG goals.
