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Interview with Rose Marcon, Senior Quality Manager and Internal Auditor

Our recent ISO certification renewal (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001) is more than just a milestone, it reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and sustainable impact. This year, we’ve taken a major step forward by expanding the certification scope to include operational audits at in-country sites. To explore the strategic impact of these certifications, we sat down with Rose Marcon, CSI Energy Group’s Senior Quality Manager and Internal Auditor. She shares insights on the role of ISO in shaping the future of the energy sector, overcoming compliance challenges, and aligning quality management with ESG priorities.

  1. Why are ISO certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001) essential in the energy sector, and how do they strengthen CSI Energy Group’s competitive position?

ISO certifications are more than just compliance, they are a strategic advantage in the energy sector. They create a structured, measurable approach to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, which is critical when operating in high-risk environments.

 

For CSI Energy Group, these certifications ensure that every project meets global best practices while also being adaptable to local challenges. They help us reduce operational risks, improve efficiency, and enhance our credibility with clients, investors, and regulators. More importantly, they create a culture where quality and safety are embedded into daily decision-making, rather than being seen as separate compliance tasks.

 

By ensuring consistent processes, protecting our intellectual property, and driving continuous improvement, these certifications position CSI Energy Group as a trusted and forward-thinking partner in Africa’s energy transition.

 

  1. How does the scope change, including operational audits at in-country sites, enhance CSI Energy Group’s ability to deliver on quality, safety, and environmental sustainability?

This certification renewal is more than a milestone, it’s a fundamental shift in how we manage quality across CSI Energy Group. Previously, our headquarters drove compliance, providing guidance to subsidiaries. Now, with operational audits taking place in-country, subsidiaries are taking ownership of their certification.

 

This move brings quality management closer to project execution, ensuring that local teams apply ISO standards with greater accountability and agility. It also allows us to tailor compliance efforts to country-specific challenges, making our approach both globally aligned and locally relevant.

 

By embedding ISO standards at the operational level, we strengthen our ability to deliver safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible projects, while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all locations.

  1. What are the key challenges of maintaining compliance with ISO standards in a dynamic and complex industry like energy, and how does CSI Energy Group overcome them?

The biggest challenge isn’t just meeting ISO standards, it’s sustaining them in a fast-changing industry. Energy projects operate in unpredictable environments, with shifting regulations, complex supply chains, and evolving client expectations. Ensuring compliance requires consistency, adaptability, and engagement at all levels.

 

At CSI Energy Group, we maintain a strong HSSEQ culture by:

 

  • Embedding compliance into daily operations – Through structured processes like toolbox talks, risk assessments, and real-time monitoring.

 

  • Investing in training and knowledge-sharing – Ensuring that every team member understands not just the rules but also the why behind them.

 

  • Creating a mindset of continuous improvement – Using internal audits and performance reviews to refine processes and enhance agility.

 

Rather than treating compliance as a one-time certification, we integrate it into our business strategy, ensuring that quality and safety evolve alongside our industry.

  1. How do these certifications align with broader industry trends such as ESG priorities, and what value do they bring to stakeholders and project outcomes?

ISO standards and ESG priorities are becoming inseparable in today’s energy industry. Investors, regulators, and clients are demanding greater transparency, ethical business practices, and measurable sustainability efforts, and ISO certifications provide a clear, structured way to deliver on these expectations.

 

  • Environmental (ISO 14001): We integrate climate risk assessments into our operations, ensuring resilience to droughts, floods, and other climate-related challenges.

 

  • Social (ISO 45001 & 9001): By prioritizing workforce safety, diversity, and community engagement, we not only protect people but also build stronger relationships with local stakeholders.

 

  • Governance: Our commitment to ethical leadership, anti-corruption policies, and regulatory compliance reinforces our credibility and ensures long-term business sustainability.

 

Aligning ISO with ESG doesn’t just meet industry expectations, it strengthens CSI Energy Group’s position as a responsible energy leader, attracting the right partners and driving long-term value.

  1. Looking ahead, what role do ISO certifications play in CSI Energy Group’s strategy for continuous improvement and innovation in the energy sector?

ISO certifications are not static, they are a framework for continuous growth and innovation. In an industry that is rapidly evolving, they provide the foundation for CSI Energy Group to adapt, optimize, and lead.

 

  • Driving operational efficiency – Through standardized processes, we reduce inefficiencies, optimize resource allocation, and improve project delivery.

 

  • Enhancing risk management – ISO frameworks help us identify and mitigate risks before they become critical, ensuring stability in volatile markets.

 

  • Enabling strategic decision-making – Data-driven insights from audits and performance metrics allow us to refine our approach, making informed business decisions.

 

By continuously integrating new technologies, evolving regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, CSI Energy Group ensures that quality, safety, and sustainability are always moving forward, not just meeting standards, but setting them.