Taiwan's Leading Domestic Certification Provider ARES Drives Circular Economy Across Industries with a "Zero Error" Approach

Chen believes that "standards" are the DNA deeply ingrained in the souls of all professionals in the verification industry, and that verification—from supply chains to organizational structures—provides clear and measurable benchmarks that enable companies to grow steadily.

ARES International Certification Co., Ltd. (hereafter "ARES") stands as Taiwan's largest domestic certification company. Since its inception, the company has steadfastly adhered to an operational strategy grounded in efficiency, quality, integrity, and impartiality. In the era of global sustainable development and carbon neutrality, ARES is convinced that third‐party certification services serve not only as a "passport" into international markets but also as a critical pathway for companies to enhance internal management and elevate product and service quality. By employing certification procedures aligned with international standards, companies can demonstrate credibility and strength to their supply chains, capital markets, and stakeholders—laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.

"Think of consulting firms as coaches—the role of third‐party certification is like that final mile on the track. As an impartial certification body, the cross‐industry certificates we issue are recognized globally. They are an essential passport for companies seeking to enter international markets," said Calvin Chen, CEO of ARES.

ISO certification services, which originally emerged from supply chain requirements, help companies standardize processes and procedures. This standardization reduces product defects, mitigates unforeseen risks in manufacturing or service delivery, and ultimately drives operational economies of scale. Moreover, establishing robust corporate governance frameworks enables firms—especially small and medium enterprises—to implement effective risk management measures. "ARES was founded with the core mission of delivering accurate, reliable, efficient, and safe certification services. This commitment is not only our core value but also our long-term mission," Chen emphasized.

Calvin Chen, CEO of ARES International Certification Co., Ltd.

Four Core Values: Accuracy, Reliability, Efficiency, and Safety

With over 20 years of industry experience and a client base exceeding 15,000, ARES has cemented its position as Taiwan's largest domestic certification company, boasting an impressive 96% renewal rate. The company has secured numerous international accreditations—including Taiwan's TAF, the U.S. IAS, the U.K.'s UKS, and Europe's IECQ—while also offering 18 types of ISO certification services. Notably, ARES is the first and only Taiwanese certification company approved by China's Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA).

"Being a Taiwanese enterprise, we have an intimate understanding of the local industrial ecosystem, which enables us to provide prompt, client-centered services. With our headquarters in Tainan and service centers in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung, we ensure that wherever our customers are, our service is right there with them," Chen explained.

Operating in the ISO certification arena necessitates the establishment of standardized procedures and clear audit protocols, as well as continuous, mapped-out training for auditors to enhance their expertise. ARES is committed to this principle, employing multi-layered, multi-dimensional audit mechanisms and assigning auditors with industry-specific experience. This approach not only guarantees professionalism and impartiality but also significantly boosts client trust and competitive advantage.

"Zero Error" as the DNA of Certification

For years, ARES has maintained a "zero error" work standard by instituting a rigorous quality management system and standardized procedures, supported by a comprehensive training program for auditors. This meticulous approach ensures both the efficiency and accuracy of its certification operations. Tailoring its audits to the specific needs of different industries, ARES deploys auditors with relevant backgrounds and conducts multi-tiered assessments to deliver highly customized and credible services.

"Certification is not merely about meeting regulations or client demands—it is a process that enables continuous improvement and lays the groundwork for sustainability. Only through a rigorous and efficient auditing mechanism can we truly assist companies in implementing sound corporate governance and robust risk management," Chen noted.

Chen further observed that on the international stage, Taiwanese companies require more than just cost or technical advantages—they must also possess solid organizational governance and operational stability. "Effective management hinges on robust systems and standards. In our industry, ‘standards' are ingrained in our very DNA. Certification—from the supply chain to organizational structures—provides clear, measurable benchmarks that help companies achieve steady growth."

Initially, certification bodies played a pivotal role in ensuring that products met the standards of European and American markets for Taiwanese exporters. Today, in response to the global carbon neutrality and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) movements, ARES is not only strengthening its domestic network but also preparing to expand into Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Indonesia from 2024 onward in collaboration with local agents. The company is actively positioning itself to offer a more comprehensive suite of services, including certifications for ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems, ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse Gas, ISO 14067 Carbon Footprint, ISO 14086-1 Carbon Neutrality, and verification and assurance for sustainability reports.

"We used to be simply a partner for companies venturing overseas; today, we are a global strategic partner guiding enterprises on their ESG journey. By offering front-end verification services for carbon reduction and carbon management—as a health check advisor or wellness coach would—we assist companies in progressing from carbon inventories to implementing effective reduction strategies, step by step realizing their sustainability goals," Chen stated.

According to Chen, the role of certification services in advancing ESG and sustainable development will only grow more critical. Beyond serving as guardians of regulatory compliance, these services are now tasked with catalyzing corporate sustainability. In anticipation of future challenges, ARES is focusing on technological innovation, cross-industry collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies to build an ESG sustainable certification ecosystem. "We are adopting multiple approaches—from digital and AI technologies to enhance certification efficiency and accuracy, to leveraging big data analytics for process optimization, and collaborating with policymakers, academic institutions, and industry organizations to help SMEs transition to ESG standards. Additionally, we are expanding into emerging fields such as natural capital accounting and biodiversity assessment to meet diverse sustainability needs. Our one-stop service model brings together industry expertise, leading technologies, and innovative business models to help SMEs achieve industrial upgrades and net-zero targets more precisely and efficiently," Chen explained.

In addition to establishing a comprehensive network of locations in Taiwan, ARES is set to expand into ASEAN markets—including Vietnam, Singapore, India, and Indonesia—from 2024 onward, in collaboration with local agents.

Is the Grass Greener Abroad? Challenges Facing Domestic Certification

Despite the long-standing global recognition of international standards that originated overseas, Taiwan's certification bodies—boasting only about 20 years of history—often face criticism for being "inexperienced" and "not international enough." "Within both the government and industry circles, there exists a bias: foreign certification bodies are trusted more, while domestic ones are frequently questioned on their professionalism," Chen remarked. He attributed this partly to the tendency of Taiwanese government agencies to develop their own standards when formulating policies. Although these standards may resemble international practices, debates often arise over their alignment with global norms.

Moreover, because Taiwan is not a United Nations member, its opportunities to participate in the formulation of international norms are limited. Combined with ingrained cultural and perceptual biases among local government officials and industry stakeholders, domestic certification bodies face significant hurdles—not only in overcoming reliance on "foreign standards" but also in surmounting domestic market challenges. "We must change the entrenched perceptions of local certification bodies. It's not easy, but someone must take the lead," Chen asserted. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic that by proactively expanding into international markets and aligning with global standards, Taiwan's certification industry can garner greater recognition and support. Chen calls on the government to strengthen its ties with international standards so that Taiwan's certification bodies can finally shed the "grass is greener abroad" stereotype and showcase their strengths on the global stage.

It is indeed challenging to overturn the entrenched industry perceptions of domestic certification bodies, but someone must lead the way. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Chen hopes to garner greater recognition and support for local certification agencies by actively expanding into international markets and aligning with global standards.

Digitalization, Smart Certification, and the Promise of Virtual Power Plants

In the digital era, ARES plans to make significant investments by 2025 in building digital workflows and incorporating blockchain technology to bolster operational management and certification processes. The company also intends to partner with several IT service providers to integrate data from greenhouse gas inventories, carbon footprints, and sustainability report management systems—enhancing both operational efficiency and data accuracy.

"The future of certification is heading toward Web 3.0. By adopting digital and platform-based approaches, we will provide our clients with more immediate and transparent information during the verification process, while helping SMEs reduce operational costs and focus on elevating their governance structures," Chen projected.

Taiwan faces several challenges in its corporate decarbonization efforts, including insufficient awareness, underdeveloped carbon management systems, a lack of carbon reduction technologies and funding, as well as issues related to the stability and cost of green energy supply. Virtual power plants (VPPs) are viewed as a key solution for maximizing green energy deployment and enhancing grid resilience. As Taiwan's largest domestic certification company, ARES is well positioned to assist enterprises in qualifying for VPP participation and integrating such initiatives into their ESG strategies and talent development programs.

Chen believes that the challenges faced by Taiwanese companies in reducing carbon emissions include a lack of awareness, inadequate carbon management systems, insufficient technological and financial support for carbon reduction, and concerns over the stability and cost of green energy. To address these issues, ARES will help companies secure qualification for VPP participation, integrate VPPs into ESG strategies, and develop professional talent to improve energy efficiency and grid resilience. At the same time, ARES aspires to become a global strategic partner for companies on their ESG journey, facilitating active participation in the virtual power plant ecosystem to promote energy transformation and sustainable development.

"For virtual power plants to succeed in Taiwan, it is imperative to have a sound regulatory and policy framework, upgrades to grid infrastructure, and robust measures for big data security and privacy protection—all of which require cross-sector collaboration. When virtual power plants effectively integrate distributed energy and embody circular economy principles, more companies can achieve green benefits such as waste reduction, reuse, and resource regeneration. ARES will continue to work hand in hand with the government, enterprises, and research institutions to drive Taiwan's energy transformation," Chen emphasized.

In the face of a rapidly changing international environment and evolving industry demands, ARES remains committed to optimizing its competitiveness through technological innovation, cross-industry collaboration, and global expansion. The company is dedicated to building an "ESG Sustainable Certification Ecosystem" that harnesses diverse expertise, leading technologies, and innovative business models to help more SMEs transition to net-zero emissions and achieve industrial upgrades.

"Our vision is to accompany companies on their growth journey while rigorously upholding our core values of accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and safety. Only through collaborative efforts can we excel in the global sustainability arena and become a proud symbol of Taiwanese strength," concluded Chen.