Carbon Reduction Initiatives
In early 2020 we engaged with Zero Waste Scotland to carry out a full audit of the energy efficiency of our building and processes.
This independent review led us to make a number of commitments in the years 2021-2023:
- Installation of 85Kw Solar Array on our main production and office building
- Installation of HVAC controls to reduce energy consumption
- Evaluation of the use of Ground Source Heat Pump to augment current factory heating arrangements
- Minor works inclusive of destratification fans, air curtains and improved insulations to reduce heat loss.
For our staff we have implemented the following initiatives:
- Replacement of diesel-powered cars with hybrid / fully electric vehicles on a rolling basis from 2018 onwards
- Provision of free charging facilities to staff in order to encourage the use of own electric vehicles
- Rolled out the LOVEELECTRIC car scheme, offered for staff to reduce the carbon from 250,000 miles commuted per year
- Continued participation in Cycle to Work scheme and provision of showers and changing facilities to encourage cycle use.
In our production processes we have:
- Transitioned to 99% recycled or recyclable product packaging
- Implemented CNC controlled plastic cutting processes to minimise wastage, ensuring that collected swarf and off-cuts are separated and directed for recycling
- Engaged with specialist contractors to manage WEEE and to provide better guidance to customers on end of life disposal options
- Environmental management system certified to ISO14001
In 2024 we will:
- Replace our gas factory heating with air source heat pumps, powered by our solar panels and 100% renewable grid electricity. This will save a further 50 tCO2e per year
- Continue to map and better understand our Scope 3 impacts where relevant to our operations
- Install fast electric car chargers to help use excess energy at weekends and evenings – offering paid charging for the local community
- Implement grey water recycling initiatives on our site with the intention of halving our domestic water usage
- Continue roll out of certified service engineer training and augmented reality remote support tools, with priority given to export markets in order to minimise impact on site travel.
- Achieve bCorp membership
- Adopt Tripple Bottom line reporting standards
By 2025 we will
- Commit to offsetting embedded CO2 emissions via :”Gold Standard” certified offsets e.g. offering water filtration devises in SE Asia
- Complete the transition of the full company fleet (cars and vans) to EV
As part of this process, we have quantified the carbon tonnages saved as a result of these initiatives, and these form part of our annual CSR reports to shareholders.