In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. Industries across the globe are making conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt green technologies, and ensure that their business practices benefit both the environment and society at large.
At Weatherite, we’re at the forefront of this green revolution, committed to adopting sustainable business practices and setting new standards in environmental responsibility in the UK HVAC industry. This is one of the many reasons we won McDonald’s UK & Ireland ‘Supplier of the Year’ Award in 2023.
From electric vehicles to solar panels, and eco-friendly refrigerants, we’re continuously innovating to minimise our environmental impact while optimising operations. This blog will explore our green initiatives, the positive impact they’re making, and our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.
Weatherite’s Green Technologies and Innovations
We’ve embraced a wide range of technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and boosting efficiency. This is not just an isolated effort but part of an overarching strategy that ensures sustainable business practices in every degree. Our green technologies and innovations are at the core of our sustainability agenda, with a major focus on solar energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and greener refrigerants.
Solar Power: A Game-Changer for Energy Efficiency
A key aspect of our commitment to sustainable business practices is our substantial investment in solar power, which underscores our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint.
In May 2023, we initiated phase 1 of a larger sustainability project by installing 1,080 solar panels at our 150,000 sq ft main factory. This project is a prime example of our green technologies, aimed at dramatically cutting emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
The decision to invest in solar power was driven by a sharp increase in energy costs—our electricity contract jumped from 12p per kWh to 68p per kWh. This made the shift to solar energy not only an environmentally responsible move but also an economically sound one. Once the solar installation is fully operational, we’re projected to generate electricity at just 4p per kWh, significantly reducing both costs and environmental impact.
The environmental benefits of our commitment to sustainable business practices are equally impressive. Between 1st August 2023 and 31st July 2024, we generated:
· 198,275 kWh of renewable electricity
· 179,863 kWh of renewable electricity transferred to the grid
· 378,138 kWh of renewable electricity produced by the solar system
This has resulted in 370 tonnes CO2 reduction to the atmosphere and is equivalent to:
· 4,300 tree seedlings grown for 10 years
· OR CO2 emission from 132,000 Kg of coal burned
· OR 115,700 litres of petrol and diesel consumed
· OR 675,000 miles driven by an average petrol/diesel powered passenger vehicle
This initiative is a key part of our green technologies, which not only reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute to the overall efficiency of the national energy infrastructure. Any excess electricity generated by the solar panels is sold back to the grid, ensuring that surplus clean energy benefits the wider community here in the West Midlands – further reinforcing our dedication to energy-focused sustainable business practices.
Electric Vehicles: Reducing Emissions on the Road
Another significant aspect of our commitment to sustainable business practices is our adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As part of our green technologies, we have transitioned our fleet to electric, resulting in a considerable reduction in both fuel consumption and emissions. With EVs producing zero tailpipe emissions, this shift helps further lower our carbon footprint and contributes to cleaner air quality. Incorporating EVs into their fleet complements our broader strategy of reducing overall energy consumption and minimising greenhouse gas emissions across our operations. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to optimise energy use and reduce environmental impact through cutting-edge, sustainable technologies.
Green Refrigerants: A Safer, Greener Alternative
A unique component of our commitment to sustainable business practices is our forward-thinking approach to refrigeration. Traditionally, refrigerants have been a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the HVAC industry has faced growing pressure to find greener alternatives. As part of our green technologies, we have taken bold steps to implement more environmentally friendly refrigerants. These alternatives are designed to have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerants, directly reducing our carbon emissions.
We carefully select products and technologies that support our environmental goals. By incorporating these green refrigerants, we’re minimising our carbon footprint and support cleaner operations. Additionally, sustainability is woven into our procurement processes. We evaluate the sustainability risks and impacts of every material and product we use, embedding robust sustainability criteria into all tender documents. This ensures that our green technologies extend to every aspect of our business, from product design to execution.
Waste Not, Want Not: Recirculating Energy and Cutting Carbon
Another example of our commitment to sustainable business practices is our innovative energy-saving method of recirculating heat recovered from the compressed air system room to the factory floor during cold weather. The system will automatically and thermostatically recognise the outside and inside temperature for this purpose, utilising waste heat generated. It brings in the hot air inside the factory to warm up the areas near the unit to eliminate usage of excessive energy in that particular area.
This clever strategy reduces the energy needed to heat the factory floor, ensuring no excess heat is wasted during the production process. This approach is a testament to our green technologies, as it optimises energy use while significantly lowering our carbon footprint and minimising overall energy consumption.
Our efforts to reduce waste and conserve energy are further recognised by our green
rating from The Carbon Trust. This rating reflects our ongoing dedication to reducing carbon emissions and meeting the highest environmental standards.
Engaging Suppliers for a Greener Future
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our own operations. We actively engage and encourage our suppliers to adopt sustainable business practices. By working closely with our suppliers, we ensure that sustainability is a collaborative effort, benefiting not only us but the entire supply chain.
This collaborative approach means that we can enhance our collective sustainability performance. Suppliers are encouraged to meet the same high environmental standards, and we continually assess sustainability risks and impacts when sourcing materials. This approach ensures that sustainability is ingrained in every part of our business, from production to procurement.
Looking to the Future: A Long-Term Commitment to Sustainable Business Practices
Chairman John Whitehouse aptly summed up our dedication to sustainability when he said, “As a manufacturer, reducing our carbon footprint is at the forefront of our business, and this is a great way we can reduce our impact on the environment and economise at the same time.”
Our commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices is more than just a strategy—it’s a fundamental part of who we are as a company. Through significant investments in solar power, the adoption of electric vehicles, and the use of greener refrigerants, we’re leading the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Our green technologies, combined with a focus on supplier engagement and innovative energy-saving practices, demonstrate that sustainability is not just a buzzword at Weatherite—it’s a core value that drives every decision we make. With our continued efforts, we’re setting the standard for businesses looking to make a real and lasting impact on the environment.
If you’d like to learn more about our sustainable HVAC solutions, HVAC service and maintenance, aluminium solutions and/or electrical solutions, contact us today.
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