Hear from a manufacturer that found the value of going green
More manufacturers than ever are finding the value of going green and boosting their green credentials, and for good reason. But don’t take our word for it – just ask Crystal Doors, who started off with little to no knowledge of sustainability but is now a national award-winning green company.
Is ‘going green’ the new normal?
In 2020, we hit a historic turning point in the growing trend of sustainability in business. A potent combination of rising climate awareness, disastrous wildfires and flooding, the coming of age of a more environmentally conscious generation (millennials now make up the majority of the workforce), and of course the COVID-19 pandemic, have put sustainability at the top of the boardroom agenda.
After the first national lockdown in 2020, over 70 percent of companies said sustainability would become more of a priority for them. A similar proportion said they plan to commit to net zero carbon emissions in the near future.
But what are the benefits of going green? We asked Crystal Doors, a manufacturer in Rochdale who has been on a remarkable journey over the last six years.
Why do manufacturers have the most value to gain from going green?
In 2015, Crystal Doors’ entire future was at risk because of concerns about the impact a biomass burner at the factory would have on air quality. Today, they are a Queen’s Award-winning green manufacturer on track to reach net zero emissions before the end of this year. Look at the value of going green there!
Perfect Sense has helped them to go green with a 246kWp rooftop solar PV system, LED lighting, and EV charging equipment – all cashflow neutral investments that will save thousands of pounds a year, but earn even more in brand value.
“The most successful businesses this decade will be the ones who can clearly demonstrate environmental stewardship and balance purpose with profit,” explains Richard Hagan, Crystal Doors’ Managing Director. “Manufacturers like us have the most to gain, partly because we consume more energy and materials, and will therefore be put under the most pressure, but also because manufacturers are needed to lead the green industrial revolution society is calling for.
“Everything we have invested on our sustainability journey since 2015 has already paid back, not just in savings but in our reputation, the happiness of our staff, and the growing network of organisations we are partnering with. 2020 was our most successful year ever despite the pandemic, and 2021 is already looking even busier.
“We now have a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, the highest award a UK business can get, and we can use the Queen’s Award emblem on our products for the next five years. This alone makes it all worthwhile – it will open doors we never thought possible.” Crystal Doors aren’t alone. More than three-quarters of UK companies expect to grow in 2021 by increasing their focus on sustainability. In the manufacturing sector specifically, 72 percent now say image is a major driving force behind their sustainability actions.
Expert view:
“Firms genuinely want to build back better and have sustainability and the move to a net zero economy right at the top of their priority lists as they look to adapt their operations to the ‘new normal’. This greater focus on sustainability by businesses will help them to build their reputations and make better connections to their customers.”
Rob King, Head of Sustainable Finance at HSBC UK
Find the value of going green now, or fall behind
Find the value of going green now! Around 70 percent of the global economy is now covered by some form of net zero commitment. That means governments will be putting ever stronger regulations in place to reduce emissions, and buyers will increasingly demand proof of social and environmental value in tenders and contracts. This is something that Crystal Doors are now doing themselves.
“We have decided to stop working with companies who haven’t committed to their own carbon targets from this year,” Richard says. “Eventually every business in every supply chain will have to do what we have done just to stay in business. Acting now is an opportunity to demonstrate real value to your stakeholders. It’s going to hit everyone sooner rather than later – I’d rather pre-empt the changes on the horizon and lead the way than be dragged along with everyone else.”
How do you build your green credentials?
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Make a formal pledge to net zero emissions, for example through the UN’s Race to Zero campaign
Set a net zero target and then develop your strategy by working backward from there. If you are an SME, you can join Race to Zero through the SME Climate Hub.
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Quantify and disclose your progress on an annual basis
Publish your strategy and annual progress on your website for all to see, like Crystal Doors.
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Deliver real action on the ground
Ensure you can evidence real progress in your own operations. Simply purchasing carbon offsets does not show the same level of ambition as genuine action to change your own energy consumption. Follow our motto: Buy better first, use less, then generate your own.
No cost energy saving survey
If you’re unsure where to start, Perfect Sense can help you to assess what your priorities should be with a free, no-cost desktop assessment. We only recommend proven solutions that will have a significant impact on your profit and green credentials.
Would you like a No-cost energy-saving survey to help start going green?
If you’re unsure where to start, Perfect Sense can help you to assess what your priorities should be with a free, no-cost desktop assessment. We only recommend proven solutions that will have a significant impact on your profit and green credentials.
