Jointline Ltd is embarking on an ambitious and sustainable goal to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing a number of green initiatives at its head office and operational bases.
As a large commercial enterprise in the construction sector the company operates from 2 large depots in the midlands and north of England and with a growing commercial and operational vehicle fleet the company understands the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and conserving energy resources.
In order to help reduce the company's dependence on traditional transport methods Jointline has taken a bold commitment to converting all management vehicles to fully electric vehicles where practicable each time a lease is ready for renewal, to support this a network of electric vehicle charging points have been installed at the company’s HQ. Where the travel requirements are such that a 100% electric vehicle is not feasible, Jointline have pledged to invest in hybrid models with maximum carbon emissions of 100g/km.
To this end a number of other supporting eco initiatives have been put in place, such as speed limits for its commercial vehicles, a ‘no idle’ policy, a vehicle scheduling policy and, wherever possible, managers and staff car sharing when travelling to meetings that are unable to be conducted online to save on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The company is also embarking on a programme to convert red diesel usage within all machinery to HVO Fuel, a clean second generation, synthetic, diesel alternative that eliminates up to 90% of net CO2 and significantly reduces nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions. Jointline are proud to announce that they are on target to reach their goal of completing this transfer by mid-2022 along with all Euro 6 vehicles using AdBlue® to take advantage of the reduction in emission by using Selective Catalytic Reduction.
Julie Davidson, Quality Manager, is one of the staff members who has recently made the switch to an electric vehicle, she loves that the car is quiet but more importantly that it does not pump out harmful fumes. Julie said “I obviously love the financial benefits that have come with switching to electric, it is so much cheaper than buying fuel and my company car tax is significantly less too.
When there was a fuel shortage recently, I was not affected at all and I don’t have to pay congestion charge or low emission zone fees. You do need to think a little more carefully about journey timings and recharging options if you are travelling any distance, however, the infrastructure for recharging is improving all the time. Overall it has been a positive step forward for the company and it is encouraging to see other staff members actively requesting electric vehicles when their lease is up for renewal. The reaction from clients has also been very positive to the environmental measures that we have been putting in place and from conversations we have been having we are hoping to see a green revolution in the industry moving forward.”
Transport is not the only area to get the green light, supply chain operations are also under the eco spotlight with a move to bulk buying materials in order to reduce the number of journeys that are required. In addition, one of Jointline’s main material suppliers has recently completed a cradle-to-the-gate carbon assessment for several of their thermoplastic products. The assessments calculate the total environmental impact of a product from its initial extraction (raw material) to the finished product. As a result, a number of changes have been made to improve the carbon footprint of the materials. Rosin ester binders are now used within thermoplastic products. Using a plant-based resin means that one raw material has far less of a carbon footprint.
The continued use of bio-based binders rather than hydrocarbon resins accounted for a carbon reduction of up to 88% in some of the products assessed in the carbon reduction programme. In addition to these measures, Jointline have also installed led lighting at its HQ to help offset its energy needs, making a significant impact in reducing their carbon footprint. 95% of energy is converted with these bulbs, leading to only 5% of energy wastage.
Jointline has also committed to further mitigating carbon emissions by funding tree planting in partnership with the Woodland Trust. The company has pledged to spend £3500 per year on planting trees in the north of England, including many across the Yorkshire region. Each tree has been calculated to offer an offset value of approximately one tonne of carbon. By reducing its carbon footprint and working to mitigate areas where reduction is not currently feasible, Jointline can protect the environment and continue serving its clients in the most environmentally friendly way possible. By doing so Jointline is confident that these initiatives will play an important role in helping it achieve its sustainability goals and help take the world one step closer to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Original source: https://jointline.co.uk/news/going-green-doesnt-have-to-cost-the-earth