Businesses need more help to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions and reach government targets, a survey has found. ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions explains the changes its made in its own business, in the hope of providing advice to others looking to do so.
A survey has found small businesses have struggled with how to implement sustainability into their everyday business operations.
The research showed that although 99% of small firms recognise the importance of sustainability, 77% don’t know how to measure their carbon emissions and need support. It identified that help is most needed in skills, energy efficiency, support for SMEs and providing a tax environment that stimulates investment.
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions was recently included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe in recognition of progress and ambitions for a business strategy entwined with a sustainability strategy.
Colin Donnelly, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager at the firm, said: “Businesses play a crucial role in the government’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, whether they are large multinational corporations or independent SMEs.
“Around one in three of the UK’s largest businesses are leading the way in the world’s transition to a low carbon economy, committing to align with UK government ambitions and eliminate their contribution to climate change by 2050.
“Many companies understand the issues around decarbonisation and recognise the need for the transition to Net Zero. However, there is a significant gap in turning this general understanding of the issues into tangible plans and action.
“Instead of seeing the transition to Net Zero as an exercise which requires sacrifice, we have used this initiative as a driver to innovate and boost business while lowering operations costs.”
The company aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which provide the global community with a plan for how to combat global challenges related to economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Changes made at ASSA ABLOY include a significant reduction in carbon emissions at the Lisburn site through advances in packaging, lighting and welfare facilities.
A new Eco pallet wrap has reduced packaging CO2 emissions by 56%, resulting in 115 fewer trees that need to be planted to offset CO2 per year – it is also 39% cheaper than the material they previously used.
Existing lighting within steel and timber door production areas was removed and replaced with high efficiency 150-Watt LED motion sensor lighting, which can be dimmed. This reduces energy consumption by 54,332 kWh each year, according to the business.
An aging compressor has been replaced with more efficient new technology which reduces air leaks and saves 94,500 kWh annually.
Touchless sensor water taps and cisterns have also been installed in the toilets – saving 624m2 of water a year.
Colin added: “There is still a long way to go, but by introducing these kinds of innovations at production sites we can implement more sustainable operations and help propel our journey towards Net Zero.”
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