RUSSELL Roof Tiles has said it is on track to meet its 2040 net zero target, with its sustainability report showing continued reductions for two consecutive years.
Since the company announced its ‘race to zero’ in 2022, it has made ‘significant’ improvements to reduce its environmental impact, which in the last 12 months has resulted in a 3.9% carbon emissions reduction overall.
Russell Roof Tiles initially set a target of 2.5% reductions per year, but thanks to major upgrades and investment in renewable energy & energy efficiency measures in excess of £500,000 at its three sites in Burton and Lochmaben, the manufacturer has exceeded these.
Originally announced two years ago, the company recognised that, as a leading sector player, that it has a responsibility to support the UK’s transition to net zero – this resulted in the creation of key targets and milestones it would need to achieve them.
The roof tile manufacturer explained that it places a ‘major focus’ on direct emissions (scope one and two) as well as fossil fuel reduction, energy efficiency, maximising renewables, and procuring green energy.
The company worked closely with external accreditation agency Planet Mark to verify and measure its carbon and social data to reduce emissions over the last two years. This external certification assures customers that the business is taking active steps forward to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions in the supply chain, it added.
Dan Hancox, corporate sustainability and development director at Russell Roof Tiles, commented, “After verifying the data we’re pleased to report a significant reduction to our carbon emissions last year. Thanks to investments such as the new fleet of electric forklift trucks, switching to a renewable energy contract and continuous site upgrades, our market-based carbon footprint decreased by 22.4% as a result. With our sights set on being net zero by 2040, we’re integrating sustainability across all departments plus looking at ways to involve the supply chain.”
“Every year we are continuing to see large scale energy reduction which has been months and years in the planning. We’re now looking ahead following the launch of our first solar PV system, RussFast Solar.”
