Newsroom
Our timber frame operation has been awarded the highest, Level Five Green Dragon standard, recognising effective environmental management.
The Castleoak Timber Frame factory in Ebbw Vale designs and manufactures timber frame structures exclusively for us. Working with our Environmental Manager, Miles Thomas, the 29-strong team began managing their environmental impact and the associated CO² footprint through accurate measuring and monitoring. A comprehensive staff environmental survey followed, gathering suggestions on where improvements could be made, many of which were implemented. SMART Meter technology was introduced to identify where and when energy was being wasted on site to change working practices effectively.
Through switch-off policies, the display of stickers and posters around the site and staff training, electricity savings of 25% in the day and up to 68% at night have been made. Meter monitoring led to the discovery of a large water leak and several waste minimisation schemes were implemented, covering timber reuse/recycling, office waste, electrical equipment, toner cartridge and battery recycling. In addition, the factory is always kept clean and tidy, which aids waste management as well as health and safety.
“Castleoak Timber Frame has shown excellent commitment to minimising environmental impacts through the development of their certified Green Dragon Level 5 EMS,” said Craig Harding, environmental business services manager of Groundwork Wales, which certifies the Green Dragon standard.
“We are absolutely committed to continually improving our environmental management,” said Miles Thomas.
“It’s great to have achieved Level 5 and the team has done really well, but it is, of course, an ongoing effort and we are continuing to introduce new measures to reduce our negative impacts on the environment in the factory and at our offices and sites.”