Roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles says it is on track to meet its 2040 net zero target after making significant reductions to carbon emissions in the last year.
The firm, headquartered in Burton upon Trent, has invested £500,000 in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in the past two years and its latest sustainability report shows continued reductions for those two consecutive years.
In the last 12 months, measures to reduce the company’s environmental impact have resulted in a 3.9 per cent carbon emissions reduction overall, a step above a target of 2.5 per cent. Its market-based carbon footprint has decreased by 22.4 per cent in the same time period.
Russell Roof Tiles announced its Race to Net Zero programme in 2022 and has since made major upgrades to its three sites in Burton and Lochmaben in Scotland.
A major focus has been placed on direct emissions as well as fossil fuel reduction, energy efficiency, maximising renewables and procuring green energy.
The company has 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.
Dan Hancox, Corporate Sustainability and Development Director at Russell Roof Tiles, said: “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 percent 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.”
RussFast Solar is an extensive range of in-roof solar kits recently launched by the company.
Managing Director Andrew Hayward, pictured above, added: “The results show we are taking significant steps in our sustainability journey.
“We’re focusing not just on our manufacturing impact but also the influence of our products which is why we are pleased to have brought RussFast Solar to market, which is an important part of our continued development in sustainability. These findings are a tangible demonstration of lead the market into lessening our impact on the environment.”
Russell Roof Tiles is currently constructing a £18.5 million state-of-the-art plant at its Burton headquarters and main manufacturing site.
Due to open later this year, the plant will double output and help to continue to increase efficiencies and capacity.
The site expansion will also improve energy efficiency through its new curing facility – only the second of its type in the country – as well as the installation of solar panels, the first on its sites.
