With changes inevitable industry-wide with regards to the increase in sustainability expectations being introduced, it’s important to understand what this actually means for business.
Hager UK speaks to PEW about its action on sustainability in the electrical sphere.
One of the most important factors for businesses across the world is sustainability, with greater pressure for us all to commit to ensure an environmentally-secure future.
Hager UK has a genuine passion for positive change and is committed to playing a part in making the planet cleaner and more enjoyable: now and for future generations. Hager recognises that manufacturing long-lasting and robust items is a key ingredient of a low-carbon business. The company prides itself on stringent product testing, resulting in solutions which are built to the highest standards.
Commitment
The motivation behind this company-wide approach towards sustainability is focused on three core streams: ethics, employees and environment. As part of this, Hager has launched its Blue Planet Commitment (BPC), aimed at enhancing collaborative business activities for a better and cleaner future, while supporting employees with their own environmental efforts.
By 2035, the UK Government is aiming for a 78 per cent reduction in economy-wide greenhouse-gas emissions, meaning changes are inevitable to the way the electrical sector and its entire supply chain operates. While this ever-evolving legislation must be complied with, Hager is motivated to make a difference for its business, for its customers and for the team.
As a family-run and owned company with strong values, Hager is committed to its sustainable approach. The organisation has invested heavily in its staff to enhance their skills development and training, implement environmental advancements company-wide and consider long-term impact.
Environmental impact
Across the industry, many businesses are making changes, such as developing innovative products and increasing the use of renewable sources. Hager’s entire process is often under intense internal investigation to analyse what the environmental impact is, how it can be avoided or minimised, or what alternatives can be offered. Company-wide, the organisation supports the Paris Climate Agreement which outlines a contribution limit of 1.5°C to global warming. To achieve this, Hager has established a detailed action plan: the Blue Planet Commitment, to contribute to fighting climate change, minimising impact on the environment and protecting the planet.
Sourcing, producing, using and disposing of products creates a complex life cycle that results in emissions and waste. Aware of these risks and the detrimental impact it has on both society and the environment, Hager has committed to reducing or offsetting this where possible by investing in the longevity and quality of products, while also providing more sustainable solutions.
To date, the business has implemented a number of strategies to enhance commercial sustainability efforts, including sourcing materials with conscious consideration for its environmental impact and getting products certified to industry-recognised standards (and beyond) with sustainability accreditations.
Globally, all Hager sites work to improve the efficiency of energy usage – from revitalising outdated systems to transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving manufacturing processes. Emerging into new markets, such as EV, ensures Hager can continue to support our customers to improve their own processes and service offerings, while also making efforts towards reducing their CO2 footprint.
Planning for the future
The UK Headquarters is also making significant developments with regard to sustainability in how the business is run. The introduction of exclusively LED lighting, as well as sensors, has provided an energy saving of 97%, and the installation of a 100kWh solar array is the first step in using renewable energy at the site. With a fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles, a number of EV chargers have been installed to facilitate this transition and future-proof the site in anticipation of further advancements being made.
The manufacturing process in the UK has also been enhanced, replacing powder coating materials that use temperatures around 220°C to cure paint with alternatives that require 180°C temperatures. Plus, insulating the ovens has also proved valuable in reducing waste heat.
Fully aware that sustainability is a long-term commitment, Hager’s future plans include further improvements to water usage (both fresh and waste), as well as additional renewable energy solutions.
For more information about Hager’s sustainability enhancements and what’s being done across the sector, check out their latest guide here
