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Howdens and the Environment
Our business interacts with the environment in a number of ways. Where possible we source product and manufacture in the UK; we use timber from a variety of sources; we use energy to transform it into finished products. Each of these processes presents challenges that we must resolve in order to achieve our objective; to set and meet the highest standards of environmental care.
We strive to purchase wood and paper which is accredited by either the UK Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes. These respected independent schemes enable us to source products from suppliers who use sustainable methods to manage their forests.
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Howdens and the Environment
As you would expect from a company that makes and sells kitchen products, wood plays a central role in what we do. Approximately 80% of the raw material used in manufacturing is wood or wood fibre. Wherever possible the wood is sourced in a way that is positive for both the business and the environment. Howden Joinery Ltd. has FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certificates which apply to a number of products. The Chain of Custody certification means that there is an unbroken and documented chain of ownership all the way from the forest, via the mill, the importer, the manufacturer and supplier to the end user.
Environmental Standards (ISO 14001)
Howdens Joinery - Depot Supply and Support Division has achieved ISO 14001 certification at its Runcorn manufacturing and Howden warehouse sites. This certification underlines the company's commitment to not only fulfilling environmental policy and legislation, but also to seeking continuous improvement in the following areas; raw material usage, energy usage, emissions to air and water, packaging waste, wood waste and alternatives to landfill.
These improvements have and will continue to be brought about by striving to meet the targets in the environmental policy and reviewing progress on a regular basis.
Manufactured Products
In 2008, 100% of the wood and cardboard packaging used within the manufacturing processes came from accredited sources.
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Bought-In Product
In order to ensure that the FSC's requirements are met, standards are continually checked and all finished goods suppliers are monitored to make certain that they operate in a fair and responsible way.
Energy
Howdens Joinery is constantly looking for opportunities to reduce its energy consumption and emissions. Electricity, gas and fuel consumption result in the emission of CO2, a gas that many governments and organisations believe contributes to climate change, so their levels of emissions are an important measure.
Efficiency Accreditation
In 2006 a new transport management system was introduced which has helped to create a more efficient fleet of vehicles.
In 2008 Howdens Joinery - Depot Supply and Support Division, maintained the Institute of Energy's prestigious Energy Efficiency Accreditation, which they have now been accredited with continuously for more than ten years.
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Waste
Howdens Joinery is constantly seeking more efficient ways to utilise or dispose of waste, which is produced from a combination of manufacturing, distribution, and trade operations. Employees are encouraged to consider how the business can improve on its environmental performance in all areas by reducing consumption, re-using materials and recycling wherever possible.
• In 2008, more than 90% of the 67,000 tonnes of waste produced in manufacturing operations was recycled
• Cardboard, plastic and timber waste from the manufacturing process are segregated from general waste
• One element of waste from the manufacturing process is sawdust. In 2008, almost 27,000 tonnes of sawdust was converted into energy, with the sawdust fuelling eight biomass boilers that burn this waste to heat the factories
• A new high volume shredder was introduced at the Howden site to further improve levels of recycling as well as improving the load density of the waste removal vehicles thus reducing the number of vehicle movements
• All waste removal companies used by the business have been audited throughout the year to ensure compliance with legislation
