Algeco - Committed to Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Conversations on environmental sustainability and the human impact on our global climate have become more and more urgent in recent years. With prominent figures promoting the need for environmental change, such as Greta Thunberg, who recently won Time Magazine's person of the year, the time to act and reduce our carbon footprint is now.
At Algeco, we have been committed to this for some time, always striving to identify and invest in greener alternatives and implement energy saving alternatives where possible. It's this drive for change that has directly inspired our 3 R's business model ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' and this ethos filters down through all aspects of our business, directly through to our products.
Here are just some of the ways in which we're committed to delivering environmental sustainability.
Cleaner Vehicles and Reduced Mileage
Cars and commercial vehicles are one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, currently accounting for approximately 26% of all UK emissions. As a business, while we may be reliant on a range of vehicles, we work hard to reduce their impact on the environment.
Our LCV fleet has seen a reduction in CO2 of 91% (driven by selling loo hire!) with our overall fleet reduced by 26% against our historical averages, with all new cars being selected on their emission compliance. Similarly, our hybrid vehicles have more than doubled in number in under a year.
We also utilise our large depot network in order to ensure that vehicle mileage is reduced, and site deliveries are arranged from local depot locations.
Sustainable Materials
Timber plays a huge part of our development process, with wood being used for flooring, panelling, partitions, ceilings and doors. We work with multiple timber merchants, always ensuring that we source sustainable timber that all timbers are CITES compliant.
Recycled materials are also selected where possible, such as plastics and glass.
Our furniture is reused a number of times, and between hires it will be maintained and repaired if necessary. At the end of its lifecycle, it is fully recycled.
We're also continuously looking at how we can reduce carbon emissions through improved LED lighting, efficient workshops and waste segregation. In the Scunthorpe depot for example, we reduced the lighting load by more than half.
Algeco Eco-Future energy saving building range
While we work to ensure all our modular buildings are energy efficient, we have launched our Eco-future range to show case a full range of energy saving features that include:
Double glazed windows
Automatic T5 lighting with PIR sensors
Non concussive aerated taps
Automatic heating with PIR and timers
Automatic door opening and closing
Energy efficient LED lighting
Water consumption
We've specifically increased our attention on the reduction of water consumption implementing waterless urinals, dual flush toilets, hand dryers (latest energy technology), inline instantaneous water heaters non-concussive aerated taps C/W flow restrictions – combined these product changes all add up to a decrease in water consumption of nearly 80%!
We've also introduced rainwater harvesting. We predict a saving of 82mᶟ per annum, based on (admittedly quite specifically) 6 toilet flushes per hour across an eight-hour working day. Working on the average cost of 1 cubic metre of water at £3.19, this is a saving of £261.58 per annum.
Solar panels
We also offer the option of installing a solar panel on site to harness energy and as a result, electricity, to power your unit. Solar panels can assist with lighting and hot water.
A Greener Future
We're committed to continually researching and identifying new ways in which we can reduce waste and positively impact our environment. With new eco-focused products on the horizon, greater integration with electric vehicles, and evolving partnerships with environmentally proactive suppliers, we're proud to be playing our part in the growing tide of environmental positive change.
