The construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability to mitigate its environmental impact. Companies are implementing various measures to reduce emissions, conserve energy, and use sustainable materials. Chilfen Joinery, a leading supplier of joinery, is playing its part in achieving significant positive outcomes through diligent application of its comprehensive environmental policy. Here’s how we are making a difference.

Renewable Heat

Chilfen Group has embraced renewable heat solutions to minimize their environmental footprint. Since 2001, we have operated a biomass boiler system that burns wood and paper-based waste generated from our Letchworth operations site. This not only reduces waste sent to landfill but also generates enough energy to heat our facilities, lessening our reliance on gas and electricity from the national grid. In 2016, the system was upgraded to the latest technology, further enhancing efficiency and emissions control.

By adopting the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, Chilfen Joinery receives rebate payments for staying within emission guidelines. This system is annually tested and audited to ensure compliance with emissions standards for carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde, showcasing our commitment to sustainable practices.

Energy Reduction

Energy efficiency is a key component of Chilfen Joinery’s sustainability strategy. The installation of an Eco-gate system in our woodworking machinery has been a game-changer. This system automatically shuts the gates in dust extraction ducts when machines are idle and uses an inverter to reduce the extraction fan speed according to the number of active machines. This ensures that the system only runs at full capacity when necessary, significantly reducing energy consumption.

We have also recently adopted energy efficient lighting throughout the factory, further reducing our energy usage and enhancing our plan for continuous and ongoing improvement.

Emissions Reduction

Chilfen Joinery has significantly reduced its use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by introducing water-based primer technology. Since 2018, this initiative has significantly cut our VOC emissions, even amid increased production. This reduction demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high environmental standards without compromising product quality.

Chilfen Joinery is also proactively reducing emissions across its operations by favouring logistics companies that use Euro 6 diesel engines, ensuring lower emissions. Furthermore, we are exploring the use of electric vehicles for local deliveries, particularly around London, as the technology becomes more cost-effective and range-efficient.

We also use transport providers who are part of the FORS scheme (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Sustainable Material Sources

The use of sustainably sourced materials is central to Chilfen Joinery’s environmental policy. As a certified Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) supplier, we ensure that materials can be traced from the forest to the consumer through a Chain of Custody (COC) record. This certification is crucial for several reasons:

1. Forest Conservation: FSC certification ensures that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
2. Biodiversity Protection: It helps in protecting biodiversity by promoting practices that maintain the health of forest ecosystems
3. Community Support: FSC-certified forests support local communities and contribute to their well-being by providing sustainable livelihoods.
4. Consumer Assurance: For customers, FSC certification is a guarantee that the products they purchase are contributing to forest conservation and sustainable management.

Dedication to Sustainability

Chilfen Joinery’s dedication to sustainability is evident in our innovative use of renewable heat, significant energy reductions, proactive emissions control, and commitment to sourcing sustainable materials. By aligning our operations with industry-leading environmental standards and continuously seeking improvements, Chilfen Joinery not only minimizes its environmental impact but also sets a benchmark for others in the construction and woodworking industry to follow.

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