HIGHLIGHTS
- Convert to electric powered commercial vehicles including fork lifts, company vans and cars.
- Install EV charging points on company sites.
- Install photovoltaic solar panels – produce over 170,000 kW each year.
- Build an energy efficient tile production factory – minimising production waste.
- Utilise 100% LED lighting.
- Recycle cardboard to make shredded packaging.
- Eliminate single-use plastic.
- Move to a paperless digital office.
- Recycle metal, glass, paper and plastic.
- Sell valuable metal and glass waste back to industry specialists.
- Re-use and repair wood pallets.
- Reduce and recycle office waste.
- Promote eco-friendly tiles with recycled content.
Sustainability has been a core focus throughout the recent years at Nicholls & Clarke (N&C) with the company committed to its environmental responsibilities. N&C has aligned their company initiatives to integrate sustainable practices into every facet of operations, marking a major milestone in its 150-year history with significant sustainability initiatives that make the company an innovative industry leader.
Electric Powered Energy: Leading the Charge to a Greener Fleet
A cornerstone of N&C’s environmental initiative was to significantly reduce their carbon footprint through the introduction of fully electric-powered commercial vehicles in 2022. N&C are continuously looking into hydrogen-powered lorries and how and when they could introduce these into the fleet. Additionally, the investment in EV company cars has continued with over 80% of their fleet now electric.
To support the growing electric fleet, N&C strategically installed electric charging points across the network of branches throughout the Group, facilitating the smooth integration of electric vehicles into the day-to-day operations. This infrastructure investment supports its long-term vision.
Solar Powered Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sun
In pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, N&C installed over 1,000 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of their Company Head Office. This initiative contributed significantly to their renewable energy portfolio, reducing carbon emissions by an impressive 170,540kW annually. Following the success of this installation at their Chadwell Heath Head Office, N&C is now conducting case studies for doing the same at their Fareham and Stoke factories.
By utilising the benefits of solar power, the company not only reduces its environmental impact but also showcases its commitment to adopting innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Paving the Way for Energy Efficiency
A highlight of N&C’s sustainability efforts was the launch of the world’s most energy-efficient tile production factory. This state-of-the-art facility integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and minimises production waste in the first instance, reducing what goes in the landfill. Additionally, the factory is equipped with solar panels to generate on-site energy and has fully transitioned to 100% LED lighting, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a more energy-efficient future.
Recycle and Re-Use: Closing the Loop on Waste
The Nicholls & Clarke Group is dedicated to minimising waste through strategic recycling initiatives. The recently installed in-house cardboard recycling machine enables the team to repurpose cardboard into shredded protective wrap, reducing the use of environmentally harmful alternatives like bubble wrap.
At the office level, N&C continues transitioning towards a paperless environment by digitalising a substantial portion of its forms and processes. Furthermore, the company has expanded its recycling capabilities, including additional cardboard recycling units, steel drum recycling, and continued efforts in pallet recycling and repair. It also committed to reducing single-use plastics, as demonstrated by their shift from plastic packaging tape to kraft paper alternatives for tile sample orders.
A prime example of efficient recycling can be seen at its Fareham factory, where recycling has achieved cost neutrality. Fareham has implemented bailers for paper and cardboard, allowing N&C to sell materials back to the cardboard company. The factory is also part of a closed loop system, partnering with a third-party organisation whereby the cullet (broken glass waste) from their two glass production factories is collected, processed and used as a raw material within the company’s Nicobond tiling and flooring products. Similarly, the glass cullet is collected and sold back to Saint-Gobain, while a metal crusher compacts metal waste that is also sold to ensure materials are being reused. This initiative demonstrates how recycling can benefit a business in a commercial sense.
Sustainable Product Sourcing: A Green Horizon for Design
Recognising the importance of sustainable product sourcing as part of its overall environmental strategy, Nicholls & Clarke has invested in eco-friendly tile solutions such as the ‘Ecotech’ Collection – a porcelain tile that is made from 90% recycled content. To support environmentally conscious choices, N&C has introduced a feature on their specifier platform (www.ncspecifier.co.uk) that allows specifiers to filter searches based on their recycled content percentages. This initiative encourages professionals to make more sustainable decisions that contribute to a greener built environment.
The past years have been transformative for Nicholls & Clarke, as the Group has elevated its environmental initiatives to unprecedented levels. From transitioning to electric-powered transportation and harnessing solar energy to revolutionising manufacturing processes and championing sustainable product sourcing, its commitment to sustainability was recognised by The Tile Association as winners of the Best Environmental Initiative Award Winner at the 2024 TTA Awards, with a TTA Award being the biggest accolade available in the tiling industry.
