Progressive Production is Key to a Greener Future As concerns around industry’s impact on the environment grow, it is no surprise to see the manufacturing sector come under closer scrutiny thanks to the high input and output of materials, and associated waste and emissions created in the process. In line with its net-zero targets, leading timber door manufacturer, JELD-WEN, recently embarked on an ecofocused overhaul of its Penrith door production site resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact. Here, Hamish White, Plant Manager at JELD-WEN’s six-acre factory site in Penrith, explains four key focuses that are being actioned in support of the business’ sustainable journey: Climate change calls for lower emissions, yet infrastructure demand remains vast. Therefore, as we work towards net zero, the onus is on embracing innovation, committing to change and doing much more with much less in order to take on both challenges. As an inherently energy-intensive industry, manufacturers must take a lead role in this and take bold, progressive action to ensure net zero goals stay within reach. We’ve been able to explore and implement a number of sustainable solutions into our Penrith factory, which isn’t overly complex or expensive but have been shown to result in significant carbon reductions: Better with biomass Although solar and wind may appear to steal most of the green limelight, biomass is also a renewable energy source. It is generated from organic matter, which - although releases carbon dioxide when burned – has considerably less impact than the use of fossil fuels. In fact, for a manufacturer, any excess supply of sustainably sourced timber can be used as fuel to minimise waste and ensure optimum circularity. By replacing the material used through replanting initiatives, it’s possible to ensure the CO2 emitted from biomass equals the amount absorbed over the months and years that the tree was growing, resulting in a carbon-neutral process. Driving change It is also widely known that electricity is a much cleaner and more environmentally responsible alternative to diesel. Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 98 THE door industry journal summer 2023 Entrance, Internal, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors
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