ACO Technologies has set out its plans to achieve net zero carbon following the release of an Environmental Statement to detail its business-wide sustainability commitments.
ACO became the first construction products manufacturer to be listed as a CO2nstructZero Business Champion in 2021. A key factor in the achievement was the company’s 31% reduction in carbon emissions in the four years from 2015 to 2019. Having been accredited to ISO 14001 since 2009, the company can demonstrate improvements across all its activities and has now announced further commitments.
This includes a continued focus on reducing its operational carbon emissions, which is verified by measuring CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) figures by a third party. Alongside verification, ACO has moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff; enabling the company to be Carbon Neutral for residual scope 1 and 2 emissions by using Gold Standard Carbon Offsets.
Additionally, ACO is set to install ground source heat pumps across its UK site. Ground source heat pumps make use of energy stored in the ground to provide a more energy efficient way of heating a building. By installing the heat pumps, ACO will further reduce the carbon intensity of its operations.
Dr David Smoker, Technical Director at ACO Technologies, said: “As a manufacturer of building drainage and surface water management products, we must consider how we can protect and enhance the living and natural environment. As such, we remain committed to providing products and design support that will help facilitate the creation of integrated drainage solutions.
“We have challenged ourselves to reduce our environment impact. This has been set out to cover both our manufacturing processes and how we design our products. We have committed to using science-based targets as a way to establish our year-on-year CO2 emissions, and continue to review operation, manufacturing and delivery mechanisms.”
The company is also introducing electric forklift trucks, while it is working with its logistics partners on the transition to HVO fuels. Reducing waste and recycling initiatives are also high on ACO’s sustainability agenda, as the company works toward a circular economy. Examples include the implementation of separated waste streams in its factories and offices, as well as recently subscribing to a hard hat recycling scheme. Over 80% of the company’s waste is now recycled, with the hard hat scheme set to further boost this.
ACO’s sustainability commitments have been detailed in its Environmental Statement, which can be downloaded on its website. Dr Smoker concludes: “As a business, we recognise our responsibility to drive towards net zero carbon. By being transparent with our journey, we hope to encourage others in the industry to continue their own progress and help the UK achieve its important goals.”
For more information on ACO’s sustainability initiatives, please visit www.aco.co.uk/sustainability.
