Destination sustainability – details of some of the work Hager is doing to make a real difference

With sustainability being a core focus for businesses that are environmentally conscious, there is one thing which is abundantly clear: the time to take action is now. The team at Hager UK shares some of the work it has been doing to help make a real difference.

A strong sustainability approach is vital to ensure businesses are doing their bit to effect global change. At Hager, the strategy is focused around three core streams: a) ethics, b) employees and c) environment.

While the ultimate motivation has to be enhancing sustainability efforts because it’s the right thing to do, there are other secondary factors. Many customers are now demanding greener solutions as part of their own efforts towards sustainability, and ultimately the eco-credentials of a supplier are now considered alongside cost and quality when it comes to purchasing choices.

So, sustainability is good for business and clearly good for the planet – but there’s also a benefit when it comes to company culture.

Working for an employer which places a high value on the local community, the global community, and even future communities, is becoming increasingly attractive – meaning those with effective sustainability plans are more likely to recruit and retain good candidates for vacant roles.

This is becoming ever more pertinent as new jobseekers join the workforce: Global Tolerance found almost two-thirds of millennials wanted to work for a company which made a positive impact on the world.

So that’s the motivation to do so, but how does a company go about creating effective change and help achieve ambitious targets (like the 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions the government is looking to reach by 2035)?

Products in practice

At Hager UK’s Telford base, all lighting is now LED – achieving an impressive 97% energy saving, supported by the introduction of sensors so lights are only used when necessary. EV chargers have also been installed to help support staff members’ use of electric vehicles, as well as the transition of Hager’s own fleet to plug-in hybrids and EVs.

Alternative paint has been introduced which cures at 180˚C, compared to the 220˚C heat required by traditional powder coating materials – and insulating the ovens will improve energy use even further. Future increases in reliance on solar power will see Hager’s demand on the grid further reduced by 35%. Other renewable energy solutions plus reductions in water usage (both fresh and waste water) are under discussion.

A Group effort

This is backed up by the wider Group’s sustainability efforts, including but in no way limited to: sourcing and using materials considerately, achieving industry accreditation where feasible, and working towards improving product life cycles.

Yet there’s a recognition that, no matter how effective Hager’s changes are, the scale of the change needed requires all businesses to be on board. It’s this vision which has inspired the launch of the Blue Planet Commitment (BPC).

The Commitment not only details the work Hager is doing – and will continue to do – as part of its vision of sustainability; it outlines how the company can work alongside suppliers, contractors and end customers to maximise the positive effects they’re having.

After all, sustainability isn’t something a company is able to ‘complete’ and then move on to the next aim. Instead, it’s a longer term journey.

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