Products
Our Envrionmental Policy - 2011 Envrionmental Report
Summary
Covers Timber & Builders Merchants are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and helping the local community by supplying products that will help them live more sustainably.
Purchasing and Suppliers
We work with our suppliers to increase the amount of environmentally friendly products and ethically sourced products we offer and reduce unnecessary packaging.
Timber
Covers are committed to supporting the responsible management of the world's forests. We are able to supply an increasing range of products as FSC® - certified under our certificate TT COC 001937 and PEFC certified products under our certificate BMT PEFC 0086.
We are committed to sourcing and increasing the volume of our timber and timber products from suppliers who demonstrate good practices from sustainable and well managed resources.
We are members of the British Woodworking Federation and we comply with their code of conduct, reducing waste in our electricity consumption and by planning and reducing production times and waste in material.
Timber is renewable, sustainable, recyclable, non-toxic, waste-efficient and bio-degradable and as such, there is no other building material that matches its positive environmental impact. Purchasing from proven sustainable sources ensures the world's forests continue to be replanted and grow. They absorb CO2 and produce oxygen – effectively they are the lungs of our planet.
The Eco Centre
Covers opened South East's first ever Eco Centre in 2007. Based at Quarry Lane, Chichester, it is a leading centre of expertise that showcases the latest eco products for the home and garden. It welcomes the retail and trade customers to learn about practical ways to make a home more energy efficient, obtain a better home energy rating and reduce carbon emissions and water use. We have displays at several other depots. Click here for further information
Recycling and Reducing Landfill
• Split bins for recycling and waste in all depots.
• Toner cartridges, paper, vehicle batteries, anti freeze brake fluid and engine oil are all recycled.
• Our wood waste offcuts are delivered to green waste composters who specialise in recycling waste products and re-selling them as garden mulch and growing media.
• We produce approximately 8 tonnes of shavings per day, which is re-used by equine businesses.
• Plastic, cardboard and metal strapping waste at our four bigger depots is collected in separate waste bins, compressed and collected for recycling.
• Light bulb recycling.
• Organic wood treatments are used for treating our timber; this is a major move away from Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) based treatment processes.
• We meet our obligations under the UK WEEE Regulations 2007.
Operations
Buildings – Improving the energy performance of our buildings
• Fluorescent tube lighting of the ultra low energy type is used. In 2010-11 we have invested £56,500.00 in new T5 ultra low energy lighting systems saving an estimated 109 T of CO2.
• Internal and Yard lighting is lumen time switch controlled and movement controlled sensors are used in less frequently used areas, such as toilet and washroom facilities.
• Water control in toilets.
Transport – Renewal of fleet
• Annual renewal targets to update fleet to multipurpose vehicles to reduce road miles. Purchase of Euro IV and V engines which are more efficient and reduce CO2 per delivery.
• Cycling – all new depots have been provided with bicycle storage and showering facilities to encourage staff to cycle to work. Interest free staff cycle loan facilities.
• Reduce vehicle miles.
Targets - Annually set targets to reduce our carbon footprint
• Existing T8 lighting has been replaced with T5 ultra low energy bulbs using an adapter on previous fittings. This has enabled a reduction of over 100 tonnes of CO2 (per annual) across all premises. Achieved June 2010
• Tracker systems to improve productivity on deliveries, reducing fuel usage and emissions. Achieved March 2010
• Increase number of brochures printed on recycled paper by at least 20%. Continuing annually
• Rainwater harvesting at all new depots for vehicle cleaning and watering plants. Ongoing
• Implement new recycling system. Starts July 2011
