Environmental Policy
Environmental Policy and Strategy
Covers Timber & Builders Merchants are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and helping the local community, both by supplying products that will help them live more sustainably and leading by example.
Operations
Buildings – Improving the energy performance of our buildings
All new buildings use the following:
- 15-20% of roofing is clear corrugated roofing, increasing the use of natural light.
- Florescent tube lighting of the ultra low energy type is used.
- 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 will be more efficient and reduce CO2 per delivery.
- Investigating use of biofuels.
- Cycling – all new depots have been provided with bicycle storage and showering facilities to encourage staff to cycle to work.
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 are also looking at chipping machines as an alternative; this will be sold as fuel for biomass boilers.
- We produce approximately 8 tonnes of shavings per day, which is recycled.
- 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.
Purchasing and Suppliers
We are currently working with suppliers to increase the amount of environmentally friendly products and ethically sourced products we offer.
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 1937 and PEFC certified products under our certificate BMT PEFC .
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.
Covers Timber Structures
Are committed to the environment through:-
- Purchasing where possible our wood-based raw materials from managed and sustainable sources.
- Utilising efficient manufacturing technology
- Reducing waste during manufacturing and construction processes
- Promoting environmentally-friendly and thermally-efficient methods of construction.
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 softwood forests continue to be replanted and grow. The more timber we use, the more trees will be planted. Absorbing more CO2 and producing more oxygen – they are the lungs of our planet. “A decision to build in timber frame is one of the most positive steps any individual or organisation can take to help improve our environment.”
The Eco Centre
Covers has invested £100,000+ in the South East’s first ever Eco Centre. 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.
Targets
1 Year
- We are currently looking at machinery to chip our wood waste, creating pellets for use in energy efficient boilers. We currently supply most of our wood waste to organic composters or as animal bedding.
- Tracker systems to improve productivity on deliveries, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
- Print the Covers Products and Services brochure and CTS Brochure on recycled paper. For other brochures and mailings, use environmentally friendly paper where possible.
2 Years
- Rainwater harvesting at all new depots for vehicle cleaning and watering plants.
- Recycled paper for brochures and leaflets.
- Metal recycling – increase the number of depots who are able to recycle metal timber straps, engines and engine parts.
- Increase number of brochures printed on recycled paper by at least 20%.
- Review cost of Carbon Neutral offsetting and implement where possible.
3 Years
- All cardboard and plastic waste recycling to be implemented across the remainder of the group.
