Energy sourcing and usage have been a big part of the Bransford Webbs sustainability process for almost ten years. Reducing usage and replacing fossil fuel sources through various initiatives across its site has been key to making strong progress on this journey.
The process began in 2015 with the installation of a 60Kw solar panel system installed on the despatch warehouse roof. This system provides around 20% of the electric energy consumed by Bransford Webbs and, since its installation, has produced enough electricity to power 100 houses for a year. Reducing energy usage is also important, and the installation of LED lighting over the past three years across the business has been key.
The business has made a move away from traditional diesel-powered vehicles by replacing potting and despatch tractors with electric buggies and replacing an old diesel forklift truck with an electric version. EV charging points will be installed by this summer, and the company has its first electric car due for delivery, with the aim of a greener fleet of company cars in the future.
“Energy reduction and efficient use of energy is very important to us, and while we have made good progress over the past few years, we are still determined to improve further,” commented Richard Colbourne, Finance Director. “With that in mind, we have started to investigate battery storage to maximize the use of the electricity we generate from our solar panels and are constantly considering better options when replacing equipment.”