Sustainability Matters – Powering Claremont Forward

The changes we’ve made were informed by a detailed study of our environmental behaviours and carbon emissions and where there was most room for improvement.  That study revealed our two biggest carbon outputs as energy use within our buildings and the travel activities of our team – so that’s where we’ve focused our attention not just for short term wins, but to also deliver on our long-term responsibilities.  Over the last 12 months we’ve implemented a number of changes that will serve the planet well…  and it’s only the beginning.

• As part of a company-wide commitment to move our substantial fleet to a hybrid and electric model – we’ve launched a subsidised EV car leasing scheme for employees and crucially, given them access to EV charging for free. Already 10% of colleagues have signed up and as existing leases, expire, we expect this to keep increasing.

• We’ve earmarked funds to invest in 100.74 kwp renewable energy solar panels for the roof of our Warrington headquarters. Scheduled for installation in the spring of 2023, the solar panels will provide enough electricity to power our entire Warrington Office.

• Our investments benefit clients too. Two members of our team have become fully accredited SKA assessors which means clients can improve their ESG goals with independently assessed and environmentally responsible office interior design, fit out, furniture and office refurbishment. It also ensures our designs and fit-out behaviours are grounded in environmentally responsible decision making. That means thinking about energy consumption, designing out waste, considering wellbeing and ensuring longevity of building materials and finishes, among a variety of other factors from the outset of a project.

• We’re actively encouraging our clients to refurbish existing office space where possible, rather than relocate, as this is a much more carbon-friendly and environmentally responsible option. Our expert workplace consultancy, office interior design and fit-out professionals are on the front line delivering this message and are showing just how rewarding and effective refurbishment can be –  particularly in light of new hybrid working.

• We took a leaf out of our own book when we recently refurbished our Warrington head office. We reused existing office furniture (desks, task chairs, storage etc) and incorporated former showroom pieces that our suppliers would have otherwise sent to landfill, into our design to reduce waste and carbon.  We specified several new pieces of 100% recycled, completely biodegradable and low carbon furniture and even incorporated our exhibition stand into the design to extract as much environmental and financial value from it as possible.

• All of our office furniture manufacturers and suppliers have to be ISO 14001 accredited, a standard we already meet, so that we know our supply chain shares our commitment. Plus, our team uses a  traffic light system based on suppliers’ environmental credentials to help designers and procurement teams make the most sustainable choices, including appointing a local supply chain where possible.

All of these activities form part of our wider commitment to reduce our carbon emissions by 5% every year – a goal that requires continual evaluation of progress and a sharp focus on making the best green choices.  While we deliver company-wide changes that will reduce our environmental impact significantly in the coming years – we also know we must mitigate the carbon we’ve created so far.  That’s why we’ve offset 200 tonnes of carbon emissions by supporting two fantastic global projects via B Corp certified business Ecologi – one in India and one in the Amazon Rainforest (you can read more about our carbon offsetting activities here).

Even with all of these large scale changes, we must also remember the importance of small behavioural changes too – many of which form part of our annual Planetmark accreditation. From ensuring equipment is turned off overnight to encouraging car share to meetings, making sure all waste is recycled (we can proudly say none of our waste goes to landfill) and specifying recycled products and materials in our projects – it all adds up.

Change is happening and we’re proud of our progress, but we know there’s still more to do. Sustainability requires commitment, cultural change and a can-do attitude – something that Claremont has in spades.