Highlights
- Entire business model built around sustainability and maximising efficiency
- All electric fleet contributes to saving of 13 tonnes CO2e per annum, including an electric flatbed truck to deliver goods to site
- Offsite construction processes reduce time spent on site for installation, resulting in less waste, fewer breakages and increased efficiency
- Significant public sector contracts secured through demonstration of environmental credentials, including Peebles High School (£2million) and South West Fife High School (£2million)
Net Zero Facades (NZF) Ltd based in Cumbernauld, design, supply and install aluminium curtain walling, windows, doors, and associated façade products. They are pioneering approaches around product design and operational processes in the construction sector, demonstrating that both sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.
They have an extensive Carbon Management Plan (CMP) which is aligned with Science Based Targets Initiative standards. They have a carbon management champion and a carbon management team of senior staff; however, all staff were involved in discussions on the development of the CMP to ensure buy-in from across the company. Monitoring of progress against the Plan takes place on a frequent basis, with monthly discussions amongst management, 6 monthly reviews to assess progress to year-end targets and finally a year-end review.
NZF are working to reduce their scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, from their 2022 baseline year. They have also committed to measuring, monitoring, and reducing their scope 3 emissions and aim to reach Net Zero by 2050. In their first year of the plan, they are forecast to achieve a 10% reduction in their GHG emissions.
Their entirely electric fleet, including a bespoke flatbed truck is currently saving 13 tonnes CO2e per annum. They have also invested in technology on the factory floor to significantly improve handling of materials resulting in fewer breakages, and more accurate cutting of materials, therefore maximising use. Only 3% of aluminium is wasted through cutting, with their offcuts recycled, and they procure special lengths of aluminium framing to reduce wastage. Using offsite construction processes are more time consuming, however less time is required on site to install, which is a further benefit.
NZF have committed to using 100% renewable energy since March 2024, saving 5 tonnes of CO2e per annum, compared with the UK average. They have a biomass heating system to heat their factory in lieu of gas, saving a further 10 tonnes of CO2e per annum. Turnover is significant for a business of their size at £9.7million. The business has secured several significant public sector construction contracts due to their environmental credentials including the new Peebles High School which has an order value of £2.0m and South West Fife High School at £2.0m. At present, there are no competitors offering or achieving carbon savings to clients, giving NetZero Facades a competitive advantage.
The business places a strong emphasis on staff development with 2 Modern Apprentices currently in employment, who came from local schools. Staff are encouraged to pursue training, and they are supported to undertake further/higher education opportunities to enable them to progress in their careers. NZF has achieved bronze status in the North Lanarkshire Charter, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving staff working conditions, including flexible working hours, working from home and the ability for work teams to negotiate their holidays to suit staff needs.