Abode is making huge strides in its net zero journey by achieving carbon neutrality thanks to the recent installation of an array of solar panels at its headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

As part of the company’s ongoing ESG strategy and corporate responsibility to reduce and offset its emissions, 125 state-of-the-art Solar Photovoltaic Panels have been installed on one of its building’s large south-facing roofs, which offer a combined output of 50k/watt every hour.

The energy generated from the newly installed Solar Panels will produce enough electricity to independently power the Barnsley site, as well as produce surplus energy during the summer months to sell back to the National Grid.

Leanne Adamson, Marketing Manager at Abode, explains, “One of our core goals is the continuous development in all areas of our business, including our products, processes and principles. In fact, we are really proud to announce that as part of a 2022 Scope 1 and 2 assessment on emissions, our carbon output has been reduced by 60% since 2018!

In March 2022, we celebrated another environmental milestone by becoming PlanetMark certified as Carbon Neutral, bolstered by our commitment to cut our carbon footprint by a further 5% by spring 2023, equating to 1.95 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).”

The leadership team at Abode set three SMART targets (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) as part of the carbon management plan to secure wins for their employees and the environment: Solar Energy, electrification of the company fleet to ensure that all vehicles will be hybrid or electric hybrid by 2025, reducing emissions by 51%, and an amended Business Travel Policy meaning that online conferencing will be used where practical.

With the solar panels fully functional on the roof, Adobe’s next step will be to install charging points for electric vehicles this spring to benefit from the power generated from the on-site installation. This change will help to avoid around 17,500 kilos of CO2 emissions annually as the company continues its journey towards Net Zero Carbon.

In addition, all office lighting has been converted to LED and sensor installations to use electricity more efficiently, saving energy and helping to protect the planet.

As a manufacturer with one of the industry’s best-in-class design studios, every member of the Abode family and throughout the value chain is excited by all the future plans on-site, offering tangible benefits as sustainability continues to grow at home and commercially this year.

Leanne adds, “Sustainability means more to us than just ‘green’ products. It is an integral part of how we manage our business. We believe in being fully accountable, which is why we have recently completed our first-ever Sustainability Report, which our customers can download at abodedesigns.co.uk/support/brochure.

In doing this, everyone can share in the series of green goals we’ve set ourselves to continue to make a positive impact throughout our business, the environment and our many customers as an ethical partner of choice.”

Matthew Pitt, Managing Director, added, “We are dedicated to reaching net zero carbon emissions and are inviting retailers to take advantage of our latest promotional materials and marketing activity, so they can drive more traffic to their showrooms.

We have created high-impact literature that focuses on our ethical credentials, social responsibility and governance so that retailers can enjoy the halo effect of a strong USP as a sustainability champion simply by selling our products.

In addition, we have introduced our Accumulate Retail Loyalty Programme this year to make it even easier for retail professionals to sell our products, earn points and then spend them on fantastic rewards!”

For further information on Abode and its journey to Net Zero, visit www.abodedesigns.co.uk.

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