Total Glass gets Green edge with 'Ambassador' status

Merseyside-based window company Total Glass is the latest Green Business Ambassador to be honoured in the region for its efforts to reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of its business.

As the only PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricator out of nearly 130 companies to be given the award by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the company hopes its environmental credentials will act as an example of good ‘green’ practice to others in the industry.

Reducing waste and energy costs is saving Total Glass around £20,000 a year – representing an annual reduction of 86.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Launched during the city’s Year of the Environment 2009, the on-going Green Ambassador initiative acknowledges commitment by private and public sector organisations to reduce their environmental impact.

Group Managing Director of Total Glass, Frank Deary is delighted to receive the award, saying it recognises the success of efficiencies implemented through working towards ISO 14001 to ensure the business is run as sustainably as possible.

These include a number of simple energy-saving measures identified in a Carbon Trust survey of the 100,000 sq ft factory and its operations, such as:
• Not leaving computers on standby
• Optimised use of water for flushing toilets
• Lights on motion sensors come on when needed
• Maximising use of natural light/turning off unnecessary lights
• Coffee machine timers provide hot water when needed
• Repairing leaking compressed air lines and reducing pressure – saves over £6,000 a year alone

“Saving energy and reducing wastage makes sound environmental and economic sense,” continues Frank. “Our commitment to sustainable manufacturing operations also covers recycling of waste PVC-U, cardboard and paper. It extends to our products too. Our ‘A’ to ‘C’ Energy-Rated Windows help to lower fuel bills for consumers and use reinforcements made from 100% recycled waste PVC-U.”

Looking to the future, Total Glass is investigating renewable energy options, such as solar and wind turbines on site. “Climate change is a massive issue for us all and businesses, like ours, can play their part in helping to preserve valuable resources. Collectively the industry can start to make a real difference, so we hope our actions will perhaps inspire others to follow our lead,” adds Frank.

“Total Glass is an excellent example of how ‘green’ practices can pay you back in positive ways,” comments Maresa Molloy, Head of Policy and Information at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. “We will be encouraging more businesses to join our scheme as the region shifts towards a low-carbon economy.”

For more information, contact Total Glass on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website: www.totalglass.com.