See our brochure showcasing our net zero plan.
Net zero 2040
We recognise the urgency of climate change as a global crisis. Our commitment to achieving net zero by 2040 goes beyond more than just complying with our legal requirements; it is embedded in everything we do.
Our commitment to a sustainable future
Working to a clear roadmap set out within a detailed carbon management plan, we are developing ambitious policies to be a net zero company by 2040. Key milestones have been identified and include:
- All gas central heating in offices to be changed to a low-emission alternative by 2024
- All new build offices to be energy-positive A+ EPC rated by 2024
- All new company vehicles to be hybrid or fully electric by 2025
- Wernick Group committing to the Pledge to the Net Zero campaign, aligning our net zero target with the Science Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTI) 1.5°C pathway
Manufacture
Sustainability is at the forefront of Wernick’s manufacturing process. Our manufacturing processes are based upon sound circular economy principles, the controlled conditions used to build modular units means that wastage is designed out of the process, ensuring that we optimise the use of our materials. Any residual material that is produced as part of our manufacturing processes are recovered or recycled. We aim to:
- Purchase products and materials that are the most socially and environmentally responsible throughout their life cycle;
- Reduce our consumption of resources;
- Eliminate waste from products and materials by working with our people and suppliers, to design it out, and utilise re-use and closed-loop systems.
Our sustainable design utilises materials in their supplied sizes to reduce waste before manufacturing has even begun. The majority of materials used within our process include steel, aluminium and timber, all of which can all be re purposed and recycled at end of life. Factory production also has the benefit of being able to source all labour and materials locally, reducing the impact of our supply chain.
Product
Wernick provide sustainable solutions to our clients by providing the data, technology, products and training to drive low carbon improvements with our customers. Substantial investment in in our hire and power assets means that we have market leading technology available to deliver holistic solutions to reduce emissions, an example of this being our Greenspace hire range, which now holds an EPC A rating.
Energy efficiency varies from building to building but Wernick Buildings typically have an Energy Performance Rating of ‘B’. An ‘A’ rating is easily achievable with the addition of energy-saving features such as photovoltaic panels or air source heating.
Modular units can constitute permanent or temporary buildings and are also able to be re-sited if necessary, allowing them to be reused for a variety of purposes. Coupled with a long lifespan, this means a correctly maintained building can retain its utility for many years.
Our digital approach enables for paperless solutions for invoicing, collections, and deliveries, improving accessibility while conserving resources.
Innovation
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through adopting innovative solutions. One significant step we have taken is the installation of solar panels at three of our factories and our Head Office, collectively generating 150,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year.
Voltage optimisation units have been installed at our factory in South Wales, these units helps streamline our energy consumption. By optimising voltage levels, we are seeing a 9.2% reduction in energy usage.
At our Head Office, we have installed smart plug sockets that eliminate wasted energy. These plugs feature LED indicators that display the carbon intensity of our electricity, signalling the best time to charge devices as well as using machine learning to learn where power is being wasted with the ability to then eliminate this.
All of these small actions collectively act to decarbonise our operations, continued steps like these will aid us in our journey to reach net zero by 2040.
On site
The impact of installing modular units on a site is far less than that of traditional construction. Because the building is manufactured in a factory, no construction waste reaches the site, let alone damages the surrounding area. There is also less noise pollution, which can be as equally harmful to the local environment and wildlife.
In addition, the speed of installation further reduces any environmental impact. The nature of the site is often the defining factor in installation speed; it is not uncommon to crane ten to twelve units in a day. To give an example of an extreme case, however, seventeen units were installed in one day. This means a site can recover from the installation of a building incredibly quickly.
Environmentally friendly options
Wernick’s buildings can be built with a broad range of renewable energy technologies from industry-leading manufacturers and suppliers with the following:
- Underfloor heating
- Ground and air source heating solutions
- Solar panel water heating systems
- PV panel electrical supply
- Biomass boilers
- Rainwater harvesting solutions
- A wide range of highly efficient air conditioning and comfort cooling/heating systems
- Controlled heating and lighting (BMS)
- Green walls and roofs to enhance local flora and fauna
Net zero 2040 brochure
Net zero 2040 roadmap
Have a look at our journey towards net zero.
Carbon Reduction Plan
View our commitment to achieving net zero.
