How can a joinery become eco-friendly? …and why should?

Most businesses in Britain recognise environmental problems. Many have begun to take some initiatives, within their means, to address this problem locally. However, its nature requires coordinated action by many governments, non-governmental organisations and private companies at global level. The UK Government has set itself the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by the end of the decade compared to 1990 levels. That puts us on track for net zero by 2050. Let’s take a deeper look at what we can do as Grovewood Joinery to achieve this goal.

When it comes to ecology, small things matter.

The unimaginable complexity, scale and impact of the environmental crisis are preventing many of us from taking any action against the climate change. However, it is not true an individual or a single company cannot have a meaningful and positive impact on the environment. Even a simple change from a plastic bag to a cotton bag is important, as one person can consume as many as 13,000 plastic bags in the course of his or her life.

What does “eco-friendly” mean for a joinery?

In the Cambridge Dictionary, “eco-friendly” refers to “products designed to do the least possible damage to the environment”.

We could assume the environmentally friendly company is the one which aims to minimize its negative impact on the environment. Looking at the woodworking industry, one could say that the supply of sustainably manufactured wood furniture is inherently ecological. However, joineries can do much more, including recycling, energy and water saving, sustainable partnerships.

How do we do this at Grovewood Joinery?

1. We use sustainably sourced wood for most of the joinery projects.

Sustainably sourced wood comes from a sustainably managed forest. In practice, it means a combination of social, ethical and environmental values that drives forest owners to keep the habitat of animals, all plants and organisms healthy. That would not be possible if more trees were not planted every time they were harvested.

2. At Grovewood Joinery, we use electric cars, and we have our own electric charging station for customers.

Electric cars help us to reduce the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Simultaneously, it makes perfect economic sense, as we can save money on congestion charges, for example. All our customers can use an electric vehicle charging station in our car park.  

3. Our employees can park their bikes on the company premises.

We provide a free bicycle parking space because we know that cycling is healthy. It must also be one of the best ways to commute in the unprecedented times of the COVID pandemic.

4. We reduce paper consumption for printing.

Whenever we can, we try to save paper consumption. However, this is not always possible, especially when we are discussing complex joinery projects.

5. Our briquetting machine converts waste into fuel.

The briquetting machine turns raw wood shavings and wood dust into small blocks that are a great fuel. We heat our workshop with it. The waste is removed and the fuel is free.

6. We use WT10 unit to heat our workshop.

This heater unit allows us to utilise small blocks of wood waste created by the briquetting machine. This technology is very efficient, as it allows heating even of 7500 feet ² of workshop space and is fully compliant with the Clean Air Act.

7. We save energy and water.

As every business savvy company, we always try to reduce the usage of electricity and water. LED lights in our office and workshop help us to achieve savings.

What are the advantages of being an eco-friendly joinery?

Switching to green technologies may seem costly, but it is in everyone’s long-term interest. Green technologies can greatly reduce the economic costs of doing a business. Going green improves the image of the company. More and more customers are paying attention to how the products are manufactured and sourced. The “WindowOn Shoppers and Sustainability” survey shows 80% of British shoppers describe themselves as environmentally friendly. Since the orientation towards nature is one of the most important trends in interior design of residential and commercial premises (e. g. thinking of the recently so popular moss walls), it also creates demand for eco-products from the woodworking industry. The remaining question is how to identify an environmentally friendly product or sustainable wood. A huge help is the certification of the Forest Stewardship Council. This certificate confirms the wood comes from well-managed forests (it takes into account, among other things, compliance with laws, working conditions, environmental impact and conservation values) and that the final product received by the customers is made of certified wood. A good image pays off in other respects. It is easier to hire staff and reduce employment turnover while the workplace is green and healthy. Moreover, the recruitment process, based on values such as “respect for the environment,” can bring in employees who are much more loyal to the company and committed to its activities. Going green prepares a company for future changes in the law. There is no doubt that all future regulations will favour environmentally friendly companies and those who pollute will have to pay higher taxes. Would you like to start a conversation about sustainable furniture? Send us a message at info@grovewoodjoinery.co.uk and follow us on Instagram.