Halesowen-based HAYLEY DEXIS, which has 52 branches across the UK, has underlined its commitment to a greener future by signing the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge. As a leader in the ‘green revolution’, West Midlands Combined Authority wants to become a net zero carbon economy by 2041 and is recruiting businesses across the region to join the journey.
By making a Net Zero pledge, organisations across the West Midlands demonstrate their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and reaching net zero. They have access to expert advice, guidance and networking opportunities with other businesses to share good practice and translate their pledge into action. Making the pledge was an obvious step for HAYLEY DEXIS, which had already committed to the UK net zero by 2050 target. The company has achieved Carbon Neutral Britain certification by measuring, calculating and offsetting its carbon emissions.
Leading the company’s concerted drive to reduce its carbon footprint are Mark Fulwell, Group Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Advisor and Paige Davies, new ESG Sustainability Assistant. The net zero pledge requires the calculation of three categories of emissions, as defined below by the GHG Protocol. Scope 1 includes direct emissions resulting from a company’s operations, such as fossil fuel combustion, refrigerants and land based non Co2 emissions. Scope 2 includes purchased electricity, heat or steam for use in a company’s operations. Scope 3 is more onerous, covering upstream and downstream emissions of a company’s operations not accounted for in Scope 1 and 2. Categories include capital goods, purchased goods and services, use of sold products, waste, business travel, purchased goods and services, downstream and upstream transportation.
Already ISO 14001 certified, HAYLEY DEXIS has implemented an Environmental Management System to identify areas of improvement. The company is now working towards ISO 50001 – Energy Management, committing to addressing their impact, conserving resources and improving the bottom line through efficient energy management. The company’s headquarters and branches across the West Midlands will be independently audited as part of the process. The company plans to introduce solar panels on a major new warehouse project at Halesowen which will be completed in 2026, to increase panels on its headquarters and to introduce them across the branch network, where possible.
To reduce emissions, HAYLEY DEXIS plans to replace company fleet vehicles with electric, hydrogen or other alternative fuels and heating systems across the branch network are being reviewed and updated or replaced where necessary. Because fuel usage accounts for approximately 70% of the company’s energy consumption, drivers are being trained to drive more economically. To guarantee that accurate emissions monitoring is available, the company is upgrading existing systems and introducing new ways to record data. New reporting systems are being put in place across the business with support from employees. “From an environmental perspective, it’s important that we measure accurately how much carbon is being produced by the company and what we are doing to reduce emissions,” explains Paige. “We need to be accountable and show that we are doing the right thing.
“It’s becoming increasingly important to our customers and suppliers that we are committed to becoming carbon neutral. Mark adds: “It’s important that we lead by example to make our local and international environment a cleaner and better place for all. We are committed to achieving our vision of a greener, more sustainable future. “As part of this initiative, we will actively report on our commitments and actions on our web site, ensuring all our stakeholders are kept informed of our progress.” Fitting branches with LED bulbs has saved approximately 15,200 tonnes of Co2e a year at the head office alone and branches using 100% renewable gas and electricity are saving approximately 340 and 310 tonnes of Co2e per year, respectively. Existing washroom air fresheners are being converted to carbon neutral units and over 1,000 kgs of washroom waste has been converted to energy. All company waste is now diverted from landfill.