Bigger premises, smaller footprint: Pattesons cuts operational carbon emissions by around 80%

Pattesons Glass Ltd has achieved an approximately 80% reduction in its assessed location-based operational carbon emissions following the relocation of its business to a new purpose-built facility at Hewitts Business Park.

An independent carbon footprint assessment by N4 Energy Solutions Ltd shows emissions falling from 91.8 tonnes CO₂e in 2023 to 17.742 tonnes CO₂e during the first full year assessed at the new site. On a market-based basis, emissions have fallen by almost 95%, to just 4.73 tonnes CO₂e.

The achievement is particularly significant as Pattesons’ new 44,000 sq ft facility is more than twice the size of its previous main site, while consolidating operations previously spread across five separate locations.

The new facility is 100% electric, eliminating natural gas use, and includes a 48 kWp solar PV system, battery storage, air-source heat pumps, energy-efficient lighting, EV charging and electric materials-handling equipment.

During the first assessed year, the solar installation generated approximately 54,250 kWh of renewable electricity, while Pattesons’ imported electricity requirement reduced by 70%. The company’s transition towards electric vehicles has also contributed to an approximately 75% reduction in vehicle-related emissions.

Growth and sustainability working together

Mark Schofield, Operations Director at Pattesons Glass Ltd, said:

“When we planned our move, we didn’t simply want a bigger building. We wanted to create a better and more efficient way of operating while making a serious investment in reducing our environmental impact.

“To have independent evidence showing an approximately 80% reduction in our location-based operational carbon emissions, while operating from a facility more than twice the size of our previous main site, is something we’re incredibly proud of.

“We’ve brought five operations together under one roof, eliminated natural gas, invested in solar generation and battery storage and moved towards electric vehicles.

“Most importantly, we’ve shown that business growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. This is a major step forward for Pattesons, but we’ll continue looking for ways to improve our environmental performance as the business grows.”