Green Policy a Priority for AWJ Glass Ltd

AWJ Glass Ltd says that it has established a leading presence throughout the North East as a dynamic business that places quality, training and green issues as a priority. Since moving to new modern facilities in 2004 the company has introduced radical measures into production methods.

The company is committed to providing quality products and standards throughout the UK to an ever more discerning customer and ultimately end-user. Customers who are clearly recognising the importance of all environmental issues.

The 42,0000 sq. ft premises based in Scarborough were meticulously planned with 'Green Issues' taking a precedence within the design. Reducing carbon emissions was imperative with features incorporated that would both help to protect the environment and prove cost effective in respect of running the factory.

Initially holding tanks were installed within the premises to save and recycle rain water . A Lubron system was connected to filter and clean the water which was then used on the washing lines and subsequently linked into all toilet facilities.

Heat from the AWJ furnace is recycled via a unique system that heats the offices and workshops simultaneously. A special filtration system was incorporated into this to remove any dust particles from the air.

Andy and Debbie Whitelaw, Joint Managing Directors, are vehement about the Green Policies they have implemented and place environmental issues as a priority by continuously monitoring production standards to ensure that carbon emissions are kept to an absolute minimum at AWJ Glass. All departments monitor and maintain the Green Policy with methods of efficiency improved when appropriate.

In respect of production all glass cullet and aluminium bar cut offs are recycled. Debbie Whitelaw, as a member of the Scarborough Business Park Association, was instrumental in establishing a very effective programme where all cardboard is collected and removed from sites to be recycled. Additionally wood shavings from the joinery division are recycled using dust extractors, these are then used for horse bedding.

Andy Whitelaw was conscious of the fact that building a large factory would remove some natural habitation for birds and wildlife. In order to redress the balance, he has created a wild meadow next to three wildlife ponds in order to attract butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife which is now well established and flourishing.

Additionally, the apprentice joiners have been involved in the AWJ Green Policy, having made substantial amounts of bird boxes, hedgehog boxes and even a number of bat boxes, all of which have been installed along the 100 metre hedgerow that Andy and the team planted between the ponds and wild meadow.

Andy Whitelaw considers without doubt, that environmental issues will continue to remain a focus for this industry for some considerable time. He is a man with foresight who believes that actions speak louder than words, being exceedingly conscious of the impact that a manufacturing site can have upon the environment.

Andy Whitelaw comments, ‘Green issues can be looked at in two ways - firstly in terms of product and secondly in respect of production methods. WERs continue to remain a priority for the industry with hopes that the consumer will become more energy efficient.
With our recent investment in Tri-Seal technology we consider we have one of the most progressive installations within the UK that can supply superior energy efficient products.’

He continues, ‘In terms of production and the environment, increasing energy efficiency can actually save a lot of money. Careful planning can lead to many benefits not just for the business but for the environment as a whole. We are very proud of measures we have taken as well as the meadow that has been planted with wild seed - not only are we helping the environment and re-establishing natural environments, but we feel the entire team benefit as the workplace is more attractive which generates a very positive atmosphere.’

Tel: 01723 580010
Web: http://www.awjglass.co.uk