ERA is to install 2,600 solar panels at its UK headquarters in South Staffordshire. The move is part of the home security and fenestration component provider’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Forecast to achieve an annual energy output of 979,200 kWh, the solar panels are being fitted across the roof of ERA’s 135,000ft2, purpose-built facility, as well as its UKAS-accredited test house. Kerri Nadel, ERA’s sustainability programme manager, said: “As one of the UK’s leading hardware manufacturers, we have a responsibility to take action now, to support the government in meeting its 2050 net zero targets. Across all areas of the business, we are identifying how we can improve the environmental efficiency of our operations, as part of Tyman UK and Ireland’s Focus-Define-Grow strategy.
“The transition to renewable energy at our headquarters marks a significant step in our commitment to achieving sustainable operations, whilst building a sustainable culture and delivering more sustainable product and service solutions to our extensive customer base. This is the only beginning for our ambitions.”
As part of its 2030 Sustainability Excellence Roadmap, Tyman UK and Ireland has signed up for the Science Based Targets initiative, which it hopes will fully quantify its carbon footprint across its value chain. Being part of the initiative should also extend ERA’s targets to cover reductions across scope three emissions, which will deliver the level of decarbonisation required under the Paris Climate Agreement.
Additionally, ERA is working in close partnership with its original equipment manufacturer and distribution customers, on a ‘minimise, eliminate, replace’ strategy. This includes removing plastic from display packaging, in addition to optimising the use of sustainable materials across all packaging.
ERA’s pledge to achieve 100% sustainable packaging by 2026 was made before the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility, which come into force in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The business has also pledged to eliminate waste to landfill by 2026.
