EnvironmentalPolicy

Introduction

At Woodruff & Holmes, our mission is to provide quality sustainable wooden products to our customers with excellent service and with minimum impact on the environment and nature.

We are committed to conducting our business in an environmentally responsible and proactive manner, consistent with our mission to reduce our carbon footprint, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste.

Our commitment extends to compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, and we strive to achieve net zero emissions or at least become carbon neutral.*

 

Scope of Operations

Based in the UK, our operations span national distribution, specialising in crafting rustic furniture, wood engraving, sign making, and laser cutting. Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of our operations, from sourcing materials to delivering finished products.

 

Policy Objectives

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Implement strategies to minimise our carbon footprint and cut greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy, efficient transportation, and sustainable operational practices.

Use Sustainable Materials

Continue prioritising the use of reclaimed, up-cycled and FSC certified wood to prevent deforestation and promote biodiversity.

Reduce Waste

Enhance our recycling efforts, ensuring that waste generation is minimised and managed responsibly, aiming for zero landfill contribution. Making more use of surplus off cuts in other projects and keeping minimum levels of wood treatments and finishes to ensure stock is well used and there is no unnecessary chemical wastage or any goes unused.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Optimise energy use, particularly by running high-energy-consuming processes during times of maximum renewable energy availability (i.e overnight where applicable) and exploring further energy efficiency improvements. Running production of like products together to maximise efficiency of tool and plant use.

Stakeholder Engagement

We aim to communicate our environmental commitments and progress through our website, social media, and networking with like-minded organisations.

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Implementation Strategies

Monitoring and Measurement

We aim to establish a baseline for our current carbon footprint and set measurable targets for improvement. We will regularly assess our use of green products and packaging, aiming zero plastic in packaging (a challenge in it's own right!) for 100% green operations.

Timeline

Implement immediate changes where possible, with a flexible approach to longer-term initiatives, taking into account available work time and funding.

Budgeting

While currently operating with limited financial resources, we will seek innovative and cost-effective solutions to achieve our environmental goals. This may not allow us to make some necessary changes as quickly as we would like to.

Stakeholder Communication

We will maintain transparency with our customers, suppliers, and the community about our environmental policies and practices, emphasising the value and importance of sustainability in our operations.

We welcome input from our customers in terms of what they expect and what they would like to see changes made.

Challenges and Considerations

We recognise that achieving our environmental goals may present challenges, particularly in terms of costs and the potential impact on product pricing.

We are committed to finding a balance between implementing greener procedures and maintaining competitive pricing for our customers, understanding that long-term sustainability is not just an environmental objective but also a business imperative.

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Conclusion

Woodruff & Holmes Ltd is dedicated to achieving long-term sustainability goals, including striving for net zero emissions. We understand that this requires continuous effort, innovation, and collaboration. Through this environmental policy, we commit to making positive changes that benefit not just our organisation but the environment and society as a whole.