Becoming Carbon Neutral Neednt Cost the Earth
05-11-2009
Francis Brown Ltd, a supplier of design, fabrication and welding to the Chemical, Oil & Gas, Energy and Sub-sea markets, can now proudly announce that they are intrinsically a carbon neutral fabricator. Furthermore, the 100 year old organisation can also offer all their customers the opportunity to make their projects carbon neutral too.
The idea of an environmentally sound fabricator working largely in the heavy industry sector may initially sound a little strange. However, as Managing Director Jamie Brown explains.
‘Climate change is a reality and it is up to all of us to do our bit to reduce it. In the greater scheme of things, as a company our carbon emissions are not large and we are not trying to solve the climate change problem on our own. But, if we can make ourselves carbon neutral and the work we do for our customers the same, then we can hold our heads high’
‘We have already had experience of major energy efficiency projects with the fabrication of components for waste heat recovery systems for Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria and Malaysia – but it is our intention not only to manufacture for environmental projects, but to do so with as a little direct environmental impact as possible.’
Such an approach not only makes Francis Brown environmental trail blazers, but also makes economic sense as well. ‘Assuming we are up against equally high calibre peers on a similar level, then we are able to assure our customers that their purchases are not going to be detrimental to the environment, which gives us edge.’
The organisation has introduced a role of environmental champion to introduce new systems and procedures with a view to gaining accreditation to ISO14001 in 2010. Additionally, the curiously named Swampie provides weekly updates on the company’s C02 emissions and topical environmental issues. ‘Our philosophy is to reduce emissions where we can, and compensate for our carbon footprint where we can’t.’ added Jamie. ‘In association with the Woodland Trust we have already locked away 20Te of carbon in British Native Woodland. There is certainly an investment involved in becoming carbon neutral, but it doesn’t need to cost the earth’.
