Reducing our own Carbon Footprint.
We’re always seeking opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint in our own operations by enhancing energy efficiency and implementing sustainable practices wherever possible. This will only be achieved if we work with staff and our members on decarbonisation initiatives that make a real impact.
The story so far
What we’ve already done.
Several years ago, we began a huge programme of work that saw the installation of LED lighting and recycling, as well as the solar panel array fitted at our head office premises. We achieved the Silver Award by Suffolk Carbon Charter every year since 2019 for our efforts at our head office. In 2023 we’ve achieved this award for the first time for our operations across the Society.
- The Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of our Head Office – Freehold House – generated 28,920kWh of electricity in 2022, which avoided emissions of 7.56 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- We installed low energy LED lighting at Head Office, which is estimated to save around 1,521kg CO2e a year. We’ve also added the same lighting across several branches.
- Window film has been implemented internally and externally at Head Office to reduce heat loss/gain and increase the efficiency of our air con units.
- Insulation has been installed in all branches and Head Office, where ceiling cavity space is available.
- We’ve installed low energy LED lighting at Haverhill, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh, Sudbury, Mutual House, Hadleigh and Head Office. The rest of our branches to be swapped to LEDs by the end of our 2023 financial year.
- We’ve installed a central immersion heater with a solar i-boost to improve the efficiency of our hot water system at our Head Office.
- We’ve replaced one of our vehicles with an electric car for staff to use for business travel, and staff are encouraged to use the pool car where practical.
- Two electric vehicle charging points have been installed at Head Office, that feed directly from our solar panels.
- There are recycling collections at all sites for paper, card, plastics and cans plus glass recycling at Head Office.
- We’ve taken steps to make processes paperless where possible, and are strongly discouraging any unnecessary printing.
- We have purchased 100% renewable electricity tariffs for all branches and Head Office.
What we’re planning.
Carbon neutral in our own operations.
We’re always seeking opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint in our own operations by enhancing energy efficiency and implementing sustainable practices wherever possible. There’s lots we’re working on, and the following gives you a snapshot of the extent of the work. For each action, we have identified the carbon saving and the impact this will have on our aims.
- We now have an electric van to use alongside our electric pool car
- Finished upgrading lighting to low energy LEDs within all branches
- Removed gas as an energy source from Hadleigh and Sudbury branches
- We’re reviewing the possibility of installing Solar PV panels to the branch premises that we own.
Environment
Recognition for our environmental safeguarding.
We achieved the Silver Award by Suffolk Carbon Charter every year since 2019 for our efforts at our head office. In 2023 we’ve achieved this award for the first time for our operations across the Society.
SUFFOLK BUILDING SOCIETY
Helping members.
Beyond our ambition to be carbon neutral in our own operations, we also want to look at other ways we can help the environment. Helping our members with their own carbon-cutting journey is central to our plans.
We develop financial products that can have a positive impact on member’s climate footprint. This includes EPC related follow-on mortgages for self builders and further advance mortgages to fund energy efficient projects for your home.
If you’re interested in your own impact on the environment and how you can improve, you can calculate your own carbon footprint in less than 15 minutes with the WWF Calculator on the link below.
More about Us
Get to know us better.
We’re proud to be a mutual organisation, founded in 1849 by a group of Ipswich business people to help the local community to prosper. It’s a simple ethos and one we are still rooted by today.
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What’s new.
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