Blatchford's Commitment to Sustainability

Leading the Way to a Greener Future

At Blatchford, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it's a core value and an integral part of our business model. Recently, we discussed our sustainability journey, challenges, and future vision with Ryan, our Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Facilities.

Ryan Senior
Head of Health Safety Environment & Facilities

Sustainability at Blatchford

"Sustainability is crucial to Blatchford because it aligns with our core values and enhances the quality of life for our employees, customers, and everyone we interact with," Ryan explained. "We are committed to protecting the environment and ensuring a viable future for all."

"The landscape of sustainability is ever-changing, and one of the biggest challenges is keeping up with evolving environmental regulations," Ryan noted. "Managing resource scarcity and battling climate change are also significant hurdles. These challenges push us to innovate and adapt."

Integrating Sustainability and Setting Goals

"At Blatchford, sustainability is woven into the very fabric of our business," Ryan said. "We prioritise eco-friendly practices from the materials we source to the processes we implement. Inspired by ISO 14001, our environmental management system ensures minimal environmental impact while maximising efficiency and innovation."

"We have set ambitious goals within our carbon reduction plan, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2045," Ryan shared. "Our approach emphasises reducing emissions before considering carbon offsetting. Our goals include reducing carbon emissions, achieving zero landfill waste, and improving resource efficiency. We track our progress using monitoring tools and maintain transparency through regular reporting, dashboards, and KPIs."

Employee Engagement and Partnerships

"Employee engagement is key to achieving our sustainability goals," Ryan emphasised. "Clear communication of our objectives and initiatives helps ensure everyone is on the same page. We have great initiatives in place, and it's crucial to communicate our story effectively to add value and drive focus."

"Collaboration is essential in our sustainability efforts," Ryan said. "We have been working with Ramboll, an environmental specialist, since 2019, when we began our journey toward carbon neutrality. We also engage with industry specialists to ensure we are on the right path."

Carbon Footprint and Waste Management

"Our carbon reduction plan identifies key areas where we can make the most impact," Ryan explained. "We have switched to green energy sources, such as solar and wind, and implemented site projects like Smart scheduling and hybrid working to reduce commuting emissions. These small changes collectively have a significant impact on our footprint."

"We are launching a new group-wide approach to waste management in collaboration with providers who prioritise environmental impact," Ryan noted. "Our mantra of 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' guides our efforts. We minimise waste at the source, implement rigorous recycling programs, and promote a circular economy by repurposing items or donating them to those in need."

Technology, Community, and Supply Chain

"Efficiency and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations," Ryan highlighted. "We continuously review tasks to improve them with time, money, and sustainability in mind. An example is our water jet cutting table at Lister Road, which saves time and reduces our environmental footprint."

"We quantify our environmental impact through carbon emissions," Ryan said. "Comprehensive dashboards and KPIs track energy consumption, waste reduction, and emission levels. Third-party audits and regular external expert checkups ensure transparency and standards adherence. Our annual sustainability report, prepared with Ramboll, details our progress, challenges, and future goals."

"People are at the heart of Blatchford," Ryan emphasised. "We adhere to safe working conditions and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. Our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and volunteer programs contribute to community well-being. We also ensure our suppliers share our commitment to fair labour and environmental stewardship."

"Blatchford actively supports local communities and social causes," Ryan shared. "For instance, we donate equipment to charities like Legs for Africa, giving them a second life and helping change lives. We also participate in charity events like Limb Power and have clinicians visit local schools to share our work and impact."

"We monitor and report on our supply chain to ensure adherence to our sustainability standards," Ryan noted. "Our onboarding process includes health, safety, environmental, and CSR questions tailored around our values. Regular reviews and audits ensure our supply chain partners uphold these standards."

Future Goals and Advice

"Our long-term goal is to achieve net zero by 2045," Ryan stated. "We believe this is achievable through collective effort and sharing best practices. We aim to reach this goal as we continue our sustainability efforts, hopefully even sooner."

"The field of sustainability is evolving rapidly," Ryan observed. "As more data becomes available, our understanding grows, leading to more effective strategies. Integrating AI and tech companies in sustainability will help focus efforts on creating a sustainable future. Sustainability will become a central pillar of business strategies, driven by increasing demand from investors and stakeholders. The concept of a circular economy will become the norm on an industrial scale."

"For those starting a career in sustainability, my advice is to be a sponge and absorb as much information as possible," Ryan advised. "Ask questions, even if they seem silly, and focus on developing soft skills and effective communication. Sustainability often requires collaboration with different teams and overcoming barriers."

At Blatchford, we are committed to making a difference and leading the way in sustainability. Join us on our journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can achieve great things.