Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in our society. Climate change and its consequences – such as heatwaves, dryness, severe weather and heavy rainfall, which are also being felt in our part of the world – as well as social injustices and economic instability, lend further urgency to the issue.
More and more people and companies are becoming aware of the issue and are taking responsibility. For business relationships, this means that only those who operate as sustainably as possible can minimise their own risks, strengthen trust with clients and colleagues, and secure long-term business success.
But what possibilities does this present for joiners and commercial designers?
What does sustainability actually mean?
The concept of sustainability originally arose by combining forestry and the principle that only as much wood should be felled as can regrow. Even today, we use the term ‘sustainability’ to refer to the use of resources in such a way that they remain available for future generations and are not depleted. Resources include, amongst other things, raw materials, habitats, energy and human labour. Sustainability is understood as the interplay of environmental, social and economic aspects.
Here are a few tips on how you can make your companies more sustainable:
- Renewable energy: With a photovoltaic system on your roof, you can meet part of your electricity needs yourself whilst increasing the rate of renewable energy. The installation of such assets is subsidised in many places. Wood offcuts, wood chips and sawdust generated by carpentry work can also be used for energy purposes (provided they meet the legal requirements). In suitable heating systems or combined heat and power (CHP) plants, these materials can be used to create heat and, where appropriate, electricity. The heat created can, for example, be used to heat your own premises or supplied to neighbouring buildings.
- Improving energy efficiency: A good base is to gain as accurate an understanding as possible of your own energy consumption. Which machines, systems and parts of the building consume a particularly large amount of energy? By recording and conducting an analysis of consumption, the greatest potential for savings can be identified and targeted measures devised. These include, for example, optimising extraction systems, compressed air systems, lighting or machine running times.
- Mobility: Test where electric mobility can be usefully implemented in your operation. From forklifts and passenger cars to delivery and transport vehicles, there are interesting possibilities depending on the area of application. Proactive route planning and the consolidation of deliveries can also help to reduce journeys and, consequently, costs and emissions.
- Water: Test where drinking water is used in your operation and whether consumption can be reduced. Rainwater, for example, can be collected and used for irrigation, cleaning or other suitable applications. This conserves drinking water as a resource whilst also reducing costs.
- Material cycles: The so-called ‘cradle-to-cradle’ principle centres on the idea of designing products and materials from the outset in such a way that, after use, they can be returned to biological or technical cycles as far as possible, rather than becoming waste. For the joinery trade, this means, for example, ensuring that, right from the material selection stage, products are durable, repairable and contain as few harmful substances as possible. It is also worth taking a close look at the ingredients of coatings, adhesives and wood preservatives, as well as their subsequent recycling possibilities. A well-considered choice of materials can help to conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact throughout a product’s entire life cycle.
- Reducing material losses and waste: In the carpentry trade in particular, good planning offers great potential. Optimised cutting plans help to reduce waste (cuttings) and lower material consumption. Unavoidable wood offcuts can, for example, be reused for smaller workpieces or other operational purposes, or sent for suitable material or energy recovery. It is also worth regularly reviewing the amounts and alternatives for packaging and other consumables.
- Staff: Fair and attractive terms of employment, equal treatment of all staff, and possibilities for further training and personal development help to retain qualified skilled workers within the business in the long term. This safeguards valuable in-house expertise and can simultaneously reduce the costs and effort associated with frequent staff turnover.
- Sustainable procurement: When making a selection of wood, board materials, fittings, paints and other materials, do not focus only on prices. Origin, certifications, transport distances, durability, reparability and the ability to recycle the materials later can also be important decision-making criteria. Sourcing as locally as possible can also shorten transport distances and strengthen cooperation with local suppliers.
What benefits does sustainability offer my companies?
By implementing measures to promote sustainability, you are helping to maintain resources for future generations and tackle environmental and social challenges. At the same time, sustainability has long been a business priority. The key benefits for your company include:
- Reduced energy and water consumption
- Reduction in operation and material costs
- More efficient use of raw materials and other materials
- Less waste and off cuts
- Optimisation of transport and logistics routes
- Reduced dependence on rising energy and raw material prices
- Conservation of resources and protection of biodiversity and ecosystems
- Strengthening of the company’s market position and competitiveness
- Greater customer loyalty and improved positioning as a responsible operation
- Attractiveness as an employer and long-term retention of colleagues
- Reducing risks and better preparation for future regulatory requirements
- Strengthening innovative capacity and tapping into new business opportunities
Sustainability does not necessarily mean overhauling the entire operation overnight. It is often worthwhile to start with measures that deliver immediate benefits, both environmentally and economically. An analysis of the operation’s own energy, material and resource consumption reveals where the greatest levers for improvement lie.
