Normans has marked an “important milestone” amid efforts to reduce its environmental impact – having recorded its first full month without spending on fossil fuels.
The builders’ merchant, which operates from Commercial Buildings and Five Oaks, has been working towards carbon neutrality and more sustainable business practices for over a decade.
It was the first business of its kind in the island to gain chain of custody accreditation for timber, meaning all of its timber products are sourced sustainably.
Removing conventional fossil fuels from our direct operations is an important milestone, and the wider measures we have introduced – including smart LED lighting across our buildings and improved recycling – have delivered substantial benefits for the business as well as the environment
Normans managing director Martina McGibney
And in May, it removed conventional fossil fuels from its direct operations, with all of its lorries and heating systems now running on biofuel – while company cars, forklifts, combi lifts and transit vehicles have been replaced with electric versions.
Normans managing director Martina McGibney said: “We’re very proud that the work started many years ago has delivered such a significant result.”
She continued: “Removing conventional fossil fuels from our direct operations is an important milestone, and the wider measures we have introduced – including smart LED lighting across our buildings and improved recycling – have delivered substantial benefits for the business as well as the environment.
“Since 2015, Normans has halved its energy costs.”
In 2015, the business’s senior managers were invited to attend a sustainability leadership course at the University of Cambridge.
Normans chairman Simon Chard added: “The Cambridge course leaders made it clear that, even for businesses still questioning the impact of climate change, reducing emissions and energy use was simply good business practice.”
Mr Chard explained that, amid rising costs, the builders’ merchant had started “looking closely” at where it was spending money and how it could reduce energy use while making savings.
“Working with the excellent team at Eco Active, we calculated our CO₂ emissions, and I’m delighted to say that this year we have cut them by 92% compared with 2015.”
Normans has also announced a new strategic partnership with timber-frame building manufacturer ECO-SPACE Offsite LTD, which has opened a new manufacturing unit at Normans’ Five Oaks branch.
This has seen four staff from Normans move into roles working for ECO-SPACE, manufacturing sustainable timber-frame panels, posi-joists and roof trusses.
Ms McGibney described the partnership as “a natural step that enables continued investment in the future of local manufacturing”.
“This collaboration allows us to expand the Normans offering, while enabling ECO-SPACE to focus on enhancing its technical expertise and ultimately delivering even greater value to our customers,” she added.
ECO-SPACE had previously imported some of its timber products from its manufacturing facility in the UK. Now all its products used in the island will be made in Jersey at Five Oaks, supporting the commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability by both companies.
ECO-SPACE Offsite LTD founder Guy Spacie said that the new manufacturing hub at Five Oaks “will serve as a centre of excellence for engineered timber solutions”.
“We have been working with Martina and the team for some time and are delighted to be based here as we begin our new journey together, providing the island with tailored, crafted solutions.”
