Renewable Energy Investment Pays Off At Printing Firm

Renewable Energy Investment Pays Off At Printing Firm

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Nationwide Print, an award-winning SME printing firm based in St Austell, has significantly added to its sustainability credentials this summer, helping the company vie for the title of the UK’s most environmentally-friendly printing business.

Remarkably, the energy-intensive printing operation now produces more energy than it uses; this is thanks to investments in solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and, most recently, external wall insulation.

Managing Director Julian Hocking, commented: “Reducing our environmental impact has been a major priority for us over the past five years. I’m pleased to say that, with careful planning and bold investment decisions, we are now where we aspired to be; carbon neutral, energy efficient, and sustainable in our use of resources.”

The latest improvements, which took place this summer, resulted in the 1970s building (which is solid block construction and leaks heat) externally insulated and clad with cedar – improving both heat retention and appearance.

The firm has also invested in Dyson Airblade hand dryers, which are up to 79% more energy-efficient than other dryers or paper towels, and is considering the purchase of an electric vehicle for local distribution runs.

These improvements follow the replacement of all office lighting in 2015 with a modern LED lighting system, reducing energy usage by 75% and saving over four tonnes of CO2 every year.

An additional 20kW of solar panels were also installed in 2015, adding to the existing 30kW array and helping Nationwide Print meet its energy requirements – with some left over.

Julian explained: “Taken annually, we now produce more energy than we use, thanks to the extended solar array and the efficiency savings we have instigated.”

He added: “However, natural fluctuations mean that sometimes we still need energy from the grid, while at other times we sell it back. We are looking into solar energy storage systems, as we would be very keen to invest!”

For Nationwide Print, sustainability is both an ethical and economic imperative.

Julian commented: “Responsible use of resources is part of our ethos, and it’s something all businesses should be accountable for. Plus, our clients – including St Austell Brewery, The Eden Project, and Fifteen Cornwall – factor it into their ethical procurement policies, so it helps to be in alignment with them.”

He added: “Economically, we have already repaid our investment in the solar panels, and the outlay for the lighting will be paid off in two years. For an energy-intensive business, tackling these issues is an important part of our long term growth strategy.”

Nationwide Print’s commitment to sustainability contributed to the firm being named ‘SME of the Year’ at the PrintWeek Awards in 2014 – the most prestigious awards for the printing industry.

Julian commented: “Our success in the PrintWeek Awards spurred us on, and we redoubled our efforts to become fully carbon neutral. There can’t be many printing businesses out there that produce more energy than they use – it’s something we are very proud of.”

To find out more visit http://www.nationwideprint.co.uk/environment/