Achieving Net Zero: Reducing Carbon Emissions in the Cleaning Industry

As a supplier of commercial cleaning and janitorial products, we recognize our responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and help our customers do the same. Achieving net-zero carbon emissions is not only an environmental imperative but also a chance to lead in sustainable practices within the cleaning industry. In this blog, we’ll explore what net zero means, why it’s important, and how businesses like ours can work toward this goal while supporting our customers’ sustainability efforts.

What Does Net Zero Mean?

Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases produced and those removed from the atmosphere. This can be accomplished by reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting any remaining emissions through initiatives like reforestation or investing in renewable energy projects. For companies in the cleaning and janitorial supply sector, it means taking a hard look at every aspect of our operations to minimize our environmental impact.

Carbon footprint is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere by the activities of an individual, organisation or community. At Castle, we have always had a goal to drive down our carbon footprint. To achieve this, we have adopted a number of approaches.

As we all know, pollution is becoming an increasing problem. As a result, all areas of our operations are carefully controlled to reduce this, including the utilisation of space and optimised routing of our transport and distribution.

Our national support offices and distribution hub include the latest environmentally friendly technologies, designed to increase efficiency and performance. These technologies include…

• An additional 50% thermal insulation to reduce heat loss
• Fully automatic cooling systems to maximise efficiency
• Automated LED lighting utilised at our head office and distribution hub
• Electric forklifts and handling equipment in our distribution centres
• Hybrid vehicles used across the company
• IT initiatives to reduce paper usage
• The use of a national-approved network of ‘last mile’ couriers to reduce carbon footprint and emissions at all stages

All of these points play a crucial part in keeping sustainability and the environment at the core of what we do. We believe in ‘locally sourced’. Using local suppliers reduces the number of miles the components of our products have to travel which equates to less energy, less air pollution and lower CO2e output.

We are also happy to say that all of our electricity is provided from green energy and renewable sources. This is just another demonstration of our commitment to running in the most eco-friendly way possible.

Our net zero target is 2050. In order to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, Castle (EU) is committed to reducing its emissions by 35.82 tCO2e over the next 7 years.

This will require a reduction of 7.14% (5.11 tCO2e) per year from the ‘Baseline’ (first year) assessment of the organisation. A further reduction of 2.5% (1.79 tCO2e) each year is then required in order to achieve Net Zero. We are targeting the three largest avoidable emissions sources of the organisation, in order to make the most impactful, and quickest reduction in emissions possible.

The three largest avoidable emission sources are:

• Owned/Leased Vehicles – 22.57 tCOCompany2e (31% of total emissions) – Switching vehicles to hybrid and/or electric vehicles, and improving route efficiencies and combining deliveries to sites
• Staff Commuting – 16.07 tCO2e (22% of total emissions) – reducing by encouraging ride sharing, walking, and cycling to work wherever possible.
• Business Travel – 9.77 tCO2e (13% of total emissions) – If journeys can be avoided (facilitating meetings via video call), routes can be shortened, and ride sharing can occur, and flights avoided where possible, and public transport usage increased.

Helping Our Customers Achieve Sustainability

As a supplier, we understand that our products impact your operations. That’s why we offer solutions to help you reduce your carbon footprint:

Energy Efficient Cleaning Machines: Technological advancements have led to the development of high-performance vacuum cleaners that consume less energy while maintaining superior cleaning standards.

Concentrated Cleaning Chemicals: Concentrated formulas reduce packaging waste and require less transportation energy.

Cleaning Equipment Made from Recycled Plastics: Some of our products are manufactured from reprocessed discarded plastics, diverting waste from landfills and reducing the demand for new plastic production. This transition supports a circular economy and helps conserve the planet’s finite energy resources.

Partner with Castle (EU), and Reap the Benefits

Castle (EU) is dedicated to simplifying your life. Our commitment to sustainability, comprehensive staff training, and efficient product supply facilities all aim to save you time, cut your expenses, and elevate the quality of service you offer to your clients.

Whether you’re just starting out in the cleaning industry or striving to advance your business, we’re your partners in progress, ready to assist, innovate, and motivate. Contact our friendly team today for further details on how we can meet your specific requirements.