Driving Green Innovation: How Precision's Partnerships Are Shaping a Sustainable Future

Nick Pryke

“At Precision, we know the journey towards sustainability is continuous. Through our trusted partners, we’ve achieved more than we ever imagined, since 2018 we have reduced our Scope 1 & 2 emissions by over 50%.”

by Nick Pryke

Climate change is not a challenge any single organisation can tackle alone. At Precision, we believe collaboration is the key to driving meaningful progress. By partnering with experts across the sustainability spectrum—from carbon reduction to energy efficiency—we’ve made strides that exceed even our most ambitious goals.

In this piece, we’ll explore how partnerships have been the cornerstone of Precision’s green transformation and how they continue to drive innovation as we progress towards our Net Zero goal.

 

Measuring and Reporting  

It might not sound like the most exciting starting point, but accurate measurement and reporting are essential for setting a meaningful benchmark. Only by understanding where we are now can we measure the success of future changes.

An accurately calculated carbon footprint is the only credible starting point. While there are useful calculators available online, we have always engaged the expertise of the Carbon Charter—a Suffolk and Norfolk-based green business support network operated by Groundwork East, which provides also us with more detailed reporting.

 

Staff Training and Engagement  

A successful green strategy requires the involvement of the entire team. The next step is ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully. The Carbon Literacy Project has been instrumental in training our team to understand climate change and the actions required to reduce emissions. Our teams have embraced this training, delivering tangible benefits and greater engagement in our sustainability initiatives.

 

Renewable Energy Supply

Securing a trusted partner for certified REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin) electricity is a critical element of any green strategy. A knowledgeable business energy broker can identify options from both the Big Six energy suppliers and smaller, independent generator-supplier businesses across the UK.

 

Building Efficiency

Building performance is crucial to achieving carbon reduction and energy efficiency. While older buildings can pose greater challenges, simple and cost-effective insulation solutions are often available.

Our journey towards becoming fossil fuel-free began in 2014 with the installation of a 100kW rooftop solar PV system. This was supplemented in 2020 with an additional 99kW system through the Solar for Business scheme offered by West Suffolk Council. We’ve extended our relationship with their contractors, Roof Soleil, who continue to provide us with maintenance and advice.

Earlier this year, we replaced the gas heating in our warehouses and production area with highly efficient Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) systems. Following an energy audit provided by Groundwork East, we partnered with King’s Cooling to plan and install ASHP systems at both of our Bury St Edmunds sites. Future plans include implementing lower-energy lighting, specified by our electrical partners, Austin Installations Electrical Contractors.

 

Transport

Transport remains a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to Scope 3 emissions. Diesel is still the primary fuel for deliveries and collections, making impactful reductions difficult. At a minimum, we require our partners to produce a Carbon Reduction Plan and provide evidence of their progress.

Our largest overnight carrier, DPD, has invested heavily in electric vehicles for local collections and final-mile deliveries, providing certified monthly evidence of their efforts. Similarly, Royal Mail has made significant strides by expanding its electric fleet, contributing to notable carbon reductions.

 

Waste

Our mantra is simple: reuse wherever possible. We actively reuse materials across various packaging streams, supported by a robust recycling strategy for paper, board, plastic, and inkjet cartridges. By working with local partners such as West Suffolk Council and Bolton Bros, we minimise unnecessary road mileage, keeping our environmental impact as low as possible.

Offsetting

Despite reducing our carbon emissions by over 50% since 2018, residual emissions remain. We offset our limited Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions through our partners at Ecologi. While our contribution may be relatively small, it forms part of a much larger pot invested globally in major projects such as wind farms, railway electrification, and tree planting.

What’s Next?

At Precision, we know the journey towards sustainability is continuous. Through our trusted partners, we’ve achieved more than we ever imagined, since 2018 we have reduced our Scope 1 & 2 emissions by over 50%.

But we’re not stopping there. There are always new green relationships to build, such as our burgeoning partnership with CarbonCo where we are exploring options to become a carbon-balanced printer and to carbon-balance the paper we purchase. This excellent initiative offsets carbon emissions through our long-term mail communications client, the World Land Trust.

Precision will always maintain an active green agenda. Through our trusted partners, we have achieved far more than we ever could alone. We look forward to continuously growing our network of sustainable partners who will help us deliver on our Net Zero goal.

Want to learn more about our sustainability journey or partner with us? Get in touch today.

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Precision

Precision House

Lamdin Road

Bury St Edmunds

IP32 6NU

 

T: 01284 718900