Green Initiatives at DB: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
We're excited to share the strides we've taken towards sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. In this blog, our Sustainability Champion and Operations Manager, Simon Coppack, takes you through some of the recent green activities at DB HQ and how these changes are propelling us toward our ambitious goal of cutting carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun: Solar Panels Illuminate DB HQ
We're thrilled to announce the successful installation of over 150 solar panels on the roof of DB HQ. This investment is a significant leap towards our sustainability goals, projected to reduce our annual carbon emissions by an impressive 13,019kg.
Why Solar?
Solar power is a renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly energy source. Our Photovoltaic Panels (PV Panels) capture the sun's free energy, converting it into electricity to power our offices and warehouses. This not only helps combat rising energy costs but also significantly lowers our carbon footprint.
Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
Absolutely! Solar panels generate electricity through sun radiation, not just direct sunlight. So, even in the UK's cloudy weather, our solar panels continue to efficiently produce electricity, contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Planting Seeds for a Greener Future: Fruit Trees and Wild Gardens
Our Regulatory and Quality Manager, Anna Dyson, has embraced green initiatives too. Her plans to plant fruit trees and bushes around the DB HQ car park are well underway. Not only will these trees help us to achieve our carbon offsetting goals; in a few years, we hope to savour the literal "fruits of our labour" with apples, pears, and plums.
Anna is also organising the creation of a wildflower area and new seating spaces. This initiative aims to create a haven for butterflies, bees, and other insects while providing a serene spot for all of us to enjoy during warmer months. Stay tuned for more exciting plans to enhance the greenery around our building.
Turning Waste into Power: A Step Closer to Zero Landfill
We understand the importance of responsible waste management and have a successful recycling scheme incorporating everything from paper & cardboard to low density polyethylene (LDPE). What remains is a small amount of general waste, and instead of sending this to landfill, we've adopted innovative methods to extract value. Our residual waste left over from recycling, re-use and waste avoidance is sent to an energy recovery facility where it's transformed into useable energy through a process involving heat, steam, and turbines to generate electricity for export to the National Grid. This plays a significant role in our commitment to sustainable practices.
Let's Make Our Industry Greener
Simon Coppack is not just leading our green initiatives; he's also a passionate advocate for spreading awareness across the industry. As a family business, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond business – it's about ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
Let's create a culture of responsibility towards our planet, and together, we can usher in a positive change for the future. Stay green, stay sustainable!
About DB Orthodontics
It is our company mission to become a global leader in orthodontic and laboratory supplies. With over 45 years of experience, we recognise the importance of quality, service and innovation. Working to ISO13485 standards we strive for perfection in all that we do, from unique product design to the excellent service provided by our dedicated customer service and sales teams.
We are continually developing our product range, designing innovative products through collaboration with leading industry experts throughout the world, to ensure that our products meet the high standards expected by today’s practitioners.