SUSTAINABILITY
Stelrad Andrew Dent T
here’s no doubt that 2023 was a challenging year for everyone in the heating sector, with tough market conditions throughout the year. There were significant highlights for Stelrad, with the introduction of electric radiators in the UK following the acquisition of DL Radiators in Italy in the previous year. Stelrad also saw strong performance due to the wide range of products it offers targeting a number of niche sectors that see the company operating in a number of different channels.
“We saw a demand for larger radiators, for vertical radiators and for our new ranges of K3 radiators,” explains Andrew, “linked in part to the increase in renewable heating systems and systems driven by air source heat pumps operating at lower circulating temperatures. There were also big changes in the new build marketplace with the changes to Part L regulations in June 2023 which impacted positively on our sales of larger radiators. There was also an increased desire for customers to understand and manage their supply chains, including for example an increase in the use of embodied carbon data or Environmental Product Declarations.”
The major launch for Stelrad in 2024 is the launch of its new Green Series range. Tata Steel is supplying UK-made 90% Carbon Lite steel to Stelrad so its customers can choose a Green Compact radiator that contributes directly to a
Matt Broughton spoke to Andrew Dent, Group Sustainability Manager at Stelrad about their continuing efforts to improve sustainability.
reduction in atmospheric CO2 today and accelerates decarbonisation in the future. “This is an exciting step for us to take towards greener manufacturing and fits in perfectly with our Group’s sustainability policy,” says Andrew. “The new Stelrad Green Series comprises of 60 horizontal models from our Green Compact range. The concept is already being well received by many of our customers who are keen to see more sustainable products being utilised in their homes and buildings. As well as the reduction in carbon emissions, no plastic will be used for the outer packaging, further increasing the sustainability claims of the product range – and of course, a radiator is 100% recyclable. “Customers purchasing a green radiator from the new Stelrad Green Series will be saving the equivalent expenditure of driving a small car over 250 miles per radiator purchased.” As for goals in 2024… “We want to see the successful launch of the Green Series and to continue to see strong sales across the ranges we offer,” says Andrew. “We also want to develop our carbon reduction targets along with our plan for how to transition to a low carbon economy. Finally, we will continue to reduce the impact of our packaging, reducing our usage, especially the use of single use plastics.”
Stelrad has also invested in and developed its ‘Fit for the future’ sustainability framework incorporating all aspects of sustainability. “Our focus over the past couple of years has been to increase transparency and our understanding of
the environmental and social impact of our operations, our supply chain and our products. This has included measuring our supply chain’s Scope 3 emissions and improving our data on the packaging we use whilst completing lifecycle assessments of our products. We’ve targeted actions to increase efficiency, reduce non- renewable energy usage and support our employees in the development of their careers whilst feeling more engaged in what we do. We’ve upgraded the company car fleet to maximise efficiency – including the use of electric vehicles and we continue to procure only renewable electricity.”
Stelrad formed a Charity and Social Forum over 12 years ago. Employees contribute a small amount from their wages to a pot of money that Stelrad matches and this plus various fundraising activities throughout the year raises money for two chosen charities which are Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice and Cancer Research UK Children and Young People. “Last year our team came together to take part in a 14-mile-long sponsored walk that raised nearly £6,000; we encourage participation in events that have a positive impact on our employees mental and physical wellbeing. We also supported Christmas tree collections in South Yorkshire again this year to encourage recycling in return for a donation. All money raised from this, and other activities has helped Stelrad donate over £65,000 to our chosen charities.”
34 BKU FEBRUARY 2024
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