ExEcutivE REPORt


The newly redesigned Elite Heater not only nests better, but is much more recyclable at end-of-life.


as it means we can utilise our warehouse space, but it also brings the cost down when it goes onto a carrier. The heaters also nest together better when assembled, so that’s good from a storage and hire perspective – we can now fit eight into the space that four used to occupy.”


Once you have established the GWP of a product, how else do you use this information?


“Once we understand how much carbon there is in a product, I can start looking at the individual suppliers – what else can they do to improve efficiency in their manufacture, and what else are they doing to reduce their carbon footprints. If we do this throughout the entire supply chain, that’s going to make a huge difference.”


HSC has so far applied this process to the Elite MK3 heater and its popular Delta lights, but what’s the plan going forward?


“Our intention is to roll this out for all of our products. We also want to extend this information to our website, so that customers can understand the environmental impact of using a product – in a number of typical hire utilisations – and disposing of it well at end of life.”


Do you practice what you preach in any other ways – solar panels on the roof, perhaps?


“Unfortunately this building is rented, so we can’t add solar panels.”


Okay, so any thoughts about other ways that you might reduce your own footprint?


“We are actively working with a large European manufacturer as we speak, this manufacture producers many products


similar to the items we currently source from the FE. If the quality and price is right sourcing from within the EU would significantly reduce the amount of transport related CO2 and improve supply chain response and efficiencies.”


“We are also in the process of finalising our group sustainability plan. One of the challenges set by the board was all objectives needed to be realistic and achievable and could be scrutinised and not considered “green-washing”. We have mapped out our scope one emissions for this building, how much gas, electricity we use, and all the other fixed costs that we can catch – for instance, one of the lads had left a hot tap running, so we changed all the taps to push-button. Small changes like that might seem trivial, but we’re also thinking about bigger changes we can make, such as when we can introduce electrical vehicles to the fleet. We now have our first charging point, we’re putting another one in the London depot, and HSC Director Gary McWilliam is leading by example.”


With so many other companies involved in the various supply chains, how do you plan to assess and then keep track of them all?


“I’m actually looking for a credible auditing solution for our suppliers around the world, which doesn’t just look at the health & safety of a site but considers the environmental considerations too. I’ve identified a couple of audits that are up there regarding Sedex and SMETA methodologies. I haven’t decided which way we’ll go yet, but it’s better that a specialist agency undertakes this task, as they’ll do it to an internationally agreed standard.”


Most people want to do their bit, where they can, but not always when doing so involves extra expense. Do you foresee any resistance or indifference from hirers?


“It’s how we get these messages across, although some people might still ask what


difference it makes to them. Changes are coming, either way – Government contracts over £5million are now only given to businesses with a net-zero plan, and more sites will have similar requirements. Our customers need to know that our house is in order, and that our equipment can help them with their carbon initiatives.”


Which is where we leave it. Opinions about global warming are many and varied, although recent weather patterns would seem to prove the case regardless. It remains to be seen if the emissions targets are met by 2030, but understanding the GWP of product supply chains seems like a better approach than merely offsetting. HSC is just getting started, so only another 350+ core products to go! n


New for 22/23, 35W LEDs in the Elite Site Light are just as bright, but more efficient and longer-lasting


HOT IN HERE HSC hopes to give all of its core products the GWP treatment. Stay up to date and see the rest of the portfolio at www.hscgroup.co.uk.


September 2022 - Executive Hire News 25


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