Among the leading markets to promote eco-effective products to customers, the pool and spa sector has some way to go as it strives to practice what it preaches. Reducing carbon footprints isnât just for eco-warriors or billion-dollar conglomeratesâitâs something every business, big or small, can tackle.
At its core, itâs about being mindful of how operations impact the planet implementing changes that are often good for the bottom line, too. Leading the eco way is the Pollet Pool Group and its Green Wave strategy promoted universally through its 11 companies involved in the commercial and residential swimming pool markets. âAs a company active in environmental technology, PPG believes it is our day-to-day business to protect our environment,â comments Adam Clark of UK distributors, Golden Coast part of the Pollet Pool Group. âDetermined to shrink carbon footprint, a core part of PPGâs eco- friendly mission, is taking action. We and our fellow companies in the group, thoroughly track and oversee CO2 emissions from our operations and implement strategic initiatives to cut emissions in line with scientifically based targets.â
Aligning with the Paris Agreement, PPG is committed to scientifically based targets CO2 reductions by 2030 and will implement a groupwide strategy, including sister company training. By 2024, weâll map CO2 footprints across our EU companies. Eco flag bearers, Golden Coast have made significant strides in reducing the companyâs carbon footprint through a series of measures. They have:
- Added seven company cars that are hybrid or electric
- Installed five charging points at their Newbury and Barnstaple offices
- Installed air jet hand dryers in all toilets for quicker more efficient drying, no more paper towels
- Use DA-GEN and Space so we can operate at very low chlorine levels and log in on-line any time to make adjustments
- Added recycling bins separating cardboard, paper, plastics, tin and food so everyone can recycle
âThis green thinking is not new to us, as the company invested in PV solar panels many years ago and have been putting electric back into the grid for the last 15 years,â Adam explains. âBut we are being encouraged to take further strides,â he adds. âThinking outside the box, literally, Golden Coast has purchased a cardboard cutter so we can recycle our cardboard and use the material as filler for our deliveries. âThis enables us to stop using the polystyrene packing peanuts and also the air-filled pockets,â he explains. âVery significantly we are practising what we preach as we have installed heat pumps and variable speed pumps on our academy and technical training pools,â he adds.
All businesses, big and small, can do their bit to improve eco performance. Ideally appoint someone in your business to take on the role of eco warrior. Essential advice is for them to start by running a basic carbon audit to help identify areas that can be improved. Set goals, measure progress, and share it
publicly â incentivise eco- friendly behaviour in your team Switch to renewable electricity providers, install LED lighting, and ensure equipment is energy-efficient. Heating and cooling are often silent energy hogs, so smart thermostats and proper insulation go a long way.
For companies with fleets or delivery needs, electric vehicles are increasingly viable. Video conferencing can replace many flightsâsaving time and tonnes of CO2. Reassess your supply chain. Choose local suppliers where possible and ask partners about their sustainability practices. The fewer miles your goods travel, the less carbon you burn. Waste less. Go digital to reduce paper, compost food waste, and recycle diligently. A circular mindsetâ where products are reused or repurposedâcan help reimagine whatâs typically discarded.
Educate and involve your team. Employees who understand the âwhyâ behind changes are more likely to innovate and engage. Celebrate small wins to build momentum. Most off all, remember, sustainability isnât a destinationâitâs a journey every business can embark on today.
