Bradfords Building Supplies has teamed up with a range of organisations, who are leading the way in environmental responsibility in the built environment, to train its new team of Sustainability Champions.
Marshalls, Xtratherm, Polypipe, Millboard and Timloc led presentations and discussions on a range of topics at an intensive training session. Challenging the Champions to think differently about products that might appear to be sustainable choices at only face value, there was also a focus on designing resilient spaces with a long-term view in mind as well as the importance of a systems approach to making a building more energy efficient.
In addition, Bradfords’ Head of Transport, Martin Caddick and Head of Facilities, Donal Ryan, updated the Champions on the company’s own efforts to drive down its energy consumption, carbon emissions and waste.
“Our Sustainability Champions volunteered from across our network to help deliver Bradfords’ environmental sustainability strategy by engaging with fellow employees at department or branch level and to support our customers in considering environmentally friendly options for their projects. Our training day was an effective way to get them started on that journey,” said Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords.
“There was a real spirit of collaboration and our Champions engaged enthusiastically with what can be a very complex and challenging range of issues.
“Our suppliers also provided a real ray of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the impressive inroads they are already making in environmental sustainability.
“We have made a substantial step forward in our goal to be able to best support our customers in building the sustainable communities of the future.”
Nick Weeks, Assistant Branch Manager at Bradfords in Sherborne, was among the Champions taking part. He has been inspired to trial new eco-friendly alternative solutions to more traditional sealant and adhesive plastic tubes in his branch.
He said: “This really made me think about how we make sure the sustainability credentials of what we sell are visible in our branch. That’s what will start the conversations we need to be having.”
Evan Morgan, Civils Sales Specialist at Bradfords’ Cinderford branch, added: “I was really encouraged to hear just how committed Bradfords is to reducing its carbon emissions, from only using green energy suppliers to a pledge to switch our car fleet to low emissions vehicles, and conversion to 25% of our forklifts being electric this year.”
Bradfords’ Sustainability Champions have been chosen for their commitment and enthusiasm for the cause and are spread across various roles and branch locations.
