Environment & Sustainability

Our Mission

Trainspotters is perennially committed to minimising the impact of our business activities on the environment. We started out in 2005 dealing in nothing but reclaimed fixtures and fittings and a good percentage of our lighting is still reclaimed and reused. Sustainability and reuse is something that has always been hardwired into our thinking, and always will be. ‘Buy once buy well’ is at the heart of who we are and what we do. Quality above cost is central in our process. The result is lighting that will last for generations, sustainability with style.

Buying Policy

We try whenever possible to buy recycled and buy sustainable. This applies to both stock and workplace. Our reclaimed stock inherently ticks both boxes. With our new stock we are lucky to be working directly with manufacturers and so are able to build in efficiencies through the whole process, minimising the environmental impact. For example our glass products are made using 20% recycled glass using furnaces that are fitted with heat exchangers that save 20% on energy consumption. Being producers and not re-sellers means we are able to have an input through the whole chain of production. We are also producing on a relatively large scale, bringing significant further efficiency into production and transportation.

Product Packaging

In September 2019 we gained our SAS Plastic Free Champion status, meaning we have eliminated single use plastic from our workplace and packaging. More Info: https://www.sas.org.uk/petition/plastic-free-champion Our lighting arrives packed in a combination of the following:

  • Cardboard Boxing
  • Fully biodegradable air cushioning
  • Fully biodegradable corn starch packing ‘peanuts’
  • Brown paper wrapping
  • Brown paper bags

Packaging solutions are a constant work in progress so we will always adapt to any more sustainable technology that becomes available.

Energy Consumption

Trainspotters aims to reduce energy consumption and employs the following energy saving measures:

  • All computers and monitors are switched off when not in use.
  • All monitors use a low energy screen saver.
  • All electronic equipment including computers, lights and machinery is switched off when the premises is not in use.
  • All windows and internal doors are kept closed in the winter to avoid the loss of heat.
  • LED bulbs are fitted throughout our premises.
  • We’re often happy to do it the old fashioned way and just put our coats on rather than turning the thermostat up!

Reuse

  • Currently 40% approx of our stock is reclaimed and reused.
  • Boxes and void filler on incoming goods are saved and reused on outgoing goods.
  • Timber pallets and crates are adapted and reused to deliver globally.

Recycling

In addition to the business activity of salvaging lighting we also recycle the following:

  • Paper & Cardboard
  • Glass & Plastic
  • Aluminium & Mixed Metals
  • Batteries
  • Lightbulbs
  • Food Waste

Transport

85% of our deliveries worldwide are conducted by DPD, selected for their Carbon Neutral policy. Some carbon offsetting is required by DPD, however it is a big step in the right direction. More info: https://www.dpd.com/ee_en/home/about_dpd/drivingchange/carbon_neutral_commitment We constantly re-evaluate our courier options and will move to more carbon efficient options as and when they become available, with sustainability trumping cost in our evaluation. On a local level we have installed a bike store at our premises and actively encourage staff to cycle in through the Cycle to Work scheme. We also plan to purchase a company electric bike for local errands. More info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycle-to-work-scheme-implementation-guidance

The Future Looks Bright…

2021 will see the installation of a large PV array on a south-facing flat roof of our premises, complemented by back up battery storage and our first car charging point. The aim is to provide a surplus overall business electricity requirements, a surplus that can be fed straight back into the grid. After a period of time consolidating our manufactured designs, we will be now be expanding our range of reclaimed lighting, reuse being one of the most environmentally beneficial things we can be involved in.
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