Thursday, 24 May 2012

Three is the magic number for Symphony sustainability scheme

Symphony, the UK’s leading fitted furniture manufacturer and number one kitchen supplier to UK communities, has stepped up its already impressive sustainability credentials with three new accolades.

The company’s ambitious sustainability goals have seen it shortlisted for the recently launched Sustainability Award by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, as well as making a strong debut in the annual CRC (carbon reduction commitment) league tables. To top it off, Symphony has just passed the latest FISP Audit, demonstrating its progressive work for the furniture industry.

Simon Collyns, Marketing Director, comments:

“We are delighted to be recognised by all three schemes, reinforcing our efforts to provide the very best in sustainable kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture.

“As a business leading the way in sustainability we’re acutely aware of how we affect the environment, how we train our staff, how we create a community, and what we buy and produce. This approach has cemented our place as market leader and helped us to win significant new business based on the service and performance that we deliver. We are proud to have passed our latest FISP Audit which focuses not just on current environmental issues, but also incorporates purchasing, end of product life and social and community issues - inherently part of our long term sustainability strategy.

“Our success with the Sustainability Award and CRC league table position reflects how we run our business.  Our commitment to sustainable manufacturing has enabled our Private Development brand, Koncept and Social Housing brand, Kubix, to lead the way with our Eko Design philosophy. Eko Design cabinets and doors are PEFC certified and each cabinet is fully repairable throughout its life and can be 100% recycled. Customers who use our Eko design can also benefit from up to a maximum 17 credits towards the Code for Sustainable Homes.”

Through Symphony’s demonstration of sustainable manufacturing, numerous accreditations have been obtained, including theBS EN ISO14001, where they were the first company in the industry to attain this accreditation. Symphony has also engaged with WRAP and Valpak to undertake a number of initiatives to reduce waste and minimise packaging, such as using reusable protective blankets on deliveries. Symphony is the only kitchen manufacturer in the social housing market approved by One Planet Products who helps its members to purchase and specify green construction products and services easily and affordably.

Symphony has extended its sustainability initiative to include the design and construction of its 45,000 m² Head Office in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, delivering the highest levels of insulation and energy efficiency, in keeping with BREEAM standards. Even staff at the 80 acre head office and 23 acre distribution site are empowered to contribute towards the sustainability scheme, including participating in Symphony’s Green Travel Plan.

For more information visit www.symphony-group.co.uk.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment

sign in register

Related

Articles

  • Easy on the Planet

    4 October 2011

  • Time for change

    09/09/2011

    The government must do all it can to make the green deal work and save our planet for future generations, says Anne Power

  • Take a look around

    12/08/2011

    Social landlords can learn a lot from each other if their staff only take the time to look around, says Richard Kemp

  • Ribbon Court Care Home

    5 October 2011

    The four-storey development comprises 50 one and two-bedroom apartments for residents with special care needs, where the on-site amenities include consultancy rooms, activity rooms, communal lounges, a hairdressers, café restaurant, landscaped garden and a waterfall in the reception area.

  • Sto presents its solid wall solution at Ecobuild 2012

    31 January 2012

    Ecobuild first-timer Sto is exhibiting its range of External Wall Insulation Systems.

Resources

  • Ageing sustainably

    18/05/2012

    By 2020 China will have more than 260 million people over the age of 65. Here, Jess McCabe gets a glimpse at how the country plans to house some of them in a giant, retirement eco-city

  • Unlocking the green code

    30/03/2012

    Green leases are becoming more common for social landlords with commercial property, says Ben Halsey, senior associate at Lewis Silkin

  • Buyer’s market

    16/03/2012

    New procurement legislation aims to make it easier for small housing organisations to compete for contracts

  • Get your Act together

    27/05/2011

    With a host of legal acts coming into effect this year and next, Caroline Thorpe helps you to learn your lines so you can take to the housing stage with confidence

  • Time bomb

    22/07/2011

    Social landlords should beware the 18-month limit to recover service charges, says Emma Duke