Design Buy Build Issue 46 2020 | Page 9

EDITORS CHOICE "Fundamentally, Neolith is an organisation with eco-friendly and sustainable practices at the heart of the business." Furthermore 90% of the waste generated by Neolith is recycled and given a second life either with company operations or through authorized 3rd party players. This demonstrates a robust commitment to the circular economy. Neolith’s surfaces also embody these principles, with up to 48% of slab composition obtained from recycled material . Plant machinery has been upgraded to improve energy efficiency, particularly the 3rd line’s furnace which has benefitted from the installation of an O2 and pressure control system, significantly reducing the amount of gas consumed. This is complemented by a 40% reduction of forklift truck diesel consumption and a 20% decrease in hazardous waste. A policy to reduce the amounts of single-use plastic used has also been implemented. A small, but significant step towards carbon neutrality, demonstrating Neolith’s commitment to sustainable business. All these measures directly meet GHG’s reduction objectives, which include: direct emissions company activity (e.g. natural gas, gasoil used in forklifts, cars in property), emissions from electricity used and other indirect emissions, generated from other day to day company activity. Fundamentally, Neolith is an organisation with eco-friendly and sustainable practices at the heart of the business. MAKING A DIFFERENCE In terms of carbon offsetting, Neolith has also undertaken a number of environmental projects, in line with its wider sustainability strategy. These projects compensate for and absorb a specific quantity of CO2e. Chief amongst these is an exciting, upcoming project in Central America to protect and maintain the unique biodiversity of the Guatemalan Caribbean Conservation Coast. Specifically, the Guatemalan Caribbean Conservation Coast project will see Neolith working to protect the unique biodiversity within the remaining forests in the region. The brand will help to address the drivers of deforestation through effective law enforcement, land use planning, education, economic opportunities and sustainable agroforestry initiatives. 9