Environmental Commitments
Protecting the Planet and Building a Sustainable Future
In 2018, the IPCC – the intergovernmental body of the united nations gave industry 12 years to radically reduce environmental pollution before our climate change hit an irreversible tipping point.
During this, the UK alongside several other countries, made a commitment to move to a ‘Net Zero’ emissions economy by 2050, as climate science showed that to halt climate change, carbon emissions have to STOP because just reducing them is not good enough.
Recycling >80% of all our paint cans
Novus has made a commitment to recycling more than 80% of the paint cans that we use from 2021 and beyond.
As a leading national painting and decorating contractor, Novus use a lot of paint, which means we have a lot of empty paint cans left over.
In partnership with leading paint suppliers such as Dulux, we’re able to transform these empty paint cans into something more useful, like a recycled plastic park bench.
Each of these benches are donated to good causes as part of our social value and CSR work, (read about one example here).
From purchase to park bench, this video shows just one of the potential journeys that a Novus paint can makes in its life time.
What Does Net Zero Mean?
‘Net Zero’ means achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
It is clear from the science that the extent of global warming is comparative to the total amount of carbon dioxide that we as humans add to the atmosphere through the cars we drive, the electric we use to light our homes, the gas we use to keep us warm etc! So, to change climate change, CO2 emissions need to fall to zero.
In many sectors of the economy, technologies exist that can bring emissions to zero.
Electricity can be generated via renewable and nuclear generation. A transport system that runs on electricity or hydrogen, well-insulated homes and industrial processes based on electricity rather than gas can all help to lower emissions.
How is Novus Playing Their Part?
As a responsible business, we want to help protect the planet and build a sustainable future for our colleagues, clients, customers, and supply chain, but like everyone we have a number of CO2 contributions.
Although since 2015 Novus has recorded a year-on-year reduction of our CO2 emissions through a range of measures including:
Renewable Energy Providers
Recycling
Vehicle Emissions
Travel
Our 8 Environmental Commitments
Through our Environmental Commitments, we will be actively engaging with our suppliers, contractors, and clients to raise the environmental agenda and encourage reductions in CO2 emissions.
‘Net zero’ is a benefit that will deliver greater operational resilience and cost savings in the long term, as well as reducing CO2 emissions and improving our business reputation.
In addition to what we can do at work, we will also be raising awareness of how you all can play your part in reducing your own personal carbon footprint, helping the UK’s aim for ‘Net Zero’!
Latest Blog Posts
![To achieve net carbon zero, the housing sector faces an uphill battle [but we’re up for the challenge]](https://www.novussolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Net-Carbon-Zero-Housing.webp)
To achieve net carbon zero, the housing sector faces an uphill battle [but we’re up for the challenge]
There is no denying that the housing sector has a significant role to play in achieving the UK Government’s target of reaching net carbon zero by 2050, but we’re up for the challenge.
