A CLEAR-sighted window and door manufacturer in Rugby is set to save over £50,000 a year on its energy bills after making a big investment.
After discovering its energy costs were due to multiply by six, Nationwide Windows & Doors installed LED lighting across its seven-acre site in Somers Road, and switched its heating system from oil to gas.
Following the shock increase in fuel bills, Managing Director John Whalley contacted the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, who put him in touch with the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme to carry out an energy efficiency audit.
And the company received a £50,000 grant from the Green Business Programme towards the £175,000 energy upgrade project.
John said the move to LED lighting has made a tremendous difference to its 240 staff members, as well as reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs.
He said: “It took two months to install the LED lights and we are also helping our business to meet the same objectives as our customers.
“The difference that it has made in the production area from a lighting perspective is quite dramatic and particularly the transformation for the night shift is phenomenal.
“It has also led to a feel-good factor among our staff and we have painted the floors, walls and walkways and we are really proud of our working environment.
“We consulted with staff about where to put the heating systems and the feedback from the installation has been positive.”
Adam Plumb, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said housebuilders were conscious of meeting net zero targets.
He said: “Local Authorities and Housing Associations want to know the origin of the doors and windows which are being produced on their behalf because they want proof they have been manufactured in an environmentally-friendly manner.
“The LED lighting has really brightened up all Nationwide’s premises and has inspired John and his team to continue the carbon reduction journey towards net zero by considering installing solar PV and insulating the roofs in all its buildings.”
Sara Ballinger, Business Energy Adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme, said: “The energy efficiency measures will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 90 tonnes of CO2e per year. Reducing their operational energy usage is integral to improving their environmental performance and their journey to net zero.
“There are multiple benefits of their investment, including improved working conditions and a reduction in their energy bills of an estimated £55,000 per year.”
