Ultraframe shines at environmental business awards

Friday 24th November, 2006

Clitheroe-based conservatory designer and manufacturer, Ultraframe, has picked up a prestigious environmental award for its successful programme to increase energy efficiency. The company’s achievement in this area was honoured at the Lancashire Business Environment Association’s awards.

Ultraframe scored top honours in the Energy Efficiency category. The award was given in recognition of the company’s improvements to its manufacturing process which have reduced total energy used by 13.4% and its comprehensive, business wide ‘Switch Off’ campaign. The ‘Switch Off’ campaign has encouraged staff to always turn off lights and computers when not in use. Ultraframe predicts that by May 2007 the campaign will have saved a staggering £36,000, some of which will be invested into further environmental improvements at the company.

Rachel Cundey, Quality & Environmental Co-ordinator at Ultraframe UK, commented: “We are delighted to have received this award which recognises the efforts of the entire company to make changes to the way we operate for the better. Through our various initiatives we have all learnt just how much even small changes in our business can make a vast difference to our impact on the environment.”

Ultraframe was also commended in three other award categories - Waste Minimisation, Health and Safety and the Business in the Community. The Business in the Community commendation was based on the success of a seven month engineering project Ultraframe conducted with sixth form pupils from Clitheroe Grammar School as part of a national scheme to encourage scientific curiosity through work related learning. The Waste Minimisation commendation was awarded for Ultraframe’s improved waste management system, product optimisation and supply simplification. Finally, the Health and Safety commendation was given for Ultraframe’s improvements in risk assessment, accident prevention and investigation as well as compliance ahead of legislation changes.

The Lancashire Business Environment Association’s awards are designed to recognise the work of environmentally conscious companies to reduce the impact of their business activities on the environment.