See the Light - Leading the Way
Green Day released the single “See the Light” in 2009, as the closing track on their album ‘21st Century Breakdown’. As a counterpoint to the album’s depressing but omniscient title there is some good news going on in the heart of Corby, Northamptonshire, where See Limited is showing how businesses can lead by example to make positive changes in their industry. As a group holding company, See Limited oversees its operating businesses, Performance Panels (based in Halifax), and Bousfields (based in Corby). Both are involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels to both consumers and to building developers across the UK.
For CA-WN Exchange readers near Oakham and Corby, they can visit the Huws Gray showrooms where See Limited’s latest addition to their sustainable product portfolio, BioCarbon Worktops, the UK’s first zero-carbon-driven kitchen worktop, is on show.
Their products and solutions are intended to not only meet the aesthetic and functional needs of the built environment but also align with sustainable practices, exemplifying the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Readers may wonder how a company operating in the built environment industry can be considered ‘green’ as this is an industry historically known for its waste and excessive use of resources. The ‘Built Environment’ industry is reported to contribute to 25% of the UK’s total carbon footprint and worldwide, buildings are responsible for around 50% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions, 50% of all extracted materials, 33% of water consumption and 35% of generated waste. Other environmental impacts include resource depletion, air, water and land pollution and biodiversity loss. (Source: World Green Building Council).
Looking to the future, by 2050, the global population will increase 27% to 9.8 billion, and by 2060 global building floor area is expected to double, catapulting all of the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with the built environment.
The See in the company’s title stands for ‘Supporting Ethical Enterprise’ and this mantra permeates all aspects of their operations. By investing in sustainable practices, ethical conduct, and community engagement, the company exemplifies how businesses can be a force for good. Their approach encompasses securing long-term sustainable growth, building and maintaining partnerships, and protecting natural resources.
At the core of See Limited's mission is a commitment to environmental stewardship. The company has set an ambitious target to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions, reflecting their dedication to addressing the climate crisis. This goal is not merely aspirational; it is underpinned by concrete actions and validated targets. See Limited has committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, a target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Danielle Redgate, Marketing Director, says of their SBTi commitment; “See Limited was one of the first SMEs in the UK to sign up. We are glad to be on a recommended route and direction, surrounded by big businesses and making that formal and public commitment.”
To ensure transparency and accountability, See Limited conducts an annual carbon footprint assessment. This allows the company to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to reduce their environmental impact continually. All company-owned cars are now electric with charging points available on both sites. They are working towards reducing energy consumption using solar panels and continuing to measure the environmental impact and life cycle of their products through third party approved environmental product declarations (EPDs).
See Limited's commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by their environmental initiatives. The company has partnered with More Trees to plant trees for every order of Pura® NFC, a weatherproof cladding product for home exteriors offered by Performance Panels. To date, they have planted 1,780 trees and plan to roll out the initiative across other product lines. To further offset and to take responsibility for their emissions, they have invested in Gold Standard carbon credits which supports the use of cook stoves in Ghana amongst other positive environmental and social initiatives.
Beyond their environmental initiatives, See Limited places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The company has been an active participant in local events and charitable activities. One example was their participation in the Tough Mudder challenge in July 2024, where a team of 23 employees raised over £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Furthermore, See Limited has joined the Northampton Sustainability Accord, reinforcing their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices within the local community. This collaboration with local stakeholders underscores the company's dedication to driving positive change at both the local and global levels.
The company's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In a span of a few months in 2024, See Limited won four awards, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and excellence. Locally, they won the Green Award at the NNBN Business Awards but perhaps more notably, they secured the National Award for Sustainability at the National Building & Construction Awards.
Priorities for this year and beyond include engaging more with the local community and getting more involved with local housing and building projects.
See Limited stands as an excellent example of how businesses can leverage their resources and expertise to drive positive environmental and social change. Their commitment to sustainability, innovative environmental initiatives, and active community engagement illustrates the impact a company can have when it embraces its role as a steward of both the environment and the community. Danielle Redgate is aware that not all businesses are at the same stage as See Limited and is keen to emphasize that “we are not experts, but we can share our own sustainable journey at least and encourage others to make small changes to reduce their carbon footprint”.