Our goal of zero harm goes beyond the management of safety. We are committed to environmental sustainability, as well as reducing our environmental impact, globally and in our local communities.
We are also proud to say that the team has surpassed the conventional methods of reducing waste, showing real innovation in their approaches and leaving no stone unturned.
With the aim of inspiring us all to think a little less conventionally in our quest to protect the environment, here is an insight into some of novel approaches we have taken:
Clean sheep
With acres of grass around Chemring’s Lara site, the team in Australia have turned to local livestock to help manage the grounds.
The animal employee base has now expanded significantly to include sheep, lambs and horses in order to keep the grass under control at the facility – removing the need for grounds maintenance equipment, reducing air and noise pollution.
And this is not just good for the environment. It is having a positive knock-on effect for our wellbeing – who could not feel better at the sight of lambs frolicking?
Shining a different light
Chemring Energetics UK, Chemring Energetic Devices in Illinois and Cherming Sensors & Electronics in Charlotte, have ‘relamped’ to save power.
Re-lamping has involved changing traditional fluorescent light tubes to LEDs. They are not just energy saving, but a far safer way to light our factories and can work for up to 30 years, reducing waste too.
There is an ergonomic payback too; improved lighting means less glare and therefore reduced eye strain for our people. A win-win we would say.
Creative waste
Chemring Australia is repurposing its waste for art and craft supplies. Contemporary packaging (foam, plastic and aluminium wrapping) used in manufacturing was destined for landfill.
The team worked with Urban Upcycle, a local business whose aim is to upcycle reusable and interesting items. They use the materials to supply schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, artists and crafters, giving them a second life, as well as supporting learning and wellbeing.
From landfill to campfire
Obsolete stock of wind and waterproof matches from Chemring Australia, destined for landfill, has found a new home with the Scouts Victoria. Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures will put the matches to good use for outdoor training, camping and hiking.
But we are not all about the unconventional. Our journey towards zero harm has also included some significant, and more predictable, actions in 2020:
- We now purchase all of our UK electricity using REGO-backed renewable energy contracts, reducing our total CO2e impacts by over 9%
- Our greenhouse gas emission intensity has reduced by 11.5%
- Our energy usage intensity has reduced by 14%
- Water usage intensity has reduced by 17%
With a new environmental sustainability committee now in place, you can expect us to target further improvements as we finalise our environmental strategy for the next few years.