Milbank Concrete Products: Pioneering Sustainability with Solar Power

At Milbank Concrete Products, sustainability isn’t just something we pay lip service to – it’s a commitment we take seriously.

Last month, we completed a second installation of solar panels, this time on the roof of our Specialist Precast Factory – just in time for the summer sun to make an appearance (hopefully).

This latest installation is a testament to our dedication to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across all our operations.

A Solar Milestone

Our journey towards greener energy began with the initial installation of solar panels on our first production facility. Encouraged by the success and positive impact of that project, we decided to expand our efforts. Now, with over 800 panels covering both of our production facilities in Earls Colne, we’re making a significant leap towards energy independence and sustainability.

These latest additions to our solar panels produce an average of over 300,000 kWh of electricity per year. To put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent of boiling a kettle over 1.6 million times – and that’s a lot of tea! This impressive energy output not only supports our production needs but also represents a major step forward in our efforts to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of our solar panel installations are substantial. This new solar installation will save approximately 35 tonnes of CO2 per year. Over the system’s lifetime, this will equate to a total carbon saving of approximately 875 tonnes of CO2. These figures highlight the significant positive impact that renewable energy can have on our carbon footprint.

By generating our own solar energy, we’re significantly reducing our carbon footprint, reducing our dependency on the grid, and making a substantial reduction in our emissions. This move aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and showcases our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Commitment to Sustainability

Our investment in solar energy is just one aspect of our broader commitment to becoming the most sustainable supplier of precast concrete products.

At Milbank Concrete Products, we recognise that the construction industry has a critical role to play in addressing environmental challenges. By embracing renewable energy and other sustainable practices, we’re leading by example and setting a standard for others in the industry to follow.

In addition to our solar initiatives, we’ve implemented a range of other measures to enhance our sustainability efforts. These include optimising our production processes to reduce waste, improving energy efficiency across our operations, moving our vehicles to HVO fuel and sourcing materials responsibly. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive approach to sustainability that permeates every aspect of our business.

The Road Ahead

As we celebrate this latest milestone, we’re already looking ahead to the future. Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we’re continuously exploring new ways to improve and innovate. From further expanding our renewable energy capabilities to exploring new technologies and practices, we’re dedicated to staying at the forefront of sustainable development in the construction industry.

We also understand that true sustainability goes beyond environmental considerations. It’s about creating a positive impact on the communities we serve, providing fair wages for our employees through the Real Living Wage accreditation, and delivering high-quality products that stand the test of time.

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s always more to be done. Sustainability is a collective effort, and it’s important that our customers, partners, and the wider community to join us on this journey.

At Milbank Concrete Products, we’re not just building precast concrete products; we’re building a legacy of sustainability and responsibility. Our solar panel installations are a shining example of what’s possible when we commit to positive change.