Environment & Sustainability

In addition to manufacturing energy efficient products, Sidey is also committed to the wider environment and sustainability. This commitment is backed up by an impressive array of environmental certification.

Sidey was one of the first window and door manufacturers in the UK to achieve ISO EMS 14001 and one of the first manufacturers to have the latest EMS 14001-2015 accreditation.

Our commitment includes:

• Minimising energy use through increased efficiency of our operation.
• Reducing and recycling waste wherever possible.
• Maximising the use of recycled material in all our operations.
• Establishing a better understanding of the impact our operations have on the environment.
• Continually improving the dissemination of information about the environment and health and safety throughout our workforce and suppliers.

In 2008, Sidey first committed to send zero waste to landfill. It seemed almost impossible at the time, because waste was viewed very differently. It also meant we were one of the first fabricators in the industry to do it.

We made a commitment to attain 100 percent recycling from manufacturing waste within 10 years. In 2015, three years early, we achieved it. We have maintained 100 percent every year since.

We now have zero landfill from our manufacturing facilities and between 90 and 100 percent recyclable recoverable waste. This is a massive improvement from the 8 to 9 percent in 2008, when we started the scheme.

It seemed like a tall order at the time, because, as with many companies in manufacturing, waste was just seen as a by-product of the process, however Sidey knew this had to change.

Driving environmental change

To drive this change, Sidey formed an environmental management group in 2008. This group is still formed from representation by all departments to keep improving the way we can lessen our impact on the environment. During monthly meetings, we look at the priorities to keep improving how we work and lessen our impact on the environment.

We set priorities covering all the key areas of the business including production, waste, atmospheric emissions, the storage and handling of chemicals and other substances, as well as water.

Our environmental policy is incorporated into all departments and details the involvement of the team in the development of the business.

Measuring environmental change

Our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and objectives include our environmental targets and improvements, so they are very much part of our businesses plan.

Measurements are made in lots of different ways and zero waste to landfill has been a big achievement for us. In addition, all timber is sourced with the Forest Stewardship Council certification.

We understand the needs of our clients, local authorities, housing associations, RSLs, developers and specifiers to increase their environmental commitments. We can offer measured and verified data for them to use.

In 2018, we were finalists in The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, recognising our commitment to the environment. Sidey was the only finalist in the Environmental Management SME category that is a uPVC manufacturer, all the other finalists were involved in food and drink, making it even more impressive.

2018 also saw Sidey invited to become an Ambassador for Circular Tayside. This initiative delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce is designed to raise awareness of the circular economy along with the role local businesses have to play in it.

Sidey is committed to sustaining the environment and reducing our impact on the environment in every way we possibly can.

It is important to share useful information that may help you to reduce your environmental impact as well as accessing support and guidance during these difficult times.