Acting responsibly as a manufacturer in the way we care for natural resources demands effort. However, here at Met-Fab we believe this effort is a small price to pay to ensure the continued delivery of high quality products that rely on these natural resources.
Manufacturing powered by Green Energy
Our drive towards Net Zero
Here at Met-Fab Solutions we are on a journey to do what we can to ensure we deliver on our promises. Our investment in taking care of for the precious natural resources entrusted to us as part of the region, UK and world transition to Net Zero.
Here is an insight into the steps Met-Fab Solutions have taken so far towards renewable energy production…
Solar Power
Utilising a large expanse of roof, Met Fab Solutions have covered our total Factory roof with solar panels to generate electricity to reduce our power grid dependence by 45% annually.
2023 was a significant year for our investment into renewable energy production. One benefit of having a large manufacturing warehouse is the large expanse of roofing available for Solar panels.
In total an area of 1450sq Metres, has been fitted with solar PV – engineers fitted 312 No. Each panel can produce 545 kWp of energy = 125,000 KWh per annum. This represents a reduction in grid draw down of 45% of annual electricity required.
The electricity produced will contribute to the power required to run the plant and machinery in our architectural aluminium processes and aluminium powder coating operations. This also means there will be a Carbon saving of 32 tonnes per annum.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Over the past few years Met-Fab Solutions Ltd have been moving our fleet, of cars, over to EVs and hybrids. We have also installed two charging stations for use by our staff.
We currently have a number of fully electric cars. The vehicles are charged at our premises using renewable energy generated from our new solar PV system. In the future, as EV technology progresses, we will look to move other vehicles to over to full EV or hybrid to further reduce our carbon footprint.
Recycling
We recycle 60 tonnes of aluminium per annum, together with 40 tonnes of steel. In addition, we recycle 5 tonnes of paper and plastics. There are 15 tonnes of wood and 24 tonnes of mineral wool insulation per annum again all now recycled.
The high volume, and diverse use of materials, required to manufacture powder coated, insulated aluminium panels, results in a great deal of waste. Consequently, here at Met-Fab Solutions, we have taken steps, over the last few years to increase the separation of materials. This has resulted in less waste being sent to landfill.
Seeing these go back into the supply chain, to be reused once again, is a positive step the business has made as part of our ESG responsibility.
Water Filtration
Met-Fab Solutions have installed a water filtration system. This purifies the water to remove the harmful elements that would be unsuitable, in fact illegal, to place back in the water course.
Our pre-treatment processing plant have 3 water tanks each containing 15,000 litres of the water. The process results in chemically contaminated water being produced that requires to be disposed. Before this can happen, the water requires stringent treatment measures.
Once the water has been filtered and it has been chemically analysed, it can then be safely discharged and become part of the water system again. The system is regularly inspected by Yorkshire Water and samples taken to ensure the filtration system adheres to strict parameters.
Chrome Free Pre-treatment
As early adopters of the Chrome Free Pre-treatment process, Met-Fab Solutions are leaders in this environmentally friendly manufacturing method. The use of Chrome in production has for a long time been known to be toxic and environmentally harmful. Relying on chemicals, such as hexavalent chromium.
For many in our sector there was scepticism that this production method truly was an effective replacement from the industry accepted norm; of using chromium. However, chrome free pre-treatment is now approved and accredited by Qualicoat, an internationally recognised quality standard. Met-Fab Solutions approach is considered as certainly equal, while infinitely kinder to the planet.
The chrome free process replaces the environmentally harmful traditional chromate-based pre-treatment methods. Chrome free pre-treatment uses non-toxic, eco-friendly chemicals that provide equally high results and superior performance to that of traditional chromate-based methods. Indeed, the use of chromium is to be phased out in September 2024, meaning that shortly anyone manufacturing aluminium panels will be legally required to adopt this method.
The Future
All these renewables and sustainability initiatives were implemented as part of a £750,000 investment in sustainability and energy resilience.
Like many manufacturers striving to implement sustainability measures, we are on a journey to achieve Net Zero, more steps will be made, as well as new improvements, which are emerging. At Met-Fab, like many responsible manufacturers, our approach will be multifaceted. We continue to explore new ways to improve, reduce energy consumption, recycle and be kind to our environment.
Our Accreditations
