Through Greenlogic Williams sets out its criteria for ensuring commitment is given to providing the most energy efficient and sustainable refrigeration equipment for today’s market.
In doing so we provide details of this pledge through the manufacturing processes we employ, the management systems adhered to, as well as the careful selection of components used.
Williams has achieved ISO14001 certification across all of its manufacturing plants (UK, Australia, China), for the design, manufacture and installation of refrigeration products – showing its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and long term dedication towards decreasing the pollution and waste produced during the manufacturing processes.
We recycle 99% of production waste with nothing being sent to landfill and maintain that 99% of materials used in manufacture are recyclable. Sustainable practices are key to the ongoing success at Williams, with further eco-initiatives continually being developed.
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint - monitored by trained staff to ensure we maximise ‘re-use and recycling’ to minimise waste. We have also maintained being a zero to landfill business for a number of years.
Collaboration with our waste contractor is important. We work closely to achieve environmentally sound solutions for waste management and we are committed to continual improvement of our Environmental Management System (EMS) to enhance our environmental performance.
In 2019 we set a target to reduce both electricity and gas levels by 10% over two years. Year-to-date figures are currently standing at a reduction of 29.5% and 20.6% respectively with further reductions still to be made.
We are a low user of energy for a company of our size. We have achieved these results through a combination of hard work, vigilance and innovative procedures.
We are committed to 100% recycling of scrap metal and plastic waste. Scrap metal is segregated into purpose made skips and then transferred to waste recycling centres where it is cleaned and sampled for re-use. Plastic waste is also segregated into a dedicated skip and collected by Valpak, a leading provider of environmental compliance, for sustainable recycling. Furthermore, all the wood we use is sourced from FCS suppliers, with pallets re-used and waste wood 100% recycled.
Our packaging is 100% recyclable, although the bulk of the packaging is reused. We reuse shredded office paper for spare parts packaging; all waste and by products are colour coded to allow easy identification for despatch to specialist waste processors.
Suppliers must also adhere to strict criteria to minimise their packaging.
Although we have a continued increase in production output we have consistently reduced our packaging tonnage, with over 1 tonne of cardboard being recycled a month.
We apply the same rigorous standards to liquid waste. We only use chemicals that are strictly required by our processes – and alternatives are actively sought for any considered harmful. All staff are fully trained with Spillage Procedures.
Regular inspections ensure nothing can contaminate the local drain system. Residues are collected, separated and sent to specialist waste handlers for treatment.
We continue to invest in comprehensive energy-saving technologies, from low energy lighting to speed-shut doors that conserve heat in the production area. Our energy-saving procedures range from minimising heating by sharing office space to function-testing cabinets overnight using off-peak electricity.
Williams has adopted a zero tolerance refrigerant leak strategy. All coils are pre-tested and tested again when the refrigeration system has been assembled using industry-best helium sensors - capable of detection to just 0.5g per annum.
Systems are purged during brazing with Oxygen Free Nitrogen (OFN) to reduce carbon build up, extending both component and product life.
Williams has invested across all manufacturing plants in the latest leak detection technology that brings new levels of reliability to leak testing. Each and every cabinet is leak checked prior to being charged with refrigerant.
The leak detectors are highly sensitive and specifically designed for our demanding production environment and have a minimum detectable leak rate of 0.05 grams/annum.
We have also invested in a comprehensive range of energy-saving technologies, from low energy lighting to speed-shut doors that conserve heat in the production area. Our energy-saving procedures range from minimising heating by sharing office space, to function-testing products overnight, using off-peak electricity.
Staff are encouraged to think about sustainability at all times – to switch off equipment that’s not being used, to avoid unnecessary use of resources such as paper, to order products made from recycled materials, and so on.
In 2015 Williams installed a massive photovoltaic solar panel system across two of its factory’s roofs. The system, comprising 2,298 panels, is one of the largest rooftop installations in Europe.
In 2019, we set a two year target to generate an average of 25% energy from the solar panels, with current performance generating just over 35%.
The solar panels are the main source of energy generation for seven months of the calendar year, reducing the company’s annual CO2 emissions by 297 tonnes. The solar panels generate an average of 496,000kWh of electricity per year.
In recent years Williams has invested heavily in new machinery and equipment at our King’s Lynn headquarters, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to quality, reliability and energy efficiency.
Since 2016, our UK manufacturing plant alone has seen almost £2 million of investment. In December 2019, £250,000 was invested on new machinery that has contributed significantly to energy reduction as well as producing 50% less material waste.
Our most recent investments has seen two automated punching stations upgraded, reducing energy requirement from 12 kWh to 5 kWh (a reduction of 60%), and further LED lighting installed, reducing annual energy usage by 127,000 kWh.
Our ‘Innovation at the Core’ initiative outlines our continued efforts and investments to make the company, and environment, a greener place. Through Greenlogic, we strive towards a greener future.