S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y P O L I C Y

Rubberatkins employ modern technology to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, we promote an awareness to reduce waste, minimise use of resources, reuse materials where practical and recycle to ensure our environment is protected for the future. Rubberatkins sustainability commitment is strong. We have gone beyond paper and metal recycling and have demonstrated our total commitment to make a difference by investing in our, and the planet’s long-term future. Our green initiatives are expanded upon below:

THE TURBINE

In May 2012 Rubberatkins totally committed to its environmental philosophy when it commissioned its own on-site, 330Kw Wind Turbine which has the capacity to generate all the Aberdeen site’s annual electrical power requirements.  Rubber and plastic moulding is an Energy-intensive industry and the turbine has been a great success in drastically reducing our carbon footprint and also makes it very easy to find us, whether you’re flying or driving!

The Turbine helps us work towards being carbon neutral and saves 265 Tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Alternative Energy Generation is now included in parts of the National Curriculum and we regularly host student visits from local schools that are interested in finding out more about our turbine. Teachers are welcome to call us and arrange a visit.

ELECTRIC COMPANY VEHICLES

Having a Carbon Neutral supply of electricity naturally leads us to think about electric pool vehicles.

In May 2014 we purchased a Nissan Leaf all-electric car for employee use running around Aberdeen, and an electric van which we deliver goods to our local customers in. Powered by the wind!

OUR BUILDING

When we were designing our new building, which opened in 2009, we gave the architect a brief to make it energy-efficient whilst dramatic in design. We incorporated many energy-saving features.

  • High specification insulation

  • Large windows with solar-absorbing glass let in more light and retain heat

  • Large skylights in the factory to flood the area with natural light

  • Light level and proximity-sensitive controls in all offices and factories

  • LED lighting uses 50%-80% less power and lasts 5 times longer than fluorescent tubes

  • Heat recovery system in the factory which heats the showers, locker room, and canteen

  • Air Source Heat Pumps to heat and cool the offices

  • We recycle all paper, plastic, wood, and cans, minimizing the amount going to landfills

  • Paperless operations through the utilisation of software solutions

  • Adopting the three R’s principle: Reducing waste, Reusing, and Recycling resources