As consumers grow more conscious of the environment, customers want to support businesses that engage in eco-friendly practices. Here at Playdale we are always looking for better ways to deal with our waste, both economically and environmentally whilst reducing our carbon footprint.
A warm office is a happy office (especially in the winter). All our heating systems are run off a biomass boiler which is fuelled by wood pellets. We can store approximately 16 tonnes of wood pellets at a time, this is the equivalent weight of 1524 Toadstool Seats! Wood pellets are, of course, a renewable source of energy and the growth of further biomass to fuel such boilers offsets the Carbon dioxide released by their combustion. As a future project to further reduce our carbon footprint we are looking to use sawdust to fuel our biomass boiler system, a by-product of our timber operations.
Over 70% of Playdale HQ and our Global Distribution Centre is lit by LED lights. They are up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent tubes which were used previously. We like to remind all our staff to stay green and turn off the lights when they are not required.
Only a few years ago we were sending approximately 150 tonnes a year of waste compacted grade laminate (CGL) to landfill. CGL is manufactured from a mixture of compressed wood and resin which bonds the material together creating an extremely tough, vandal, wear and chemical resistant structure. Due to the bulk of the material being timber and after some laboratory tests, our CGL is now recycled. CGL, alongside any waste timber that is brought back from site or is a byproduct of our timber operations, is recycled and we are now sending zero waste to landfill.
We are always working to continually improve our waste management and plastic is no exception. Currently, our plastic waste is collected by our Facilities Manager and sent away to be recycled. Larger waste, such as unusable, damaged plastic slides is also recycled and sent away to be made into new plastic goods! We currently produce around 60kg of plastic waste per month and as part of an effective waste management strategy, we are looking at plastic baling machines. A plastic baling machine will further reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the frequency of our waste collections.
Playdale is committed to minimising the negative impact that its business has on the natural environment. In order to do this we has an Environmental Management System which is compliant with ISO14001 and includes consideration of the activities of both our supply chain and our subcontractors, ensuring we use sustainable FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved sources of timbers and minimising, as much as possible, the production of waste and use of fuels.
From turning off lights to recycling our materials, we know the importance of our carbon footprint and will continue to work towards developing a greener business.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and digital devices, the importance of outdoor play for children cannot be overstated. Local parks and playgrounds can serve as a vibrant hub where children can unleash their creativity and energy whilst reaping the numerous benefits of fresh air and outdoor play. In this blog, we’ll explore some […]
Designing sustainable playgrounds extends beyond the creation of enjoyable spaces. By using sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and natural elements, we can create playgrounds that promote environmental stewardship and provide valuable learning experiences. The concept of sustainable playground design is a term that is gaining momentum and, in this blog post, we’ll explore the world of […]
#Team Playdale recently hosted a remarkable charity night to raise awareness and funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). The event, held at The Anglers Arms in Haverthwaite on Friday 13th October brought together community members and Playdale employees for a night of quiz, standup bingo and lots of […]
