As a Group, Alumasc is actively supporting the UK Government's commitment to meet its obligations under the Kyoto protocol, set up to reduce the effect of global warming, on climate change. The castings sectors' 10 year energy agreement has generated positive outcomes with Alumasc engaging organizations such as the Carbon Trust to provide external consultation. The resulting audits have led to some major high value investments to help introduce more cost effective energy controls. For example, a detailed appraisal identified significant cost savings and reduction of carbon emissions by installing a new high efficiency bulk melting and holding furnace to replace the existing older gas-fired crucible furnaces.
The new furnace uses a similar amount of gas as the five furnaces it replaces but does the same amount of work. Its central location reduces forklift activity by forty journeys per day, reducing risk and transport energy. More furnaces are planned as a part of Alumasc's commitment to environmental improvement.
Alumasc proactively complies with all prevention and control regulations and works closely with the local authority on emissions to air, water and landfill from manufacturing centres. As with Health and Safety, Alumasc commissions independent auditors to inspect and report findings and whose recommendations are actioned against a priority Task Plan.
Creating buy-in to new working procedures and changing the culture of how an organization regards environment, health and safety requires dedicated resources and positive communications.
Alumasc employs dedicated personnel with the expertise, qualifications and experience to manage and administer the integration of Health, Safety and Environment as a key departmental function. This has led to the creation of a content managed Intranet site with the sole purpose of supplying valuable information specific to the work place, to every member of the workforce. The Intranet provides a useful conduit between the plans in progress and what is happening at individual production zones. The information is live and constantly being updated, testimony again to Alumasc's commitment to creating a safe and sustainable working environment.