World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June to spread awareness of and encourage action to protect the environment. It is a reminder to individuals and companies alike that we all have a part to play and can make a difference.

As a company with a 156-year history, Thomas Johnstone Ltd (TJL) said it understands the importance of conducting business sustainably. Since first gaining its certification to ISO14001 in 2011, TJL has maintained this year-on-year, displaying its commitment to environmental improvement. More recently, as part of its long-term objectives to continually improve its sustainability, TJL has taken further strides on its journey towards Net Zero.

The specialist fit-out contractor has undertaken several initiatives and improvements to its sustainability practices, including a significant investment in solar energy. It has installed 473 solar panels on the roof of its Inchinnan head office and manufactured joinery facility. These panels are expected to decrease the building’s electricity usage by up to 40%. Since the initial installation in late 2023, the system has enabled TJL to save over 12,750 kg of CO2 emissions; the equivalent of planting 773 trees.

Thomas Johnstone Ltd has also increased the number of electric vehicle charging points at its Inchinnan head office to enable more TJL employees and visitors to charge their electric vehicles while at the office.

In line with this development, TJL has implemented a salary sacrifice scheme for company car and car allowance drivers who switch to fully electric vehicles. The contract hire scheme aims to encourage staff to drive fully electric cars by providing better terms for employees than they could generally access as individuals. The new initiative has seen significant uptake so far, with several employees and directors signing up for the scheme in its first few months. TJL is actively encouraging more employees to choose fully electric vehicles over time, further helping to reduce its overall CO2 emissions.

These improvements follow previously completed steps in TJL’s sustainability strategy, including switching to LED lighting throughout the contractor’s head and regional offices and installing new roof cladding and insulation, industrial curtains, and an Ecogate extract system within the company’s 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.

Where possible, waste materials are segregated on TJL’s construction sites, with up to 98% ultimately recycled. This initiative has led to recognition from their waste management partner ENVA for recycling 54.17 tonnes of construction waste, and stopping it from going to landfill, on a single site over a five month period. Further development plans include keeping up with the latest technology, such as trialling hybrid generators and introducing solar-powered welfare cabins on TJL sites.

David Haddow, joint managing director, said: “As a company, Thomas Johnstone Ltd are committed to engaging in sustainable practices wherever possible. We are proud of the steps we have taken so far and are committed to further investing in reducing our environmental impact year on year.”