The Roca Group has reported on the success of its sustainability initiative that was launched in 2022 to tackle climate change.
The Group said it aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all operations by 2045. These ongoing efforts have recently been recognised, as the Group has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, a global standard for corporate sustainability ratings.
Central to this roadmap, it noted, is a multi-phase strategy that spans every aspect of Roca’s operations, including product design, manufacturing processes, logistics and energy consumption. The first phase began with comprehensive site assessments, conducted by local consultants to provide tailored, context-specific recommendations. For Roca UK’s headquarters in Bardon, these evaluations concluded in March 2022, identifying areas for improvement categorised as easy, medium or difficult, based on implementation complexity and feasibility.
Roca UK implemented the ‘easy wins’, optimising temperature control and heating schedules. Measures included limiting temperature ranges on air conditioning units, turning off office heating over weekends and reducing weekday heating hours. The company said these simple yet effective changes immediately reduced energy consumption.
The Group undertook medium-term improvements between 2023 and 2024. These included a complete transition to LED technology which, it said, has cut electricity usage from 88,042 kWh to 33,683 kWh annually. Light sensors were installed in low-usage areas such as WCs, plant rooms and storerooms to enhance energy efficiency further. Additionally, a quick-close shutter door was introduced in the warehouse to retain heat and minimise energy wastage.
In 2024, Roca UK added that it successfully completed the most challenging tasks, highlighted by the installation of an 8-tonne, 150 kW solar panel system on the roof of its Bardon headquarters. The system is estimated to generate 127,000 kWh of electricity annually, with 22% of the site’s energy now sourced from green energy. This is expected to reduce the site’s CO2 emissions by 29 tonnes per year.
Roca stated that it is proud to be among over 6,000 businesses worldwide collaborating with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which provides a clear pathway for companies to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. The SBTi sets rigorous criteria for science-based target setting, it added, helping businesses achieve their goals through best practices and independent assessments.
Additionally, the Group’s 2045 Sustainability Roadmap aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on three pillars: People, Planet and Prosperity. Through this alignment, Roca Group stated that it is driving positive change by protecting the environment, creating value and reinvesting profits, and fostering job creation and societal improvement.
Rashpal Sidhu, managing director at Roca UK and Ireland, said: “Roca Group’s comprehensive approach to sustainability demonstrates a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility across its global operations. This initiative not only highlights our dedication to a greener future but also sets a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.”