SwiftFlow – Energy management
‘The Carbon Smart report is an indispensable tool for calculating environmental efficiency. The report has helped us be certain of how much progress we have made, year-on-year, in reducing the Swiftflow carbon footprint and we are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Carbon Smart into 2011 and beyond.’ Rob Wicker, Operations Director at SwiftFlow.
Client name: SwiftFlow
Sector: Public
Project: Carbon footprint and resource efficiency improvements
When: Ongoing since 2006
Summary
SwiftFlow offers a complete property maintenance service for all types of customers – domestic, commercial and industrial. The organisation approached Carbon Smart for support on improving their environmental performance, particularly with reference to their fleet. Their aim was to become London’s greenest contractor, and they have made great strides in that direction.
Client’s Objectives
Swiftflow wanted to address all activities relevant to the environmental performance of their operations, including conducting resource reviews for their energy, water, waste and materials purchased. As their fleet is a significant part of their business they wanted to address fuel emissions as a priority. It is very important for them to be able to promote their green credentials to their customers so this was a large motivational factor in becoming Carbon Smart certified.
Process
For each level of certification Carbon Smart met with Swiftflow to identify their objectives and carry out a site survey to assess opportunities for resource savings. After a thorough resource review we calculated their carbon footprint and provided them with a bespoke report and action plan to help them make further carbon and cost savings. We also advised them on switching to using LPG or biodiesel (chip fat) to run their vans, installing energy efficient lighting and expanding their on and off site recycling. As Swiftflow were keen to make the most out of their environmental initiatives we also provided them with specific communication support, so they could promote themselves as a ‘London’s green contractors’. Some of the specific actions we supported them in taking are as follow:
- Rebranded as ‘London’s green contractor’
- Condensing boilers and advanced heating controls installed
- Reduced energy consumption by introducing energy efficient lighting and switching unused appliances off
- Many of their fleet now run on LPG or biodiesel
- Switched to a green energy tariff
- Remaining carbon footprint offset with Trees for Cities
- A tree is planted for every boiler installed for customers
Success
Swiftflow achieved Carbon Smart Silver after implementing numerous energy and resource efficiency measures. Over two years they have also reduced their carbon emissions per employee by an impressive 34%. This is just the beginning for SwiftFlow as they plan to generate their own electricity from renewable sources, expand biodiesel to the rest of their fleet and also increase their renewable energy services to customers too. SwiftFlow’s revenues have increased 50% in the past year and are a fantastic example of combining green initiatives with profitability. SwiftFlow will be aiming for Carbon Smart Gold next year by further reducing their carbon footprint and spreading the message of business sustainability.