Sustainability

Using modernised production methods that emphasise sustainable building solutions and adhere to the most stringent production requirements, Michelmersh guarantees high quality product standards with a low ecological footprint.

Overview

Sustainability is one of Michelmersh's four company core values. With a continuous programme of investment, the Group has shown a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency improvements.

With over 500 acres of land, Michelmersh encourages the re-introduction of habitats and wildlife to its former quarry sites, to allow nature reserves, lakes and natural spaces to flourish. All its UK and European plants adhere to strict environmental codes of practice with well-maintained clay resources which are stringently operated in cohesion with their surroundings.

Sustainability is key for Michelmersh as it strongly upholds its responsibilities to nurture our land and the environment around us. Through rolling investment programs its modernised plants are streamlined and automated, maximising efficiency and product output.

Brick Sustainability Overview

100% of UK products are supplied from factories certified under the BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Standard, ISO 14001 Environmental, ISO 50001 Energy and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. 100% of Floren products are independantly certified to national standards.

Michelmersh Core Values - IRIS

Michelmersh's corporate goals include:

Reduce waste in every sector of the production process.
Improve energy efficiency by investing in new equipment and process control.
Pledge 100,000 bricks each year to bricklaying courses across the UK to support education.
Continue to provide local products to local communities.
Achieve zero workplace accidents.
Continue to lead the industry in reduction of plastic packaging.
Increase the amount of recovered water through rain water harvesting measures.
Continue to invest in alternative, renewable sources of energy production.

Sustainability Achievements

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Environment, Energy and Responsible Sourcing

Investing in People

The Group aims to provide training, security and career progression for all of its employees, whilst acting as a responsible corporate citizen and keeping stakeholder value at the forefront of every decision.

The Board and senior managers set and monitor performance and improvement targets for all departments, while providing the guidance, resources, information and training necessary for employees to succeed in delivering our objectives.

Introduction of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for all staff.
Monthly digital wellbeing newsletters to all employees and implementation of wellbeing/support notice boards.
Substantial annual budget for charity and charitable/community events.
All senior managers to be trained in Mental Health First Aid (IACT Trainers).

Training & Apprenticeships

Michelmersh won multiple awards at the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC) Pledge Awards.
All works managers are trained to NEBOSH: General Certificate.
All Department Managers are trained to IOSH: Managing Safely.
5.5% of our UK workforce currently engaged in apprenticeships covering all areas of the business from Business Administration to Operational.
Performance & Engineering.
Michelmersh was awarded the ROSPA Diamond Award (Level 5).

All employees have a part to play in our management systems and are encouraged to bring forward ideas that will contribute to the continual improvement of our products and processes. We also expect contractors and suppliers to have due regard to the principles and objectives of this policy.

Investing in our Environment

The company is committed to the protection of the environment, biodiversity, ecosystems, and minimisation of pollution. We will ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and other obligations; report any breaches transparently; and will monitor, control and report our relevant greenhouse gas emissions in line with our regulated targets.

By adopting sustainable resource and energy planning, we aim to minimise waste and ensure efficient use of energy, resources, water and raw materials. Where practical, the use of local materials and suppliers is encouraged.

Energy performance will be a key factor in the design, purchase and operation of equipment, vehicles and services.

The Group contains three Geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest, managed intensively according to regulations.
Archaeological investigations were carried out by John Moore Heritage Services in 2015 at the Michelmersh site revealing the land was used by inhabitants from the Mesolithic through to the Roman period. The items found were recorded and granted permission to be transferred to the Hampshire Cultural Trust where they will be used in education and training. The area has now been worked and restored back to pasture as per the planning permission.
Charnwood and Michelmersh sites are currently undergoing substantial arboriculture, tree planting and landscape restoration schemes. A five year plan is underway, including surface water management lagoons and a vast array of advance feathered tree planting using native species.

Our Environment, Energy and Responsible Sourcing policies operate in conjunction with other company policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Quality, Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance, Bribery, Sponsorship and Charitable Donations.