Policies & Certifications

Sustainability Policy

1. Introduction

1.1. About Crystal Doors

Crystal Doors is a UK-based manufacturer of high-quality vinyl-wrapped internal doors and kitchen products, founded in Rochdale in 1998. As a small-to-medium enterprise employing less than 50 people, we pride ourselves on craftsmanship, customer service, and our commitment to sustainability.

1.2. Purpose of this Policy Manual

This sustainability policy manual outlines the goals, strategies, and procedures that Crystal Doors has established to reduce our environmental impacts and operate responsibly across social, environmental, and governance factors. Adhering to these policies will help ensure we meet our sustainability targets while continuing to provide quality products and serve the needs of customers, employees, suppliers, and the wider community.

1.3. Our Sustainability Policy Goals

➡ Achieve net zero carbon emissions from our operations by 2030

➡ Source 100% renewable electricity by 2025

➡ Divert 99% of non-hazardous waste from landfills through reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery

➡ Utilise 100% FSC/PEFC certified timber by 2025

➡ Reduce supply chain emissions intensity by 50% by 2030

➡ Incorporate circular economy principles across our business model and product designs by 2025

➡ Maintain annual sustainability reporting and verification of key metrics

By successfully implementing the initiatives and practices outlined in this manual, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint, contribute socially, operate transparently, and set an example of responsible business leadership in our industry and community.

2. Energy and Emissions Policy

2.1. Overview

As a manufacturing SME, Crystal Doors recognises our responsibility to reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our operations. This policy provides a roadmap for continuously improving energy efficiency, procuring renewable energy, and achieving net zero emissions while maintaining profitability and growth.

2.2. Goals

➡ Reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2025 below the 2015 baseline of 290 tonnes of CO2e
➡ Achieve net zero operations by 2030, in line with UK climate goals
➡ Source 100% renewable electricity by 2025

2.3. Strategies

1. Energy Efficiency:

  • Install sub-metering and an energy management system by Q2 2023 to identify savings
  • Upgrade ageing equipment - target 15% efficiency gains for compressors and HVAC by 2025
  • Complete transition to LED lighting and install occupancy sensors by Q4 2023
  • Install metering on the biomass heating system by 2023 to collect accurate usage data for emissions reporting

2. Renewable Power:

• Expand solar PV capacity from 246kW to 500kW by Q4 2025
• Procure renewable energy credits equivalent to 50% of use by Q4 2023, 100% by 2025

3. Electrification & Biofuels:

• Replace 2 diesel vans with electric models in 2023, 6 more by 2025 (50% of the fleet)
• Install EV charging infrastructure onsite by Q2 2023
• Switch to biodiesel from waste oil for remaining vehicles by 2025

4. Employee Engagement:

• Provide energy conservation training for all staff by Q2 2023 Page 5 Draft v1.0 Gillman Ndlovu, 2023
• Implement department-level energy savings competitions and rewards programs

5. Tracking & Reporting:

• Conduct annual scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions inventory and audit
• Benchmark usage monthly and report quarterly to leadership
• Maintain ISO 50001 certification through external audits

6. 2023-2025 Implementation Plan:

• 2023: Sub-metering, EV chargers, solar procurement, staff training
• 2024: EMS, equipment upgrades, biofuel switch, renewable credits
• 2025: Additional solar, LEDs, EV fleet transition, 100% renewable electricity

Key Performance Indicators:

• Tonnes CO2e in scopes 1 and 2
• Total energy consumption annually (kWh)
• Energy intensity per product output (kWh/unit)
• Annual energy spending (£)
• Renewable energy percentage (%)
• Emissions per £ turnover (normalised yearly emissions/revenue)

3. Materials and Waste Policy

 3.1. Overview

Crystal Doors takes a circular economy approach to materials use and waste management. This policy outlines our commitments to responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and material value retention through reduction, reuse, recycling, and repurposing.

3.2. Goals

➡ Source 100% certified sustainable timber by 2025
➡ Achieve 99% landfill diversion of non-hazardous waste by 2025
➡ Reduce raw material inputs per product by 15% by 2030

3.3. Strategies

1. Sustainable Materials:

• Require FSC/PEFC CoC certification from all timber suppliers by 2023
• Work with suppliers to calculate and reduce embodied carbon
• Prioritise recycled content and develop closed-loop material flows

2. Waste Prevention:

• Conduct annual waste stream analyses and identify targeted reduction opportunities
• Switch to reusable transport padding and phase out single use stretch wrap by 2025
• Digitise documentation processes to reduce paper waste

3. Improved Sorting & Recycling:

• Provide waste sorting guidelines, training, and signage for all staff
• Install additional bins for enhanced dry recycling streams by Q3 2023
• Achieve zero contamination rate in recycling streams by 2025

4. Resource Recovery:

• Reuse scrap wood, sawdust, and offcuts for biomass heating
• Compost food waste and landscaping materials for onsite use
• Explore partnerships to up-cycle retired equipment and waste material

5. Tracking & Reporting:

• Monitor recycling rates, waste generation, and diversion monthly Page 7 Draft v1.0 Gillman Ndlovu, 2023
• Report waste and material efficiency data quarterly to leadership
• Maintain ISO 14001 environmental management certification

6. 2023 Implementation Plans:

• Conduct FSC/PEFC certified timber requirements communicated to suppliers
• New bins, signage, and enhanced sorting procedures
• Training for staff on Circular Economy and waste minimisation

Key Performance Indicators:

• Recycling rate (% waste diverted from landfill)
• Total waste generated annually (tonnes)
• Non-hazardous waste per unit of product (kg/unit)
• Percentage of sustainably sourced materials

4. Sustainable Products and Services Policy

 4.1. Overview

Crystal Doors will design processes and offerings to reduce the lifecycle
environmental impacts of our products and services. This policy guides innovating
for sustainability across operations, product design, and business models.

4.2. Goals

➡ Incorporate circular design principles for all products by 2025
➡ Achieve B Corp Certification by 2025
➡ Enable 50% lower product lifecycle emissions by 2030

4.3. Strategies

1. Sustainable Design:

• Optimise manufacturing processes for energy, waste, water, and chemical use
• Design products for durability, standardisation, disassembly, reuse
• Use FSC timber, recycled materials, and low-impact alternatives

2. Circular Business Models:

• Offer product take-back, refurbishment, and remanufacturing
• Provide consultancy to customers on sustainability best practices
• Develop partnerships to share equipment, reuse materials, up-cycle waste

3. B Corp Certification:

• Undertake B Impact Assessment by Q2 2023
• Implement actions to improve social and environmental performance
• Meet B Corp standards for sustainable business models

4. Customer Engagement:

• Train sales team on communicating sustainability benefits
• Conduct annual customer surveys on product sustainability needs
• Offer carbon offsetting of product transport and installation

5. Tracking & Reporting:

• Complete product lifecycle assessments every 3 years
• Benchmark product carbon footprints against competitors
• Report on circular activities and partnerships annually

6. 2023 Implementation Plans:

• Impact Assessment and areas for improvement identified
• Product lifecycle analysis of top-selling items
• Evaluate current product design, take-back programs, reuse, and
remanufacturing to establish a circular baseline
• Sales training on communicating sustainability credentials

Key Performance Indicators:

• Product carbon footprints (kgCO2e/unit)
• Percentage of products designed for circularity
• Customer sustainability satisfaction (survey)
• B Corp certification status

5. Sustainability Reporting and Governance Policy

 5.1. Overview

Crystal Doors will implement robust sustainability monitoring, reporting, and verification processes. This policy outlines our approach to transparency, governance, stakeholder engagement, and accountability across our sustainability initiatives.

5.2. Goals

➡ Maintain annual sustainability reporting on key metrics
➡ Achieve net zero by 2030 with third-party verification
➡ Embed sustainability accountability across the organisation

5.3. Strategies

1. Disclosure Frameworks:

• Follow the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) reporting frameworks
• Respond annually to CDP Climate Change and Forests questionnaires

2. Verification & Audit Processes:

• Undertake annual third-party emissions inventory audit
• Verify net zero progress through recognised standards like the Carbon Neutral Protocol
• Maintain ISO 14001 environmental management certification

3. Governance & Accountability:

• Board oversight of sustainability strategy and performance
• Link executive pay to sustainability KPIs
• Incorporate sustainability goals into staff performance reviews

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Host annual community sustainability event
• Survey key stakeholders including staff, customers, and suppliers on our progress
• Share annual sustainability report through multiple outreach channels

5. Tracking & Reporting:

• Monthly sustainability data collection from responsible departments Gillman Ndlovu, 2023
• Quarterly internal reviews of progress toward goals
• Annual public sustainability report and results benchmarking

6. 2023 Plans:

• Third-party emissions verification process established
• Executive pay KPIs finalised, integrated into reviews
• First annual sustainability report published externally

Key Performance Indicators:

• Sustainability report publication (Y/N)
• External emissions verification (Y/N)
• Stakeholder sustainability feedback scores
• GRI, SASB, CDP reporting compliance (Y/N)

6. Suppliers and Procurement Policy

 6.1. Overview

Crystal Doors will reduce supply chain impacts through sustainable purchasing practices and collaborating with suppliers to improve environmental performance. This policy outlines our approach.

6.2. Goals

➡ Ensure suppliers meet sustainability criteria by 2025
➡ Source 60% of materials from local independent businesses by 2025
➡ Reduce supply chain emissions intensity by 50% by 2030
➡ Map the upstream and downstream supply chain and transportation impacts by end of 2023
➡ Use collected data to set an emissions reduction goal for transportation

6.3. Strategies

1. Sustainable Selection:

• Integrate sustainability factors into supplier selection criteria by Q2 2023
• Require sustainability reporting from core suppliers by 2025
• Provide training and resources to help suppliers improve

2. Local Sourcing:

• Perform annual analysis to identify local substitution opportunities
• Prioritise purchasing from North West England-based suppliers

3. Collaboration & Innovation:

• Develop joint pilot projects with key suppliers to test low-carbon solutions
• Support supplier sustainability through training, resource sharing

4. Performance Tracking:

• Where possible, collect energy, water, and waste data from the top 10 suppliers annually
• Estimate supply chain carbon footprint through EEIO modelling

5. Communication & Training

• Train procurement team on sustainable sourcing best practices
• Provide suppliers with guidance on improving sustainability management

6. 2023 Implementation Priorities:

• The sustainability section added to supplier assessments
• Initial estimates of supply chain carbon footprint
• Local sourcing opportunities analysis
• Assess supplier relationships and capacities as part of the supply chain mapping exercise
• Develop supplier engagement plan to improve sustainability collaboration

Key Performance Indicators:

• Local procurement spend (%)
• Supply chain emissions per £ output (kgCO2e/£)
• Core suppliers reporting sustainability data (#)

7. Transportation and Travel Policy

 7.1. Overview

Crystal Doors will minimise carbon emissions associated with fleet vehicles,
employee commuting, and business travel. This policy outlines our commitments
and procedures for reducing environmental impacts from transportation.

7.2. Goals

➡ Reduce absolute fleet emissions by 50% by 2025 below the 2018 baseline
➡ Reduce employee commute emissions per turnover by 25% by 2025
➡ Achieve 25% employee sustainable commuting by 2025
➡ Require justification for any necessary air travel exceptions

7.3. Strategies

1. Sustainable Fleet Transition:

• Replace 2 diesel vans with EVs in 2023, and an additional 6 by 2025 (50% of the fleet)
• Install EV charging infrastructure onsite by Q2 2023
• Regularly review routes to reduce mileage

2. Employee Commuting & Travel:

• Subsidise public transit passes and provide ride-share incentives
• Support bike commuting through onsite storage, showers, lockers
• Require CXO sign-off for any essential air travel exceptions

3. Tracking & Reduction:

• Use telematics to monitor vehicle use and MPG
• Offer remote work and flexible scheduling to reduce commuting
• Use virtual meeting technology to reduce travel needs

4. 2023 Implementation Plans:

• 2 electric vans (were) purchased for the fleet
• Employee transportation survey conducted
• Virtual meeting technology upgraded
• Conduct employee transportation survey to collect commuting data and estimate emissions baseline

Key Performance Indicators:

• Fleet emissions per kilometre (kgCO2e/km)
• Percentage of EV vehicles in fleet
• Employee sustainable commuting rate (%)
• Air miles travelled annually

8. Implementation Guidance

 8.1. Recommended Rollout Sequence

To effectively implement these sustainability policies, Crystal Doors has proposed
the following sequence:

1. 2023:

• Focus on data collection, audits, and reporting procedures.
• Implement sub-metering, EV chargers, and solar procurement.
• Ensure FSC timber compliance and enhance recycling systems.
• Integrate sustainability into supplier assessments.
• Conduct an employee transportation survey.

2. 2024:

• Implement efficiency projects.
• Expand renewables and transition to biofuels.
• Initiate circular design and lifecycle analysis.

3. 2025:

• Achieve ambitious targets: 50% emissions reduction, 100% renewable electricity, 50% EV fleet, 100% FSC timber.

8.2. Rollout Summary

➡ Year 1: Focus on data collection, reporting procedures, audits, and target setting
➡ Year 2: Implement reduction initiatives around waste, energy, fleet emissions
➡ Year 3: Engage suppliers, expand renewables, circular design projects
➡ Year 4: Enhance recycled content use, sustainable purchasing, and product innovations
➡ Year 5: Achieve ambitious stretch targets; re-evaluate for the next phase

8.3. Potential Barriers

• Funding constraints for major capital projects
• Supplier engagement and coordination
• Factory culture changes take time

8.4. Strategy for Overcoming Challenges

• Pursue financing options for key initiatives
• Identify suppliers progressing on their sustainability journey
• Continuous training, communication, and commitment from Crystal Doors
• Provide supplier training or mentorship on sustainability

8.2. Annual Review

• These policies should be reviewed each year and updated to reflect
achievements, new best practices, technologies, stakeholder feedback, and
evolving sustainability priorities for Crystal Doors

Key Performance Indicators:

• 2023: ISO 14001 certification, EV chargers and vehicles, solar procurement, FSC timber compliance
• 2023: Complete supply chain mapping exercise, Install biomass heating system metering
• 2025: 500kW total solar capacity, 50% EV fleet adoption, 100% renewable electricity
• 2027: 25% supply chain emissions reduction, 75% sustainable procurement spend
• 2030: Net zero operations, 50% lower supply chain emission intensity

9. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

  • B Corp - Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental responsibility
  • Carbon Footprint - total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by a person, organisation, event, or product, typically expressed as a carbon dioxide equivalent
  • CDP - Carbon Disclosure Project, a global disclosure platform for environmental reporting
  • Circular Economy - an economic system aimed at eliminating waste through the continual use of resources. Reduces resource inputs, repurposes waste, and recycles at the end of life
  • CoC - Chain of custody, a tracking system to ensure the sustainability of materials and products
  • CO2e - Carbon dioxide equivalent, a standard unit for measuring carbon footprints
  • Embodied Carbon - total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a product or material, including resource extraction, manufacturing, transport, and disposal
  • EMS - Energy management system, used to monitor, measure, and control energy consumption
  • FSC - Forest Stewardship Council, provides certification of sustainable forest products
  • GHG - Greenhouse gas emissions, released into the atmosphere and responsible for climate change
  • GRI - Global Reporting Initiative provides sustainability reporting standards and guidance
  • HVAC - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
  • ISO - International Organisation for Standardisation provides management system standards
  • KPI - Key performance indicator used to track progress on goals
  • kW - Kilowatt, a unit of power equal to 1,000 Watts
  • kWh - Kilowatt-hour, a unit of energy consumption
  • LED - Light emitting diode, an energy-efficient lighting technology
  • MPG - Miles per gallon, a measure of vehicle fuel efficiency
  • MT - Metric tonne, a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kg
  • Net Zero - achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere, through reduction measures and offsets
  • PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
  • PPA - Power purchase agreement, a contract to purchase renewable electricity
  • PV - Photovoltaic, relating to solar panel electricity generation
  • SASB - Sustainability Accounting Standards Board provides reporting standard
  • Scope 1 Emissions - direct greenhouse gas emissions from owned or controlled sources like vehicles and equipment
  • Scope 2 Emissions - indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy generation
  • Scope 3 Emissions - other indirect greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain including materials, transportation, waste disposal etc.
  • SME - Small-to-medium enterprise, typically businesses with <500 employees
  • TCFD - Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

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