This is a guest article by Archwood Group.
Archwood Group is the North Wales-based, Kings Award winning, leading manufacturer of timber products, comprising two trading brands: Richard Burbidge, a manufacturer and supplier of stair parts, decking accessories and decorative mouldings, and Atkinson & Kirby, which supplies premium hardwood flooring.
Established in 1867, Archwood Group has a longstanding commitment to responsible timber production. Embracing transparency, it was one of the founding members of the WWF 95 Group, which played a leading role in the establishment of the Forest Stewardship Council, and it has held FSC Chain of Custody certification for over 25 years (FSC®C023478), underscoring its dedication to ethical forestry practices.
Under the guidance of Managing Director Josh Burbidge, Archwood Group become one of 252 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for its excellence in Sustainable Development 2024.
High environmental values
In alignment with its environmental values, Archwood Group joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign, aimed at halving global emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by no later than 2050. To help further its sustainability goals and verify its carbon footprint, Archwood Group also partnered with Planet Mark, to assess and mitigate its carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier, fairer zero-carbon world.
Since then, Archwood Group has implemented several on-site energy generation sources. At its North Wales facility, the installation of 2,600 solar panels aims to curtail carbon emissions and facilitate the transition to 100% renewable energy. These panels now contribute 40% of the factory’s energy needs, resulting in an annual reduction of 175 tonnes of CO2e. This initiative represents Archwood Group’s second renewable energy source, following the installation of a biomass boiler as part of a non-domestic renewable heating incentive scheme.
As a result, the company has achieved a commendable 73% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions, primarily through targeted efforts to decrease energy consumption and emissions at the operational level. Key initiatives include the installation of a 1MW Solar PV system, transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources, upgrading to electric forklift trucks, and optimising site layout, extraction processes, and machine efficiency.
In addition to these operational changes, 98% of the timber used is certified, with the business on track to reach 100% certified timber by 2027. Proudly, 100% of wood waste is recycled and repurposed for use in animal bedding, cat litter, and site heating.
Achieving Net Zero objectives
Acknowledging that its global supply chain contributes to carbon emissions, Archwood Group has carefully evaluated its Scope 3 emissions. The company is actively working with suppliers to share sustainability goals and reduction targets, fostering collaboration towards achieving Net Zero objectives. Through ongoing discussions and policy initiatives, Archwood Group highlights the essential role of supplier partnerships in reaching sustainability goals.
Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group reflects on the award: “We are proud that our commitment to sustainability has been recognised through the prestigious Kings award. This accolade stands as a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment of our entire business and such recognition will help us fuel further change. We want to continue to do our part in having a positive impact on the planet and society. Each and every one of us plays an important role in our sustainability journey, and we’re encouraging colleagues, customers and suppliers to get involved in any way they can.”