Universal AV implements new sustainability practices

Universal AV implements new sustainability practices
Integrator, Universal AV, has announced progress in its efforts to minimise the company’s environmental impacts in a push towards greater sustainability.

The company received ISO14001 certification in 2015, with a focus on efficient energy usage in its latest office space (opened in 2020), powered by electricity throughout.

This included the installation of LED light fittings throughout, as well as occupancy sensors which trigger lights to power down when nobody is present, minimising power usage throughout the facility.

Shelley Townend, marketing manager, Universal AV, commented: “The roof of this new premises is vast and gave us the perfect opportunity to harness solar power. To become self-sufficient, the renewable energy consultant calculated that we needed 280 solar panels, which we have installed and use to power the entire building. We also have battery storage, and any unused surplus is sold back to the National Grid. So far, we have saved over 1750kg of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of planting over 100 trees!”

“We now have two baling machines enabling us to better manage the recycling of packing material including cardboard, polystyrene, and plastic. In order to be carbon neutral, the collection company only takes twenty-four bales at a time, usually twice a year, so the baled material takes up a lot of warehouse space while we wait for it to be collected. Whilst this can be challenging, over the two collections, 21,772 kilos of material are recycled, none of which reaches landfill, so we are incredibly proud of this process.”

Universal AV also works with clients to ensure that AV equipment is disposed of sustainably, offering equipment to charitable organisations or repurposing equipment respectively. The company holds a carrier licence and disposes of products at the end of their lifespan through a local WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) registered company.

In addition, 91% of Universal AV’s employees live and work at clients’ sites locally, actively seeking local clients to avoid wasting fuel and resources or causing unnecessary pollution. Universal AV even invites manufacturers and suppliers to exhibit products at local venues to encourage sustainability at events.

Several charging points have also been installed at the company’s premises, in anticipation of a move to a fleet of entirely electric vehicles by 2030.

Townend adds: “When someone asks if Universal AV are sustainable, we can confidently reply – yes, we are! Improving our environmental impact is rooted deeply in our company ethos and will continue to be going forward, as we make further advancements to our practices in this space.”








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