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Swift’s Environmental Policy

Introduction

Photograph of Forest

Ten years ago Swift was hailed as being at the forefront of recycling when it featured in a local government video on the subject.

Today, recycling waste and reducing carbon emissions remain a fundamental part of the Swift ethos and many initiatives are underway to achieve that wherever possible.

One ongoing initiative, which involves Swift working closely with local authorities and planners, is to change the road and entrance to its site so that traffic comes via a new road from the main A1079 Beverley by-pass rather than through Cottingham’s residential areas.

The scheme, which should substantially improve the environment for local residents, is part of Swift’s long-term strategy to rationalise its operations and enable suppliers to work alongside its manufacturing facilities, as well as helping secure employment for the future.

How Swift is helping to reduce waste and energy consumption throughout the business

Photograph of Swift Factory

Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • All waste paper and cardboard is recycled throughout the business, from the offices through to production in the factory.
  • All timber waste, including sawdust, is recycled and used to produce MDF.
  • All timber used now comes from sustainable sources so that for each tree felled, another is planted.
  • Windows are delivered in specially-made crates which are then returned to the supplier to be refilled and used time and again.
  • All waste is segregated into separate streams, of which a significant proportion is recycled either by suppliers or recycling agencies.
  • The vast majority of suppliers now use returnable packaging when sending components to Swift to minimise the amount of waste going to landfill sites.

Fuel Efficiency

  • Reducing the weight of the group’s touring caravans and motorhomes is a key element in the design process to make them as light as possible, not only to be more fuel-efficient but also to cut carbon emissions that pollute the environment.

Energy Efficiency

  • Swift holiday homes are designed to be as energy efficient as possible.
  • Swift employs an ongoing energy conservation programme in the factory, which resulted in a 15% reduction in the amount of electricity used in 2006 compared to 2005.

Why the Swift Group is helping the environment

“Recycling waste and reducing carbon emissions associated with the production and use of Swift’s touring caravans and motorhomes is a key part of our future strategy and has been for many years,” says Swift Chairman Peter Smith.

“We ensure that environmentally-friendly methods of production are adopted, wherever possible, to minimise the impact on the environment and expect our suppliers to take the same approach.

“A well-preserved environment where people can continue to take their caravans and motorhomes and enjoy the experience of outdoor living, is imperative to the survival of our industry.

“That’s why we must do all we can now, to ensure that both the industry and the environment thrive for future generations.”