Sustainability
Back in 2014 in a small commercial unit in Wandsworth, DRK Lighting Remedies was born. With only a handful of clients and limited resources, our small lighting company had managed to navigate through the sustainable lighting industry, outperforming those around us at the time.
From when we started, our venture into sustainable lighting solutions has been both exciting and fulfilling. We welcomed electric vehicles into our fold and kicked off a car-sharing program, making our daily commutes a bit greener. Swapping out paper for digital mediums wasn’t just a smart business move but a kinder choice for the forests. Our newfound love for recycling, particularly aluminium recycling, didn’t just help us manage waste but also made us a friendlier neighbour to our planet.
We merged staff well-being with sustainability. We initiated staff pensions, aided by a private Financial Advisor, and introduced mental health support programs. Our office adopted recycled materials and energy-efficient LED lighting, reflecting our eco-conscious ethos. High staff retention and internal promotion opportunities echo the harmonious, green culture we're nurturing, making our workspace a beacon of positivity and sustainable practices.
We moved to a larger premises and doubled our staff to keep up our astounding reliability. Our day one clients have remained with us but now we are dealing with most of the biggest electrical contractors in the country.
We launched remanufacturing kits for customers to extend their lighting fixtures' lifespan. This initiative promotes in situ lighting remanufacture, allowing customers to refurbish lighting right on their premises. We have also incentivised choosing us for both Cat A and B fit-outs. At a reduced cost, we will supply both and take away the discarded Cat A products. This effort highlights our commitment to reducing waste and encouraging a circular economy, embodying a significant stride towards a more resource-efficient and sustainable lighting approach.
We recently unveiled our Chessington facility, setting a new standard in our sustainability journey. This facility is fully powered by roof-installed solar panels, marking our shift towards clean energy. With Greta Smetoniute as our Head of Sustainability, we are now rigorously testing our products' lifecycles and working towards achieving TM66 and EPD accreditations. Greta's expertise is invaluable in crafting material passports and ensuring our operations align with our eco-conscious ethos, showcasing our proactive approach in merging sustainability with operational excellence. Our engagement with the local community strengthens through initiatives like Don’s Local Action Group Fundraising. We've embraced Premed Go for staff mental health, creating a supportive work atmosphere. Moreover, our partnership with a local college facilitates 16 annual school placements, offering students valuable workplace exposure and support. These endeavours reflect our dedication to community development and nurturing a positive educational environment for the future workforce.
We've earmarked goals for a greener future. Creating reusable packaging and launching Gogo Ro, our fleet of electrified mopeds, are steps towards reducing waste and emissions. We're committed to offsetting our carbon footprint and will engage with suppliers to discuss reducing their emissions. Furthermore, we plan a local clean-up event to foster community engagement and a blood donation event to contribute to societal well-being.
A key project is creating a fitting using reused materials, including our aluminium, moving beyond just recycling. Additionally, we plan to buy land for a 'Staff Sanctuary' where we'll plant trees to help the environment. We also expect our suppliers to cut down their carbon emissions. Achieving TM66, EPD’s, and material passports for all our products will show our commitment to meeting high environmental standards. Keeping up with industry best practices ensures we operate in an eco-friendly manner. Being active in our local community is important to us. We aim to join in on demonstrations and fundraising events for environmental causes, helping raise awareness and funds. Our goal is to lead in low-impact innovation within our industry, pushing not just us but the entire sector towards a more sustainable future. Through these steps, we are eager to contribute significantly to the global goal of net-zero emissions, blending community involvement, industry innovation, and environmental care in our long-term vision.
