As the UK strives towards the net-zero deadline of 2050, sustainable product offerings are no longer a nice to have, but rather a strategic imperative. Lara Coutinho discusses.
At just past the halfway point to the UK’s net-zero deadline, efforts to reduce the built environment’s sustainability impact are intensifying, with architectural hardware not exempt from increasing scrutiny.
Partners are digging deeper and demanding to see the evidence of ethical practices in those they align with. Ultimately, transparency builds trust and can help create a competitive edge in an increasingly under-the-microscope built environment.
Suppliers and manufacturers who explain how their products impact sustainability and engage proactively in this conversation, whether through EPDs, certifications or testing, will see benefits in the long run. They will become the first choice for buyers who are either keen, or required, to source sustainable product solutions.
With so much call for change within the construction industry, and with the UK Government being warned about the required pace of change, we are likely to see regulations evolve and adapt to support better practices.
“Manufacturers who explain how their products impact sustainability
– whether through EPDs, certifications or testing – will become the first choice for buyers keen to source sustainable solutions.”
Architectural hardware manufacturers choosing to partner with suppliers that offer a sustainability conscious approach built on knowledge, interest and innovation today will be the best positioned to meet regulations as they continue to change.
As part of global manufacturing leader Quanex, Zoo Hardware is helping to shape progress towards the group’s wider 2030 Sustainability Roadmap.
The plan outlines proactive measures aimed at minimising environmental impact, while supporting UK customers with innovative products and sustainability services.
We are committed to doing all we can to be a key component in our customers’ sustainability focused supply chain.
The construction industry and the architectural ironmongery supply chain are witnessing huge change. With this, in order to evolve and thrive, those in the architectural ironmongery space need to embed environmental responsibility across all facets of their businesses, including supply chain choices.
Focusing on creating a sustainable supply chain opens the door to innovation, facilitates alignment with regulations ahead of time, and helps meet growing customer demand for genuine and transparent sustainable solutions.
Lara Coutinho is supply chain sustainability manager for Quanex group, which now includes Zoo Hardware.
