Bellway’s sustainability steps

September 29, 2023

The national housebuilder Bellway has taken a further step towards greater sustainability as part of its Better with Bellway commitment to responsible practices.

The Better with Bellway Strategy is made up of 8 key principles, with a sustainable supply chain being one of them. In line with this priority, Bellway is a partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and is looking for all its supply chain to become members of the SCSS and have set an initial target of 75 per cent of its top 100 suppliers to reach Gold Membership level of which they are making good progress.

Stelrad, which supplies Bellway with radiators for its new-build homes, is the latest supplier to achieve this prestigious standard. Stelrad joined the school in 2016, completing an assessment which resulted in a customised plan of action, with ten suggested learning resources to help address gaps in its knowledge. The company achieved silver status in 2022 and was awarded gold status in July this year, demonstrating its engagement and commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability.

Its membership of the school has helped Stelrad to develop products and processes that align with its strategic goals – including products that optimise heating performance and are fully compatible with low carbon, low temperature heating sources.

Tony Atkin, Bellway Group Production Managing Director, said: “We launched our Better with Bellway sustainability strategy to try to improve every aspect of the business, with a focus on putting people and the planet first. One key tenet of this strategy, which I am responsible for implementing across the company, is to aim to source all of our products and services in an ethical, sustainable and socially conscious manner.

“To this end, we seek to work with suppliers which not only operate in a sustainable way but, like us, are actively seeking to learn more about how they can improve their business to become even more environmentally friendly. Stelrad is a supply partner of ours and their ongoing commitment to improving sustainability and carbon reduction aligns perfectly with our Better with Bellway strategy.

“We are delighted that Stelrad has attained this coveted gold level with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on this notable achievement.”

Launched in 2012, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is part-funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and provides a free learning environment to upskill those working within, or seeking to be employed in, the building industry.

The school provides workshops, seminars, and various learning materials to improve and share best practice on sustainable and environmental issues.

Andy Dent, who heads up Stelrad’s sustainability strategy, said: “This award is excellent news for us here at Stelrad and is recognition of the increasing engagement and focus we place on sustainability matters.

“A focus on sustainability is seen by many of our current and potential customers as essential to any relationship with them. Our engagement with the school helps us demonstrate what we can offer them and its value is illustrated by Bellway making this a requirement of remaining as an approved supplier for their homes.”

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