Roofing Manufacturer Rolls Out EV Trial

COMMITTED TO reducing its carbon footprint, pitched roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles, is currently trialling electric forklift trucks (EFL) at its three plants.

With electric vehicles enjoying huge growth generally they are still not utilised fully in the commercial and manufacturing sector.

As well as being a better environmental option, especially with Russell Roof Tiles  generating its own electricity, EFLs don’t emit any exhaust fumes, which can have a huge impact on reducing local air pollution.

EV Trial

Three years ago, Russell Roof Tiles installed its own Combined Heat and Power (CHP), as a more sustainable option than using power from the national grid. Generating electricity when needed, a CHP unit uses excess heat for heating and hot water.  Russell Roof Tiles has seen a 67 percent reduction in electricity demand from the grid, all of which has been replaced by its own renewable energy.

Bruce Laidlaw, Operations Director who leads on manufacturing at the firm’s sites in the Midlands and Scotland comments: “We are dedicated to reducing the impact we make on our environment, both in terms of manufacturing and transportation.

“We’re currently trialling EFLs from leading manufacurers across all the sites, for a period of time. They will be tested rigouressly by the team.  As well as being a low carbon option it’s essential that the vehicles are fast, efficient and easy to handle.”

Daniel Hancox, Business Support Manager is currently heading the firm’s task force to look at a number of new sustainable initiatives.

Russell Roof Tiles provides roofing solutions for UK house builders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects, where sustainability and eco-credentials are of the utmost priority.