Sustainable in all our operations

Selection of the most sustainable materials and production in the most sustainable fashion is at the heart of Terrapin’s operations

Selection of materials

Wherever possible we ensure selection of sustainable materials from responsible supply partners. Given a choice between two products we place value on those which contain the least virgin materials and have consumed the least energy in production. Manufacture of materials and construction of a building can generate a substantial proportion of the building’s lifetime CO2 emissions. By selecting the most sustainable materials, and by being responsible in our own operations, we recognise that we can make a significant contribution to meeting Government targets for reducing CO2 emissions.

Modular components

In the scale and detail of the projects we work on we are able to make best use of repeatable building components, whether in frames or panels or even complete rooms. We are ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management accredited and we have implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) which is being used to drive continual environmental improvements. This means greater efficiency in receiving and storing materials, less damage in handling, and less waste off-cuts.

Minimum waste

In the waste we do produce we ensure the maximum possible amount of material is sent for recycling. Historically, we have recycled all timber and metal waste and we have recently increased our total recycling capacity for gypsum based products, such as plasterboard, from 15% to 60% of total waste produced. Terrapin is also a member of the Eastex Materials Exchange scheme for the East of England, collaborating with other local manufacturers to pass on or exchange surplus materials to help reduce the amount of waste entering landfill sites. Eastex is based on the principle that one company’s waste is another’s raw material; in addition to the environmental benefits it’s also delivering real financial savings for Terrapin.

The ultimate in recycling

Most of the elements in the buildings we hire out on a short to medium term basis are good for many years’ service beyond the first hire. So, at the end of a hire we carefully dismantle the building and refurbish the elements to ‘as new’ condition and re-use on similar projects. This reduces waste and costs - with all-round benefits.

Environmental Policy Statement

» Download our Environmental Policy Statement (EMS0013) HERE