The Michelmersh Groups’ dedication to decarbonisation is well known throughout the construction industry, with recent highlights being its reduction in plastic use, rainwater recovery and its pioneering, fuel-switching feasibility study. As documented in its 2021 Sustainability Report, one of the Group’s ESG KPI targets is to replace its fleet of forklift trucks with electric models by 2030. This component of its sustainability roadmap has been accelerated at Michelmersh’s site in Romsey, with the recent introduction of 7 electric forklifts to ensure the facility’s emissions diminish even further.
As with all new technologies integrated into the manufacturing process, additional training on the care of electric forklifts is provided to staff to ensure the safe, and cost-effective operation of these important machines. The care and maintenance of the new fleet will ensure that the electric forklifts will operate more efficiently, with extra attention given to preserving battery life and correctly charging them. This will help to improve the productivity of the machinery by reducing downtime, reducing overall wear and tear on the batteries and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
The introduction of electric vehicles comes hot on the heels of our recent off-site renewable energy procurement, reduction of printed media, and packaging usage and continued improvement of Group processes and production efficiencies. Such changes are core elements of the Group’s wider strategy to ensure that clay brick remains at the forefront of sustainable architecture. The inherent durability of clay brick is vital for creating buildings that will last for centuries longer than alternative cladding materials. Clay brick’s energy efficiency and high thermal mass help lead to energy savings throughout the life of the building and its non-toxic qualities mean it has a positive effect on air quality.
The Michelmersh brand plays a key part in the UK’s architectural vernacular with its range of traditional Hampshire Stock facing bricks and British standard special shaped products receiving constant industry attention. Its considered and careful approach to producing clay bricks speaks of its premium appeal and is, therefore, a prime candidate for focusing on achieving wider environmental Group initiatives. The Hampshire Stock range from Michelmersh is made from some of the highest quality clay in the South of England, sourced from within a stone’s throw of the skilled craftspeople on-site, dedicated to producing premium quality products. Michelmersh is a responsible corporate citizen employing dozens of dedicated local staff who help to create a truly unique range of products which are widely seen on some of the most established housing stock in the country, as well as architecturally acclaimed educational facilities, and high-specification office buildings. Michelmersh’s consistency for high-quality output allows architects and developers to rest assured in knowing that the products they order from Michelmersh will be of an award-winning standard with impeccable attention to detail.
Fewer and fewer brick factories in the UK enjoy the generational experience that Michelmersh does in producing its range of clay bricks. With an ever-increasing demand for bespoke architecture, coupled with a spotlight on sustainable production methods within the brick industry, it is imperative that environmental efforts on display at the Romsey site contribute to wider Michelmersh Group efforts to remain at the forefront of sustainability.
