Sustainability is at
the heart of Blaze
At Blaze Signs, we are deeply committed to protecting our planet while delivering exceptional signage solutions.
Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from sourcing eco-friendly materials and implementing energy-efficient production processes to promoting recycling and waste reduction. We believe that high-quality signs should not come at the expense of the environment.
Environmental
Waste
Our use of digital technology cuts out waste in development and concepts, and ensures unparalleled accuracy and consistency in production.
Our considered use of materials ensures signs are recyclable and degrade safely when disposed of. We also look carefully into the installation of signage and plastic alternatives wherever possible. Additionally, we ensure chemicals used in the cleaning and maintenance processes will not be damaging to plants or animals.
All waste collected from Blaze is received into the Thanet Waste site and emptied into the main warehouse, with all larger items segregated via specialised machinery. Any residual waste is put onto a conveyor and separated by hand into the relevant ‘bins’, such as plastic, paper or wood. Every single item of waste that comes through this system is sorted and recycled
Energy
We are focused on using less energy across our operations, beginning with how we design, operate, and maintain our equipment and processes.
To closely monitor our usage, an energy dashboard provides us with visibility of our current and historical energy consumption and costs.
Additionally, this year we are partnering with an energy management company, with the aim of reducing our energy use by around 25% across our sites. This includes the installation of a ‘plug and play’ hardware solution, which will allow us to track consumption at building, floor, room and asset level.
Emissions
Calculating our carbon footprint is essential to monitor and reduce our emissions in line with recommendations from international climate advisory groups.
We began by measuring and monitoring our greenhouse gas emissions through legislated processes such as Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS).
Having established our baseline year for Scope 1 & 2 emissions (and Scope 3 business-related car travel) in 2019, we had a benchmark against which we can measure and evaluate the impact of our activities. This includes introducing technology, changing behaviours, and seeking more sustainable travel options.
Social
The Blaze Academy was formed 18 months ago by Gareth Locke, Blaze Signs Operations Director. The focus was on trainees and apprenticeships primarily, but also the tracking of training and skill development within the business.
Blaze started by looking at what had been successful and less successful in the past, as well as the infrastructure required to support both new learners and existing staff in the workplace. Firstly, we changed the offering in the manufacturing area to an engineering apprenticeship, to attract more people and account for a wider range of skills.
We then introduced two entry methods into the business:
a trainee route and an apprenticeship route. As a result, we have made better connections and relationships with apprenticeship providers and enhanced our support infrastructure and apprenticeship action team.
In The Community
We have been an active member of our local communities of East Kent and Birmingham for years.
From fundraisers to cake sales, charity football matches and food bank donations. Our work has been varied and far reaching for many of the causes that vitally need support.
- Children in Need
- Comic Relief
- FareShare Family Food Bank
- ScrapStore
- Litter picking
Charity football match 2024
Months in the making, in support of Pilgrims Hospices, our biggest charity event ever…
Team and family members of the Blaze Signs & Cygnia Maintenance teams came together to put on an evening of football and entertainment during May 2024.
With a GoFundMe set up and donations also taken on the door, in the end, everyone had a good night and more importantly, we raised over £1500 people charity!
Governance
Health & SAfety
Health & Safety is a key focus for us. We introduced a new H&S Coordinator, focusing primarily on improving Health and Safety culture across the group through employee engagement and changing mindsets on the purpose and priority of health and safety.
We also enlisted the help of a third-party partner – Safety and Management Solutions Ltd (SAMS) – to conduct a full audit across sites.
Blaze is fully focused on creating workplaces that unequivocally protect the environment and the health and safety of our employees, our customers, and our supply partners. Due to regulation changes, this is an area that’s constantly evolving, and one we will continue to refine over the next year and beyond.
COMPLIANCE & SECURITY
Compliance and security are an integral part of our business, so we ensure that the services we provide meet essential security regulations and governing frameworks.
Accreditations include:
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
- Construction Line
- Safe Contractor
- SSIP
