Tile manufacturer Sandtoft has announced that its recycled slate plant at Heckmondwike will achieve carbon-neutral status in September, the first of its four factories to do so.

This has been achieved by switching 100% “green” electricity at an annual cost of £50,000 but which cuts carbon emissions 25%. The factory’s forklift fleet has been switched to 100% biodiesel, an electric water heating system is replacing a diesel boiler and ambient heating has been switched from gas-oil to electric infra-red.

The company says it produces very little landfill waste and its products incorporate 80% UK slate waste, compared to its competitors’ products which involve lengthy carbon-rich journeys from abroad.

 http://www.sandtoft.co.uk/