A: Our senior management sets clearly defined environmental objectives and targets to continuously improve our environmental performance. We set high standards of responsibility and integrity to uphold business and shareholder reputation, health and safety standards; ethical trading policy; regulatory and environmental standards to underpin business values and growth targets.

We aim to cut gas, electric and fuel oils and train staff to switch off equipment when not in use. We encourage conference calls instead of travelling to meetings. Thermostats are turned down to the minimum. Williams has invested in roof top solar power which equates to 25% less use of electricity a year.

We always purchase the most environmentally friendly option, whether that be chemicals in production or locally sourced parts. Our products are energy rated as per the Minimum Energy Performance Standard. Regular meetings are held with senior management to review the progress made with the targets set.

A: Williams identify and monitor key areas of high energy and fuel use, from our plant machinery to our processes, and introduce initiatives based on industry best practice to minimise consumption. Our commitment to the environment is endorsed by achieving ISO 14001 accreditation, which measures all environmental impacts within the organisation. We are a Zero to Landfill operation and have an equal focus on waste management. We are committed to Climate Change, BREEAM and ETL (Energy Technology List) where we are recognised for our eco- processes.

A: Williams Refrigeration actively participate in the writing of Standards relating to energy efficiency; we are members of the BSI (British Standards Institution) and are also active members on the CEN (European Committee of Standardisation). In conjunction with other experts we have most recently helped to develop and write the following energy efficiency and performance Standards:

BS EN 16825: 2016: Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters for Professional Use - Classifications, Requirements and Test Conditions.
BS EN ISO 23953-2:2015: Refrigerated Display Cabinets Part 2, Classifications, Requirements and Test Conditions.
BS EN 16902:2016: Commercial Beverage Coolers.
BS EN 17032: Blast Chillers and Freezers, Cabinets for Professional Use.
BS EN 16855-1:2017: Walk-In Cold Rooms - definition, thermal insulation performance and test methods.

A: We employ best available technology and work alongside component suppliers to optimise our products to achieve the most efficient results.

A: A Contractor Questionnaire is issued to all suppliers and sub-contractors, a large section of which focuses on environmental management. If we deem this to have been completed to our satisfaction a Code of Practice is then strictly followed.

A: The use of electricity for equipment, machinery, lighting, ventilation and air conditioning etc. The use of refrigerant gases and ancillary raw materials (e.g. aerosols, sealants, adhesives, paint, lubricants, Iso Cyanate). Others include chemical waste storage and the creation and storage of metal waste for recycling. Williams is continuously active at looking into each measure to further develop and improve sustainable processes.

A: We set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) measures for each target and then monitor as appropriate. We produce clear and precise explanations on how we met or didn’t meet our targets, which are reviewed on a regular basis.

Further action plans include: Reduce Electricity & Gas usage year-on-year, generate 25% of our electricity from solar power, continue to use and promote natural refrigerants, maintain 99% product recycling, maintain 100% company recycling and reclaim, reduce carbon footprint by year-on-year, maintain our Low Risk emissions and zero to landfill statuses.

A: Williams are Members of REPIC (Producer Compliance Scheme). We record tonnage of EEE (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT) placed on the market. Our product labels carry the crossed out wheelie bin symbol with the producer identification and date mark - Our WEEE registration number printed on customer invoices is: AFE Group Ltd – WEE/DC0059TT/PRO.

WEEE is removed by authorised waste carriers; documentation of the tonnage, description, recycled and disposed is provided by certified waste handler AATF and retained by the Williams Production Management department.