Willerby continues to lead the way with second Sustainability Report

Hull-based Willerby’s second annual Sustainability Report details the company’s ongoing journey to a low-carbon future through focused initiatives across its products, people and place.

Willerby CEO Peter Munk said: “We’re committed to continuing our reporting on our sustainability progress.

“Sustainability can be a challenge, especially in the light of the current difficult market conditions.

“However, we believe in doing what is right, and believe that a successful future is also a sustainable future so, although our goals remain the same, our pace has to be different so that we can focus on having a long-term sustainable business model built on firm financial foundations”

The latest report spotlights developments such as Willerby All-E, the manufacturer’s pioneering all-electric holiday home specification; initiatives to reduce the carbon impact of the business; and the development and upskilling of employees.

It highlights Willerby’s significant annual investment in research and development to drive new product designs and environmentally sensitive manufacturing processes, ensuring that sustainability is embedded throughout its operations. 

The commitment to publishing an annual report, first made last year, stems from Willerby’s desire to operate transparently, driven by internal values rather than regulatory or industry pressures. 

Mr Munk added: “We’re constantly looking for the most efficient and sustainable ways to run our business and believe publishing an annual and transparent Sustainability Report holds us accountable in doing so. 

“We want to demonstrate to our customers, partners and suppliers the very wide range of actions we are taking to create realistic, sustainable solutions that pave the way to a lower carbon future.

“We’re proud of the further strides we have made over the past year through our products, people and place in the Humber region. We’re continuing to work with partners and suppliers to further enhance our green credentials and support the wider holiday parks industry’s sustainability drive.”

The report provides an in-depth look at the progress Willerby is making to reduce its carbon footprint and support sustainable development.  

Specific achievements in the report include:

• 94% of total waste in the 2023 financial year reused, recycled or converted to energy.
• The installation of more than 450 solar panels on building roofs, generating almost 200,000KWh of electricity.
• Installing 4,000 LED lights, contributing to a 9.5% decrease in electricity consumption compared to 2022.
• An overall emissions reduction of 10% from 2022 to 2023. 

The report also outlines Willerby’s focus for the future, with initiatives such as investigating the feasibility of additional solar power installations and identifying sites for wind turbines at its headquarters site in Hull.

The report’s three key themes are:

• Product – Showcasing important product innovations that reinforce Willerby’s role as the industry’s leader in energy efficiency and sustainability.
• People – Fostering an environment that supports personal and professional growth, benefitting both employees and the business.
• Place – Contributing to community projects and charities, minimising waste, managing energy use and supporting to the Humber region’s decarbonisation drive. 

The report also highlights the company’s commitment to its people. Almost 50 employees have now participated in the company’s leadership and management development programmes while, in 2023, 96% of all staff attended a training event.

• To read the Sustainability Report, go to click here