Furniture business installs low carbon heating & improves insulation

Pietersen Fine Furniture is a Thame business specialising in the manufacture and installation of bespoke furniture and fitted interiors.

Determined to reduce waste and trim costs while maintaining their high standards, they turned to Energy Solutions Oxfordshire (ESOx) for a comprehensive energy efficiency assessment. Understanding the importance of sustainability in their industry, Pietersen Fine Furniture took the opportunity to optimise their energy usage and contribute to a greener future.

Their main building is a 1960s industrial unit, which is mostly made up of workshop space, with a small office, toilet block, and kitchenette.

Reduce

As expected, their operations include numerous woodworking machines alongside an air extraction system designed to eliminate sawdust from the air. They received guidance to implement measures ensuring all equipment is powered off when idle, with automated controls put in place. Additionally, they were encouraged to monitor energy consumption meticulously, pinpointing instances of waste such as during evenings or weekends.

Low carbon heating

The premises originally relied on a gas heating system, resulting in high carbon emissions. To address this issue, they opted to install a biomass boiler, enabling them to repurpose waste wood from the workshop effectively. This transition not only utilised workshop by-products but also improved the efficiency of the heating system, eliminating dependence on fossil fuels.

Insulate

A typical feature in manufacturing premises is the presence of large loading bay doors, frequently opening and closing, resulting in heat loss. Their steel loading bay doors lacked insulation, allowing heat to escape even when closed. To address this issue, they received advice to upgrade to modern, insulated doors, effectively reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

The results: a warmer, more efficient workspace.

Save energy with solar

Manufacturing businesses with large roofs and significant daytime energy usage are ideal candidates to host a solar PV array to generate clean energy right on site. Low Carbon Hub works with businesses across Oxfordshire to install community-owned solar PV panels. Hosts benefit from cleaner, cheaper electricity, all at no cost to them.

Low Carbon Hub also puts all its profits into funding further carbon cutting activity and supporting our local communities. It’s a win-win all round.