Our environmental performance
VOC compliance
Dulux Trade Ireland was influential in lobbying for the introduction of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) regulations in Europe and all our paints meet the requirements of the EU directive 2004/42/EC. We met 2007 requirements in 2006 and we plan to meet the 2010 standards well before the deadline. ICI Paints also promotes the use of waterbased substitutes, offering alternatives in all major finishes.
Reduction in CO2 and greenhouse gases
Between 2000 and 2005 we achieved the following environmental improvements:
- Energy use down by 13%
- Greenhouse gases down by 18%
- Water use down by 17%
- Hazardous substances to the air down by 63%
- Ozone generators down by 67%
- Ozone depletors down by 25%
Innovative formulations reduce environmental impact
Our specially formulated paint, Pyroshield, is a breakthrough in flame retardant technology for both its proven performance in slowing the spread of flames plus its health and safety and environmental advantages. Unlike many competitive products, it contains no harmful antimony oxide or brominated compounds. It has the added advantage of being water-based.
Biodiesel
Dulux Trade Ireland has been using biodiesel in some of our delivery lorries for over 12 months. Currently 25% of our fleet mileage utilises a biodiesel fuel mixture. The primary feedstock for this biodiesel is oilseed rape, sourced, where possible, from UK farmers. Our supplier quantifies the CO2 emissions saved by using biodiesel and this is independently assessed by the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management.
Our company vehicles
Over the past 5 years we have been aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and miles per gallon consumption by careful selection of the cars we use. Since the year 2000 we have reduced the average fuel consumption per vehicle by 33%. We are currently carrying out a project entitled 'Green Fleet Review' with the Energy Savings Trust.
This is considering:
- Our fleet's carbon footprint
- Fuel economy
- Driver education
- Reducing mileage
- Health and safety, and Duty of Care issues
Our ambition
It is our ambition to reduce the whole-life ecological footprint of the decorating process and to contribute to more sustainable home, work and leisure environments, as well as minimise the environmental impacts of our own operations. 'Step Towards Greener' explains our approach. It recognises that there are no instant fixes but acknowledges that progress will be made by making many step-wise improvements to reach our sustainability goals.
The way we achieve this is also important and we are committed to step towards greener with openness and honesty. Our hope is that the following pages will demonstrate these commitments.
Download our policy report
For further information download "Sustainability in Action 2010 - How we are delivering on our vision" (PDF, 2.37MB)
