At ETC, we understand that small, consistent changes can add up to make a big difference. It’s all about the little things, and while we’re far from perfect, we’re always looking for ways to improve – whether it’s in our operations or our products. Our environmental policy outlines our approach to sustainability. We embrace the phrase, "ETC is committed to preserving the earth's natural environment and contributing to sustainable practices around the world," and work to minimize waste and maximize efficiency in our operations. We’re taking steps to reduce our environmental impact at every level – from product design and manufacturing to resource management in our offices. Here’s an overview of our efforts.
Durability has always been a cornerstone of our product philosophy, naturally supporting sustainability efforts. We design products that are built to last. For example, our full ETC LED fixtures come with a 5-year warranty, while the LED array is covered for 10 years. In fact, the majority of our products are covered by a minimum 5-year warranty. We also provide support and repair services to help customers maintain their products for the long haul, reducing the need for premature replacements and minimizing environmental impact.
When it comes to manufacturing and shipping, we aim to streamline processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Some employees take advantage of flexible working arrangements, reducing unnecessary travel. We also encourage the use of public transport and cycling to work where feasible. We promote the use of reusable cups in our offices to cut down on single-use plastics. We’ve made several changes to reduce paper usage, like adding QR codes to product inserts, allowing customers to access manuals digitally instead of using printed materials. And, as part of our ongoing digital transition, Penko has moved to fully digital invoicing, eliminating the need for paper invoices.
While these efforts might seem small on their own, when combined, they help us take meaningful steps toward reducing our environmental impact. But one significant change we’re especially proud of is our new London office.
The building has earned a BREEAM Outstanding rating, placing it in the top 1% of non-domestic buildings in the UK for environmental performance. It features eco-friendly elements, including rooftop solar panels that generate 180 kW of electricity, along with on-site battery storage to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and secure bicycle parking are available for employees and visitors.
The office includes a rainwater harvesting system, an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, and water-saving features such as self-closing taps.
A large green wall (1,550 square feet) enhances the building’s aesthetics while supporting local wildlife and improving air quality. To further promote local biodiversity, bird nest boxes, bat boxes, beehives, and 'bug hotels' have been installed to encourage pollination and provide shelter across the site.
Additionally, the office benefits from energy-saving lighting systems managed through ETC’s own control technology, with daylight harvesting sensors optimizing natural light usage and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Overall, the London office stands as a meaningful example of how we are integrating sustainability into our operations.
As we continue to make strides in sustainability, we remain committed to finding new ways to improve our operations, products, and services.
If you have any questions about our practices, feel free to contact our team at ETCEnvironmental@etcconnect.com.
You can also check out our Environmental Policy here: etcconnect.com/About/Environmental-Policy.aspx.