Our business is energy-intensive with the majority of the power needed for the crushing, screening, grinding and classifying the limestone. 

We are continually looking at ways to manage and reduce our energy usage.  Energy efficiency and evolving business practices both have their part to play, and we pride ourselves on adopting best available technology where viable. However, we will continue to be a large energy user, so it has become clear that our long-term future depends on us generating our own energy.

Investment in renewable energy forms an integral part of our sustainability goals and will give the company more control over our electricity costs, as well as helping to secure the future of the business and its 190  employees.

In 2016 we installed two 2.3-megawatt wind turbines at our Ryder Point Quarry.

Currently the power these generate is channelled into the National Grid, but the turbines have the potential to supply us with up to 85% of the electricity that we need.  In working with our local electricity infrastructure provider, we are seeking to channel this into our processing operations.

Since 2015 our head office in Longcliffe has been powered by solar panels installed on the roof of the office building.  We encourage our employees to consider non-fossil fuel powered vehicles and have plans to instal electricity charging points in the car park.

We are continually investigating and assessing other renewable energy sources for the whole business.