Sustainability

At GBS we take environmental issues very seriously, we recognise we have a responsibility to do all we can to minimise any harmful effects arising from our activities. We aim to balance our business with environmental considerations and by doing so contribute to sustainable development.

Timber

All the timber used by GBS is either FSC or PEFC certified and is purchased from suppliers who source timber from around the world.

FSC ( Forest Stewardship Council ) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
 

The PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, founded in 1999 which promotes sustainable managed forests through independent third party certification. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forest.

In recognition of the fact we use and rely on one of the world’s most important resources for our business, we have joined the “Trees for Life ” scheme.

Trees for Life is an award-winning charity working to help restore the Caledonian Forest, which formerly covered a large part of the Scottish Highlands. Just 1% of the original forest survives today. Since 1989 they have been helping to bring this forest back from the brink, both through natural regeneration and by planting trees. The long term vision is to restore the forest and all its constituent species, to a 600 square mile area west of Inverness. We now have our own grove where trees are planted both on our behalf and also for our customers.                                   

Take look at the video clips which will explain in detail the projects

To access the GBS Joinery dedicated grove site click the logo below

Waste

In 2008 GBS installed a wood burning furnace to heat our premises. We now recycle all our off cuts from production, which helps to heat our work space and in turn reduces the amount of waste disposal to land fill. Prior to this our site was heated using a combination of a very old and inefficient oil fired boiler and a gas space heater both of which are now redundant.
We are very pleased and satisfied that our investment is going some way to protecting the world’s resources.

All other waste is removed by a registered carrier and is sorted and recycled in the best way possible.

Solvents

In 2006 GBS took the decision to minimise the use of solvent based products such as preservatives and paint. Now all our preservatives and paint products are waterborne reducing emissions and any potential damage to the environment.

 We are proud of our environmental commitment our policies, our objectives and our efforts to minimise our impact on the environment and to contribute towards sustainable development.