Umicore Coatings Services Ltd (UCS), a leading global manufacturer and supplier of infrared precision optical filters and coatings, has announced its ‘state of the art’ manufacturing facility in Dundee is now entirely run on renewable energy.
The company has received Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates from its energy provider to prove its equipment and facilities are powered entirely by sustainable energy. A REGO accreditation demonstrates that electricity has been generated from renewable sources. Energy generators are given one REGO for each MW/hr of electricity they produce, and they are administered by the Energy Industry Regulator Ofgem.
The move forms part of UCS’ plan to improve on-site energy efficiency alongside the wider Umicore Group’s ‘Let's Go For Zero’ sustainability commitment, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Umicore's managing director Mark Naples (pictured) said: “The supply contract award came into force on 1 April, with Umicore Coatings Services now powered completely by 100% renewable energy. We have endeavoured to be highly proactive in this space and have now safeguarded clean, green and cost-effective energy, which will power everything we do at UCS.
"Environmental challenges continue to move higher up the political and public agenda, and we now represent a lasting solution and sustainable option for our customers. This shift away from fossil fuels will make a big difference.
“Change is never without challenges, and we continue to explore ways to reduce our overall carbon footprint. It is our responsibility to do everything we can to have a positive and transformative impact. Umicore has set out a clear pathway to ‘net zero’, but our employees and customers continue to ask questions of us and going above and beyond was the right thing to do.”
The move will enable UCS to report zero-carbon emissions for the energy it uses to power its machinery and facilities. Ofgem administers the REGO scheme for generation in Great Britain on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Northern Irish Utility Regulator (UR).