As the climate crisis continues to fill our newsfeeds and make headlines, the pull towards a more sustainable existence is undeniable – as it should be if we are to create a secure future for the planet. Leading the way in creating an ethical and sustainable brand is Sussex Taps.
As many companies continue to jump on the sustainable bandwagon, it can be tricky to wade through the rhetoric and the greenwashing. But Sussex Taps continues to talk the talk – and walk the walk. Back in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis in 2007, Sussex opted against offshore manufacturing and has consistently done things in a manner that is uncharacteristic of other brands within the field, all while giving special attention to quality and craftsmanship.
A winner of the NBAA Environment Award in 2015, followed by the Hume City Council Sustainability Award in 2017, Sussex Taps is a brand that is continuously at the forefront when it comes to environmental consciousness, which has seen its reputation grow along with its inner workings.
Driven by a commitment to ‘make it right’ the brand has announced that it is the first tap manufacturer in Australia to be certified as carbon neutral. Achieved in partnership with Climate Active, the certification has been reached by utilising a range of active and passive emissions reduction strategies, including offsetting 1,133 tonnes of carbon emissions via wind farms in India to ensure Sussex has a net-zero carbon footprint. In 2021, the manufacturer hopes to utilise circular economy ideals, by reusing all waste metal materials and recycling 85 per cent of used materials, as well as reducing packaging, landfill, water and electricity usage.
The work conducted by the brand in 2019 led down the path to carbon neutrality. This saw a reduction in the brand’s overall greenhouse gas emissions by 36 per cent and electricity use by 13 per cent. In 2018, the implementation of a 100 kW solar panel reduced Sussex’s annual greenhouse emissions by 132 tonnes — equivalent to taking 40 cars off the road.
Sussex Tap’s Director, Vanessa Katsanevakis, says the core values of the company, established in the 1990s, has guided the work of Sussex to ultimately end up a carbon neutral enterprise.
“Our story is built around a family endeavour: to build an Australian business with sustainability at its heart. Creating sustainable and ethical solutions is key to our collective future. We have always wanted to face this challenge with a promise to do it the right way,” she says.
“The right way is tied to our belief that world-class manufacturing begins with respect for people and the environment. We have held a bold and ambitious target to be the first tapware manufacturer in Australia to be carbon neutral by 2021, and we are enormously proud to have worked with the industry leaders in Climate Active to make that a reality.”
The recent history and milestone of carbon neutrality highlight Sussex Tapware’s desire to remain a leader in sustainability. While being a flagship achievement, Sussex will continue to improve its practice in order to aid the environment.
Sussex Taps
sussextaps.com.au
To read our interview with Sussex Taps Director Vanessa Katsanevakis, click here.