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This year, bigHead took another major step towards reducing our environmental impact by removing the gas heater from our factory. With an average footprint of around 7 tonnes of CO₂ per year, it was the largest remaining source of fossil fuel emissions in our operations.

The system has now been replaced with high‑efficiency electric heaters which double as A/C units. It’s powered entirely by our 100% renewable Good Energy supply and our own solar PV panels.

The upgrade has already delivered benefits beyond reducing our emissions. During this summer’s heatwave, the new units are keeping the factory cool and comfortable, all while running on renewable electricity generated onsite.

Matthew Stevens, Managing Director, says:

“We were determined to remove our factory’s gas heating on our way to zero emissions. Replacing it with efficient electric units powered by our renewable electricity supply was the best solution available.

Ironically, it’s turning out to be our coolest investment yet because of an enormous additional benefit: comfortable working conditions in a heatwave. Best of all, the A/C is powered by our own solar panels.”

The old gas unit removed

One of the new electric units

This change brings us significantly closer to becoming a fully fossil‑fuel‑free manufacturer. Alongside our other initiatives, including planting trees with OnHand and supporting the Kenya Biogas Programme to offset emissions, it reflects bigHead’s commitment to caring for our people and the planet.