Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products, explains how they are taking a lead on sustainable practices in the fire safety sector
According to the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions.
This breaks down into 28% from operational emissions, such as energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.
The WorldGBC continues to explain that the global building stock is expected to double in size and carbon emissions released before the built asset is used, what is referred to as ‘upfront carbon’, will be responsible for half of the entire carbon footprint of new construction between now and 2050.
In its report, “Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront: Coordinated action for the building and construction sector to tackle embodied carbon”, the WorldGBC has set out a clear vision.
It aims for all new buildings, infrastructure and renovations to have at least 40% less embodied carbon with significant upfront carbon reduction, and for all new buildings to have net zero operational carbon by 2030.
By 2050, new buildings, infrastructure and renovations will have net zero embodied carbon, and all buildings, including existing buildings must be net zero operational carbon.
Construction leaders are pulled in many directions from meeting stringent regulations on health and safety, trying to control costs and maintain efficient processes, whilst still trying to reduce energy costs and their carbon footprint.
This is on top of delivering innovative buildings that deliver the latest design features, future-proof technology and are healthier and greener.
We understand the challenges our customers face and are developing greener strategies to support them with sustainability.
Many companies and organisations might say that they believe in a sustainable business agenda but too few are delivering the changes in working practices that are necessary to reduce carbon emissions and their subsequent impact on the environment.
The leadership team here at Bull Products has always been dedicated to ethical and socially responsible business practices and our environmental commitment is resolute, positive, and focused on the benefits that it brings to us as an organisation as well as our customers.
We want to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint to meet their pledges and commitments.
Our Fire 360° and asset management services are an excellent starting point in reducing CO2 emissions.
Through these services, we not only address immediate fire safety concerns but also optimise asset usage and efficiency, thereby minimising carbon emissions associated with inefficient operations and resource wastage.
This approach ensures that our efforts towards carbon reduction are impactful and sustainable from the outset.
Our clear objective is to be carbon neutral by 2030 and that is why we launched our Green Bull division; making a significant investment into a Green Bull bespoke facility to refurbish equipment.
Our fire alarm products at Bull Products have received the ‘Made in Britain’ collective mark, which represents a standard of quality and unity for the British manufacturing sector within the UK and around the world.
Being manufactured in the UK means lower transportation needs, reducing CO2 emissions.
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Recover, revive and reuse
Through Green Bull, we are fully equipped to Recover, Revive and Reuse our products when it is safe and practical to do so.
Fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, stands and trolleys, are recovered from sites to the Green Bull facility to be revived, incorporating the majority of the original components, to produce a finished product in full working condition, compliant with all relevant regulations for re-use.
The disposal of safety products to landfill when a building development is completed occurs far too frequently.
It’s a waste of resources, and adversely affects carbon emissions through the disposal process.
Our initial assessment is that we will be able to refill and, therefore, recirculate back into the market around 35-40% of water and foam fire extinguishers, making a more environmentally friendly alternative available to our customers.
This will reduce transportation costs, product manufacturing and material costs and ultimately carbon impact.
We have calculated that by reviving and reusing products we can make significant carbon reductions for our customers.
For instance, by refilling our foam extinguishers we can save 1.2 trees per extinguisher and by refilling our water extinguishers we can save 0.7 trees per extinguisher.
The Green Bull range
Fire Extinguishers: We have a full range of regulation-compliant fire extinguishers, which means we can keep your workplace safe, whatever your environment and risks.
Through Green Bull, we can revive water and foam extinguishers so you can re-use.
SiteProtect wireless fire detection and alarm system: Utilising patented Cygnus technology, SiteProtect is a 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system, designed for performance and reliability.
First Responder Stations: Our First Responder Stations have been designed to suit safety requirements on construction sites and are available in five standard options, Fire Safety, First Aid, Spill Control, Rail and Work at Height.
Trolleys & Stands: We provide a range of Fire Extinguisher Trolleys that have been designed to provide an accessible, convenient, and safe solution for storing fire safety equipment.
Fire 360°
Bull Products is a specialist in fire safety on construction sites and has an in-depth understanding of the complex legislation that covers this environment.
The Fire 360° service is developed to handle the intricacies of this field and Bull Products will be on-hand to oversee and advise customers throughout to ensure a friction-free experience at every stage of the process, from initial enquiry through to final installation.
As well as streamlining processes, Fire 360° has significant sustainability credentials.
Our streamlined processes allow for the collection, inspection, and safe storage of equipment on-site, enabling its reuse.
This not only supports our customers in achieving efficient site operations but also aids in meeting carbon reduction targets effectively.
Green Bull is now an integral part of Bull Products and its sustainability strategy.
If you would like to learn more about it, visit https://www.bullproducts.co.uk/en-gb/about-us/green-bull/
Bull Products at The Fire Safety Event
At this year’s Fire Safety Event, Bull Products will be showcasing its new Green Bull initiative, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability by facilitating the safe recovery and reuse of fire protection equipment.
Visitors can also expect to see first-hand Bull Products’ extensive fire detection and alarm systems, including the versatile SiteProtect range and EN 54 certified, wireless SiteNet solution, alongside a variety of its other ranges, including its Lockdown Alarms, and First Responder stations.
Visitors will also be able to learn more about Bull Products’ Fire 360° service, which has been developed to handle the intricacies of fire safety on construction sites.
It ensures the team is on-hand to oversee and advise customers throughout their journey.
Equipment can also be collected from site, inspected and stored safely ready for re-use, supporting customers to deliver efficient sites and meet carbon reduction targets.
Bull Products’ range of alarms also carry the ‘Made in Britain’ collective mark providing customers with peace of mind on the quality of the products and their sustainability.
“The Fire Safety Event serves as an invaluable platform for connecting with our customers and the wider industry and we can’t wait to return for 2024,” says Leeson.
“We will be showcasing a range of product solutions and highlighting our commitment to sustainability through our Green Bull division.
“It’s not just about presenting cutting-edge technology; it’s about reaffirming our dedication to creating safer environments whilst minimising our ecological footprint.
“We look forward to sharing our vision for a greener, safer future with attendees.”
Green Bull champions ‘Recover. Revive. Reuse.’ as Bull Products is the first company which is fully equipped to revive products and supply them for re-use to customers when it is safe and practical to do so.
Green Bull helps customers and partners meet their obligations to reduce CO2 emissions and is part of Bull Products’ wider mission for carbon neutrality by 2030.
Among the highlights on Bull Products’ stand will be its SiteProtect wireless alarm system, which sets the benchmark in innovation and versatility in wireless emergency fire, first aid and intruder alarms for construction sites.
Designed for performance and reliability, SiteProtect is ideal for challenging environments such as underground projects or sites with dense concrete as its wireless mesh technology, which utilises patented Cygnus technology, is robust and dependable.
Alongside this will be the EN 54 certified SiteNet range, a robust, reliable, and scalable wireless solution, comprising a control panel and six different fire call point, detection and alarm devices with multiple configurations and settings and first aid alert functionality.
Featuring self-forming and self-healing wireless patented mesh protocol technology, SiteNet provides a cause-and-effect programming capability for timed and zone-controlled evacuations making it the perfect fire-safety solution for any temporary project.
Bull Products will also have on display its other alarm ranges such as its Lockdown alarm.
Additionally, Bull Products will exhibit its range of First Responder Stations that have been designed to suit safety requirements on construction sites.
Available in five standard options, Fire Safety, First Aid, Spill Control, Rail and Work At Height, the First Responder Stations are available with a variety of Bull Products alarms.
Each station comes in a standard configuration; however, they can be completely customised to suit all customer requirements.
Bull Products will be exhibiting at The Fire Safety Event, 30th April – 2nd May 2024 at Birmingham NEC on Stand 5/D10.
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.