CORE benefits from Smith Brothers’ extensive trading history, spanning over 125 years, dating back to 1897. While rooted in tradition, CORE is firmly focused on benefiting the future by helping to increase sustainability and supporting the UK in achieving its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The ethical and environmental values embedded within the operation ensure sustainability in three key areas within the wide product range, such as:
- Product
- Packaging
- People
Focusing on these three key areas, CORE has already started to build a strong foundation and aims to help create sustainability throughout your projects with our product ranges.
1. Environmentally Responsible Product Development
Our range is developed with environmental sustainability in mind, ensuring that we do not compromise quality and the sustainability of our suppliers. For example, our pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) and thermal mixing valves (TMVs) are manufactured in an environment where 100% of packaging waste is recycled, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and improving warehouse efficiency.
2. Compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Packaging Waste Regulations
Over 70% of product packaging from the UK suppliers dispatched to Smith Brothers is made from recycled or recyclable materials, while conforming to ISO 14001 standards, and the packaging of CORE products contributes considerably towards this.
We work closely with our manufacturers to ensure compliance with EPR packaging waste regulations. When we introduce a product to the market, we request a detailed summary of what goes into the packaging from delivery to our depots, to the point when consumers throw away the packaging of the products. We also pay close attention to the type of packaging the products come in, as we want to ensure that it is recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Once the product has been established in the market, we annually assess and review all packaging. If there are any improvements that can be made to achieve our carbon-neutral goal, we will work with the supplier to adapt and make necessary changes.
3. Collaboration with the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP)
Copper is recognised as the third most consumed metal globally, after iron and aluminium, according to the U.S Geological Survey. The worldwide demand for this metal is also rising, with this trend expected to double from 25 million metric tonnes (MMt) in 2021 to around 50 MMt by 2035.
CORE and Smith Brothers collaborate with the CuSP, which was developed by two market-leading copper manufacturers, Lawtons Tubes and Mueller Europe, to promote the environmental benefits of copper and combat plastic systems.
Aiming to educate and inform the industry about the benefits of copper leads to greater environmental awareness, insight sharing, and collaboration, as copper can be utilised to build a more sustainable future.
Click here to learn more: https://www.cuspuk.com/
4. Sustainable Design: CORE Magnetic Side-Stream Filter
The CORE Side Stream Magnetic Filter has been designed with sustainability at its foundation. It addresses multiple environmental concerns across its lifecycle, including:
- Reduced waste: The product uses its magnetic core and a mesh basket to capture ferrous and non-ferrous materials within a heating system, so disposable cartridges are unnecessary. The reusable components significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and eliminate the recurring costs of replacement parts.
- Eco-conscious packaging: The product is packaged in a fully recyclable box, which will help reduce land waste, resulting in fewer trees being used, contributing to the reduction of deforestation.
- Low-carbon manufacturing: As the product is manufactured in the UK, we must adhere to strict environmental regulations on waste disposal and emissions control, ensuring the production process on the CORE magnetic side stream filter is eco-friendly.
- Energy efficiency and system longevity: The CORE filter maintains optimal system performance by effectively removing debris from water systems, reducing the energy required to heat buildings. This contributes to lower carbon emissions over the system’s lifespan.
5. Expansion Vessels manufactured in a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Factory
Our Expansion Vessels are manufactured in an “Outstanding” BREEAM-certified factory, boasting an expected annual consumption of 0 kWh/m² of fossil fuels for both building-related and user-related installations. To further solidify the factory’s sustainability, 12 car charging stations have been installed, along with solar panels, LED motion sensor lighting, and energy-efficient equipment. Moreover, the factory uses recycled heating methods and energy storage facilities to power and heat the unit.
6. Investing in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure
Our sole distributor, Smith Brothers, has made a significant step towards carbon neutrality by transitioning their company vehicle fleet from traditional combustion cars to electric and hybrid vehicles. The project initially began in September 2020, when all Smith Brothers company car drivers were offered the choice between a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with CO₂ emissions below the 50g/km threshold.
By 2022, Smith Brothers had eliminated all diesel cars in favour of electric and hybrid vehicles, resulting in installing EV charging stations at all sites, allowing all staff and stakeholders to charge their vehicles with ease. At their Rainham branch alone, they installed six EV charging stations in 2019, which at the time was the biggest single installation within the area.
7. ISO 14001 Environmental Certification
In 2024, Smith Brothers achieved ISO 14001 Certification, reflecting the company’s and subsequently CORE’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. This achievement is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve environmental performance and demonstrates the dedication to reducing the carbon footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.
The Benefits of Implementing ISO 14001:
- Enhanced Environmental Performance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Cost Savings
- Stakeholder and Customer Trust
- Risk Management
- Operational Excellence
8. Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold membership
Being a FORS member effectively demonstrates that Smith Brothers keeps to environmental commitments and exceeds industry standards. Through the encouragement of FORS, the company constantly seek ways to improve sustainability even further, exploring options such as the following:
- Technology to optimise operations
- Renewable energy sources
- Retiming fleet activities to avoid peak congested periods
- Improving first-time delivery performance
- Consolidating loads and activities
9. ISO 9001: Commitment to Quality
Certified to ISO 9001, Smith Brothers and CORE uphold the highest standards of quality management by streamlining processes to enhance service, minimise errors and reduce wasteage.
Benefits of implementing ISO 9001:
- Levels and quality of service
- Increasing number of on-time deliveries
- Reducing the need for returns
- Identifying and resolving issues faster
- Providing consistent, reliable and fit-for-purpose solutions
- Lower transport emissions due to improved first-time accuracy
Conclusion
CORE, supported by Smith Brothers’ legacy and commitment, is proud to lead the way with making sustainable decisions and developing solutions to reduce carbon emissions for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) market. Ranging from responsible sourcing to low-emission logistics and beyond, every initiative is a step towards a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future throughout the company, which will ultimately contribute to the UK’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
