Chemical company actions environmental commitment with 220 hours of work

A chemical specialist has actioned part of its plan to be a net-zero company by 2045 with the completion of its first environmental project.

Forty members of staff at Airedale Group have volunteered 220 hours of time to the Aire Rivers Trust, helping nurture the waterways in the Aire Valley and encourage natural life in the area.

Across five sites in North and West Yorkshire, they have maintained 174 metres of footpath, trimmed 122 metres of hedgerow and cut 1000 square metres of grass as well as collected one tonne of rubbish. In addition, the team laid 30 metres of hedge, painted 30 metres of railings and cleared 30 metres of scrub.

The project has been just one of the initiatives that form part of the company’s plans to reduce its carbon footprint.

Gareth Muir, project officer at the Aire Rivers Trust, explains how the Airedale Group volunteers have helped their objectives: “Much of our work relies on the help of our volunteers and the figures clearly show the difference the Airedale Group team have made to our work over the last few months. They have also donated £500 of new tools which has helped all our volunteer groups carry out the tasks safely and efficiently.”

Aire Rivers Trust is a charity set up to make improvements to the waterways in the Aire Valley to help reduce flooding and encourage nature in the area.

Commercial director of Airedale Group, Daniel Marr, adds: “We’re incredibly proud of all our volunteers and the project has made a fantastic contribution to our ESG strategy and our plans to be a net zero company by 2045.

“The benefits of this kind of volunteering work doesn’t just help the environment, but our staff also benefit, gaining new skills, enjoying a change of scenery and a sense of satisfaction at the difference they’re making.”

Airedale Group, founded in 1973, is based in Cross Hills and provides chemicals and related services to the UK and Europe.