FMC Technologies Dunfermline - 2010 Update
FMC Technologies' Environmental Advisor, Sheena Johnston, is responsible for guiding her 650 colleagues at the company's Dunfermline base towards achieving four ambitious environmental goals. And in addition to working towards the reduction targets for waste, carbon emission and water and the increase in the use of renewable energy, Sheena represents FMC Technologies in its long-standing commitment to support other local companies becoming greener.
FMC has been involved with Green Business Fife since 2007. The green network helps companies boost competitiveness and minimise environmental impact by introducing resource efficiencies and sustainable business practices. Sheena says, "With our own company's experience of setting and achieving environmental targets, we are happy to share information and ideas with others. The network also provides plenty of opportunities to learn about other companies' success, best practice and discuss new ideas."
Recycling Waste
FMC Technologies designs and manufactures subsea trees, wellhead systems and other equipment used in the oil and gas industry. Considering that it employs around 650 people, the current recycling rate of 98% is already remarkable, but nailing that last 2% to reach the company's goal of zero waste to landfill by the end of 2010 is on Sheena mind at the moment! She is working with her Green Team to ensure that the company reaches its 100% target, as well as achieving the other goals set out in the company's four strategic environmental targets.
FMC set ambitious three year targets in 2007 to achieve zero waste to landfill; source 12% of electricity from renewable energy; reduce carbon emissions by 28% and reduce water use by 25% - all by the end of 2010.
Sheena's Green Team is linked to the company's Health, Safety and Environment teams, made up of representatives from across the company. Around 25% of each department is involved, demonstrating the strategic view the company takes of safety and good environmental practice. A monthly forum ensures that challenges are addressed and progress continues to be made. Volunteers join the Green Team to help with the education programme for other staff, encourage recycling and champion the value for everyone of sustainable practice.
Zero Waste
Recycling manufacturing waste is well advanced at FMC with a range of materials, like metals and baled cardbooard, routinely collected and sold resulting in their own revenue stream. Wood waste, like chipped wood, is used in a biomass boiler for heating and all food waste from the canteen is composted.
Managing office waste is key to hitting the 100% recycling target. Recycling stations have been installed throughout the building and desk bins have been removed to encourage both recycling and further segregation of waste. The Green Team assists with an education programme placing posters around the offices and arranging presentations on the plasma screens positioned in the canteen and other areas.
But it's not all serious. The Green Team has organised fun events for staff including a vegetable growing competition and a caption competition with the winning line, "Fantastic, it's not plastic!"
Electricity
In line with the company's goal to source 12% of its electricity from renewable energy, FMC has spent the past three years researching and assessing the feasibility of a wind turbine. The company was recently awarded planning permission to erect a 1.5 megawatt wind turbine at its Dunfermline office and work is due to be completed around the end of the year. Working with a partner company, Wind Direct, which manages the process and owns the turbine, FMC will purchase 40% of its electricity generated by wind power and in doing so will also cut its carbon emissions by 30%.
Inside, the Green Team is evident here, too, arranging visits from companies like the Energy Saving Trust to highlighting a range of simple ways to make a difference, such as switching off computers at night, which alone saves FMC £12,000 per year. The experience in the office has prompted staff to introduce similar practices at home, too.
Carbon Emissions
Although the introduction of electricity from renewable sources will achieve the company's goal of reducing emissions by 28%, there is still a commitment to other forms of resource efficiency and lean management. Equipment, such as computers, have an automatic shut down and lighting is being replaced to incorporate sensors.
Water
Considering that FMC's business is manufacturing equipment for subsea use, reducing water use is a challenge! Safety and efficiency testing can only be done in water - and these constructions require a volume equivalent to nine Olympic sized swimming pools with crystal clear quality. The company is exploring ways to filter the water to retain its clarity and thus avoid having to empty and refill tanks once or twice a week, as at present. Not only would this save water, but it would save valuable time, too. The process of emptying and refilling two tanks of 180 cubic metres each is not a quick one!
What's Next?
As FMC moves towards the end of its three year schedule to make resource efficiencies, what is next for the company? There will still be a focus on efficiencies like exploring how packaging on materials can be better managed and a wider focus on sustainability throughout their supply chain, but there is also a new initiative.
Green Shoots, launched last year at the Offshore Oil and Gas Exhibition in Aberdeen, encourages FMC customers to pay a carbon levy to offset the C02 footprint of a XMAS Tree (for use in oil exploration) associated with its manufacture in Dunfermline. FMC also contributes to offset its business travel. The funds collected will be used to fund local environmental projects such as renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades in housing. A panel of independent experts will assess and manage the projects.
From the company that the Sunday Times has called one of the "Best Companies to Work For in the UK' it seems that the experience and expertise in environmental sustainability could benefit the whole community in future.