Enhancing Efficiency and Extending Asset Lifecycles
Houghton International focuses on repair, maintenance and life extension. We work with sectors like power generation, renewables, water, manufacturing and transport to enhance asset efficiency, reduce energy usage, waste and carbon footprint. Our operations prioritise sustainability and the circular economy. We proudly collaborate with industry leaders in sustainable passenger and freight transport, manufacturing and renewables. Sustainability in industry requires constant improvement and collective participation.
We are Open, Honest and Always Act With Integrity
We are committed to making profit ethically and with integrity. We are improving our monitoring and reporting of environmental KPI’s to provide better transparency when it comes to sustainability performance. We have recently worked with Newcastle University to study the environmental impact of asset repair v’s replacing with new and also to measure our carbon footprint. You can read the results of these studies by clicking below;
Our Environmental Sustainability
Our Facilities
Houghton International occupies two adjacent sites in Newcastle upon Tyne: the 120,000sq ft Ronnie Mitten Works and 15,000sq ft Large Machine Repair Shop. All utilities are included as part of the lease agreements for both sites.
The company operates a small fleet of commercial diesel vehicles, including panel and dropside vans. Where possible will we combine customer collections and deliveries to reduce journeys made, and our crew cab van reduces the number of vehicles required for our site teams to attend customer sites.
Environmental Monitoring
Our Environmental Management System is audited and accredited to BSI EN ISO 14001:2015, ensuring traceability and transparency. Our Quality Management System, certified to BSI EN ISO 9001:2015, complements this.
These certifications provide a strong foundation for enhancing our environmental sustainability. Regular review of our environmental policy aligns it with best practices and broader business objectives.
Driving Progress: Continuous Improvements for a Sustainable Future
Our Customers
When it comes to rotating machines, we believe it’s essential for our customers to comprehend the consequences of repair versus replace choices. Factors such as cost, downtime, lead times, and compatibility play a role, but we also strive to provide relevant environmental data for informed decision-making.
Through our partnership with Newcastle University, we invest in cutting-edge research to measure the greenhouse gases saved by our repair operations compared to the environmental impact of purchasing new machines. This empowers customers and guides improvements to further reduce our service’s carbon footprint.
Our Facilities
Our commitment to continuous improvement includes carefully considering efficiency and sustainability when replacing assets. We prioritise avoiding unnecessary waste by replacing equipment only when it has reached the end of its useful life.
Refurbishing or purchasing second-hand options are typically the most environmentally sustainable choices which we always explore if relevant and feasible. As clean energy and renewable technologies advance, we plan to invest in solutions aligned with our needs, such as solar panels, heat pumps, EV charge points, and additional PIR lighting sensors.
Our People
We believe in integrating sustainability into our company culture for lasting impact. Our dedicated staff already understand the significance of their daily work, whether it’s maintaining electric buses or prolonging the lifespan of wind turbine generators. On an individual level, we can all contribute to a greener future through small changes we can make every day, like recycling our waste and turning off lights when they are not in use. Our open-door culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging a collective commitment to sustainability.
Our Suppliers
With an extensive supplier base, Houghton International conducts periodic audits of key suppliers. Our future plans include incorporating sustainability into supplier evaluation and audits, applying to both existing and new suppliers. We value partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses, fostering a diverse and agile supply chain. We aim to incentivise sustainability proactivity among suppliers while ensuring fairness for smaller organisations. Our procurement team will prioritise sustainability factors, considering packaging, logistics, and making greener choices whenever feasible and practical.
