Reducing the environmental impact of your construction is not only a matter of sustainability but can often also have a positive impact on the cost. Making it a win-win situation. Without much effort, it is possible to work for sustainability in several relatively simple ways when designing and ordering products for linear applications or aluminium systems. We have collected six effective tips to use in the designing and purchasing phase.
Six ways to reduce the environmental impact of your design
1. Do not oversize
It is common to overdo it when dimensioning your construction. A product that weighs less is easier to ship and creates less emissions. Often, it is also cheaper. Take advice from your supplier, who is an expert in their products. Maybe a smaller variant is enough for your needs. It can help you as a customer to get higher profitability in your product while saving on the environment.
2. Aluminium in the right quality
When working with constructions of aluminium profiles, there are often several variants to choose from. The same aluminium profile is often available with several different material thicknesses. External dimensions and functions are the same. If the profile is placed correctly in the construction, the strength is not affected by a lighter profile, while the weight is reduced. This is also a way to increase profitability, as profiles with smaller material thickness are usually cheaper.
3. Don't buy more than you need
Many suppliers offer both complete building kits and fully assembled constructions. Take advantage of that. Buy only the materials you need. Let your supplier take care of all waste material and thus increase the chance that it can be reused. The risk is that it will otherwise be unused and ultimately scrapped. This saves both on the environment and creates better margins in the long run.
4. Do not ship air
You can receive deliveries in flat packages even with a fully assembled construction. This reduces the need for special shipments with large direct cars and lowers the cost of shipping. Goods can then be delivered together, and you save on the environment and reduce emissions.
5. Buy more - consolidate your purchases with one supplier
If you can collect your purchases with a supplier who has a wide range of the products you are looking for, you both simplify your order processing and work for increased sustainability. Instead of handling orders, shipping, contact persons, etc. from different companies, you make an effort for efficiency that pays off on several levels, by ordering as much as possible from the same supplier. This is one of the most effective solutions you can use to increase profitability and reduce emissions.
6. Is the product in stock?
If you use products that are in stock at your supplier to a greater extent, you reduce the need for expensive, less environmentally friendly special shipping. You also get a higher level of service in the form of faster deliveries. Some suppliers have taken note of this and show in a simple way which products they stock on their website. It may also be worth having a conversation with your supplier about what different options are available when you have chosen a product that is not currently in stock. Maybe there is some other suitable choice? Let your supplier help you.
