Clade: How Sourcing Choices cut out Waste

UK manufacturer Clade Engineering Systems has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting how product redesign and material efficiency are reshaping procurement and supply chain operations.

The company, who went into partnership with Groupe Atlantic in 2023, has a sustainability strategy which extends beyond carbon reduction, with manufacturing improvements and product innovation designed to simplify supply chains, improve operational efficiency and support more resilient procurement.

Material efficiency strengthens supply chains

Clade has incorporated sustainability into its pack frames and cabinetry by optimising manufacturing, creating space efficiency and improving noise and weather protection. These changes reduce metal use, lowering the number of manufacturing tools and labour required to produce each unit.

The report also outlines plans to transition towards cleaner materials in line with the industry's shift to zero-carbon steel, aluminium and advanced engineering ceramics. In highly corrosive or wear-resistant environments, these materials will replace standard stainless steel.

By reducing material intensity and increasing manufacturing efficiency, the company is also simplifying its supply chain while supporting more resilient procurement practices and reducing waste across production.

Dean Frost, Managing Director at Clade Engineering Systems, explains: “This year has underlined the importance of resilient, low carbon heating solutions for the built environment. Energy security is now sitting alongside carbon reduction as a primary market driver, and electrification, supported by a resilient grid, offers the most secure route forward. 

"At the same time, the climate challenge has not gone away, and customers continue to need practical, commercially viable ways to reduce the carbon impact of their buildings.

"Our focus is on leading that transition with natural refrigerant technology, strong project delivery and long-term service support. The progress set out in our latest Sustainability Report reflects both the impact of the systems we deliver for customers and the steps we are taking to improve our own operations."

Product innovation

The company has also created the Birch ULN (Ultra Low Noise) heat pump specifically to mitigate acoustic issues, alongside the Rowan 2 high-efficiency cooling heat pump to address the growing challenge of overheating.

With the Birch ULN Ultra Low Noise heat pump, Clade reduces the environmental and financial strain on residents by minimising noise at the source, ensuring sound does not become a barrier to decarbonisation efforts.

Meanwhile, the Rowan 2 heat pump provides a climate adaptation solution through its dual-centred technology, reducing additional heat that may arise.

Supplier sustainability performance is becoming an increasingly important consideration alongside product quality, resilience and long-term value.

Operational emissions continue to fall

Clade's own operational progress is also detailed in the report. Total emissions reduced from 599.23 tonnes CO₂e in 2024 to 574.88 tonnes CO₂e in 2025, with net emissions reducing from 481.23 tonnes CO₂e to 454.72 tonnes CO₂e over the same period.

The company's 137kWp solar panel array at its Leeds Technology Centre has saved 86,195kg of CO₂ since it was installed in September 2021.

Other sustainability actions taken by Clade include:

• Rooftop solar PV supplying power to the Technology Centre
• Increased use of electric vehicles across the fleet, with EVs now accounting for 58% of vehicles

Looking towards net zero

Clade has committed to reaching net zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, alongside improving Scope 3 reporting, transitioning to an all-electric fleet and reducing waste in manufacturing. The company also plans to continue improving its B Corp score, with setting a 1.5°C SBTi net zero target identified as a focus for future carbon reduction.

Dean concludes: "We have made significant progress, but we recognise there is more to do. Our ambition is to continue reducing our own impact while helping customers in the HVAC and built environment sectors decarbonise in a way that is practical, resilient and commercially deliverable."