GB Lubricants is using heat from mine water and will soon be using solar generated electricity. This is all supplied by the scheme, which is operated by Gateshead Energy Company.
These green energy sources provide renewable heat and electricity to residents and businesses in Gateshead through a combination of solar power generation and a 6-megawatt mine water heating system, all backed up by 4-megawatt combined heat and power engines.
The switch to using this heat and solar powered electricity will see 100% of the company’s heating and electricity requirements being supplied by the Gateshead Energy Company.
The heat and electricity are to be used throughout GB Lubricants’s manufacturing site, including the production processes, secure warehouse, technical centre and administrative offices.
By using the green energy options from Gateshead Energy Company, GB Lubricants will be securing stabilised prices for green energy, which helps with production and resource planning. However, as Paul Booth, GB Lubricants's managing director explained, switching to the new energy provider is about more than focusing on costs.
"As a major local employer, it is incumbent on us to support our community in Gateshead and as soon as we heard about the energy scheme, we instantly saw the benefits.
"Sustainability must extend to more than simple energy saving measures. We have a responsibility to our local community, to our environment as well as securing a sound future for the business and our diverse customer base across the globe. Our customers rely on us for oil and lubrication products that ultimately help improve the efficiencies of engine technologies, transmissions, hydraulic systems and all other moving parts found within the commercial vehicle sector.”
The products that GB Lubricants provides reduce friction, control heat and minimise wear, thereby helping to lower emissions, improve fuel efficiencies, increase reliability and reduce downtime of engines and mechanical equipment.
"Our initial commitment to this scheme is 20 years. It’s another piece of the jigsaw as we continue on our sustainability journey. As the first private business to sign up to and use energy from the scheme, we hope that our actions will encourage more companies to see the long-term benefits and join in supporting the community while also taking responsibility for their own carbon footprint.”