Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a strategy that is defined as a business model that focuses on social responsibility. While many businesses strive for sustainability goals, the construction industry has a vital role to play in the global initiative, especially as it’s an industry renowned for emitting a tonne of carbon emissions.
With an ESG plan, businesses can show their efforts in reaching sustainability goals, which is important in today’s world, as investors and shareholders want to see how organisations are utilising environmental initiatives while generating profits. But while corporate companies have options, such as working from home to save travel emissions, it’s more complex for the construction sector.
Cosmetic repair is an easy solution for those in the construction sector looking to improve their ESG strategy. It helps businesses to demonstrate their support for environmental protection by repairing damaged items instead of replacing them, which in turn reduces landfill waste, energy consumption, and transportation emissions. Cosmetic repairs can support a business ESG plan in the following ways:
- Support waste initiatives: Repair and restoration are better for the environment and businesses can show that they have moved on from a disposable to a sustainable mode of operation, therefore minimising waste that goes to landfill.
- Use energy more efficiently: Cosmetic repairs take away the processes required to build replacement items. Such resources as energy, materials and transportation that are needed during manufacturing processes, can be removed from the procedure and result in less carbon emitted into the environment.
- Support time management: Choosing cosmetic repair instead of replacing an item won’t delay any tight deadlines, as there will be no need to wait for delivery times or new products to come into stock. This will also be better for communities that are disrupted by construction workers as projects will be carried out quickly.
- Engaging with local communities: Cosmetic technicians minimise the negative impact of construction on the community by ensuring every project is finished and presented immaculately without disrupting locals or leaving waste.
Companies in every sector, including construction, will need to make every effort to improve their performance across all three ESG measures in the coming months and years. Having cosmetic technicians on hand can improve corporate reputation and have a positive impact on society, as well as the environmental landscape.
Construction and building industries are under inscrutable pressure to find sustainable solutions, after it was revealed that the sector produced roughly 11.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020* from manufacturing, transport of materials and refurbishment projects.
As such, the UK has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050**, and projects that include refurbishment will have an important part to play in meeting this target.
Across the UK, industry leaders are constantly exploring new ways to become more sustainable to combat the climate crisis. But what can businesses do to make a difference? We’ve worked to help a number of decision makers and advisors embed sustainable development. Cosmetic repairs are a key to empowering our partners to meet industry environmental targets.
- Cosmetic repair solutions are more efficient and timely
Cosmetic repairs, used in many renovation and refurbishment projects, can be applied to an extensive list of surfaces to fix unsightly chips, scratches, and cracks to an exacting standard. Technicians tend to be required during the last stages of a construction project when contractors are under pressure to meet deadlines, and the risk of accidental damage to surfaces, such as walls or doors increases. Choosing cosmetic repair instead of replacing an item won’t delay any tight deadlines, as there will be no need to wait for delivery times or new products to come into stock. A cosmetic technician is available promptly for any project, big or small.
- It can reduce your environmental impact
Cosmetic repair helps a business demonstrate its commitment to the environment by repairing damaged items rather than replacing them, which means less waste.
The construction industry alone is responsible for five million tonnes of demolition waste*** that finds its way to landfills, making cosmetic repair a more sustainable solution than throwing things away. Overall, the cosmetic repair is a slick, quick and accurate remedy to reducing such waste, while also making your damaged items look brand new. This is achieved by professional technicians having the skills and tools required to repair damaged surfaces rather than stripping them out and replacing them.
Utilising a repair technician, rather than replacing items or whole rooms, also significantly reducing the carbon footprint of a project. A bathroom replacement due to a damaged bath, for instance, could entail a plumber, a tiler, a floor fitter and builder. All in separate vehicles and making multiple journeys. A single repair technician to repair the damaged bath would make a single trip and the end result – a perfectly functional bathroom – is the same.
Beyond this, industries should also consider the processes required to build replacement items. Such resources as energy, materials and transportation are needed during manufacturing processes, resulting in more carbon being emitted into the environment. While some items and parts can be recycled, they still require a standard amount of energy, meaning that repair and restoration are better for the environment and businesses can show that they have moved on from a disposable to sustainable mode of operation.
- You’ll be reducing your overall project cost
We all want to make greener choices in life and business, but generally only if it doesn’t hurt the bottom line too much. Not only will businesses save on replacing broken or damaged fittings, but they will also reduce disruption to the project and potential delays on top of the cost of a new product. In addition, by refurbishing or tidying up damaged surfaces, businesses will pay less than buying an item brand new, especially if those items are antique, vintage or irreplaceable.
It may come as no surprise, but the most common types of cosmetic surface repairs in the housing sector tend to be the repair and restoration of worktops, sanitaryware and kitchen units. These are expensive to remove, replace and are unable to be recycled so inevitably contribute to the previously mentioned waste levels, so by expertly restoring the original look of an item, you will be saving the need for replacement.
Knowing whether to repair or replace isn’t often straightforward, but it’s important to remember that even the most heavily damaged items can be restored to their original state, no matter their age. In these times of rising costs and tight budgets, focusing on repairing rather than replacing items is not only kinder to the environment but it is beneficial to the bottom line.
In 1973, S&D was launched and originated as a family-run business in Somerset, specialising in the supply and application of sealants. Now, the business is celebrating its 50th birthday as one of the UK’s largest repair and sealant companies, with nine offices across England, Scotland and Wales.
Business Growth
Since its humble beginnings, the business has grown from being a small, family-run sealant- provider to a large-scale team of sealant experts, cosmetic repair technicians, insurance repairers, marine interiors specialists, and now an all-new academy for apprentices.
Managing Director, Nick Jones has commented on the impressive milestone:
“We are delighted to be celebrating 50 years of business. We pride ourselves on taking care of customers and the community that we have built over the years. The time has flown by and it’s great to see how far the business has come since its start in 1973.
“As we move forward, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels. We have big plans to develop our business throughout the UK and even into Europe We are actively expanding our presence across the world – from new offices to Caribbean marine repairs and will continue to scale up production to meet the demands of our clients.
“In line with this, we plan to continue investing in recruitment to further build our teams and will continue to offer a first-class service to a growing number of customers.”
Nick added, “Thank you to our staff and clients who have been brilliant since the start. We look forward to celebrating the 50-year achievement by giving recognition to our long-standing team members, taking a sustainability pledge and much more.”
Some achievements over the years
- Developing divisions and departments
From originally specialising in the supply and fit of sealants under the name S&D Sealants, Nick Jones expanded the business in 2013 by adding cosmetic repairs to its portfolio. Since then, the service has taken off, significantly contributing to the business’s continued success.
It was a couple of years later that SD recognised that its cosmetic repairs skills would be perfect for the cruise industry. As a result, SD hired experienced marine interior professionals to help develop the very successful Marine Sector Division, which covers both repairs and refitting.
But it didn’t stop there! In 2020, SD identified an opportunity to expand its services into insurance repairs and launched ‘SD Claims’. This service is available UK-wide and includes a two-year warranty rather than the industry-standard one-year guarantee.
So, what’s next? Very soon, SD will be launching its all-new training programme called ‘SD Academy’ which aims to develop necessary practical skills in complex surface repair. The academy will be based at its headquarters in Caldicot to conduct off-site classroom teaching at a time of skills and labour shortages in the construction industry.
- Growth in staff & projects
Since starting as a small family-run business, the team now stands at 200+, with plans to expand in 2023. The business understands that its staff are integral to its success and takes great care to ensure they are looked after. It offers training to those who’d like to develop skills on-site and provides opportunities to learn first-hand from its professional technicians.Overall, SD has estimated that they work on around 22,000 projects a year across a range of sectors including housing, hospitality, leisure, schools and more. Some of the most memorable projects include working on the Orient Express, boats on the Thames, the Tollcross International Swimming Pool, Hinkley Point, Wrexham FC, Goodwood Racecourse and so many more.
SD trains all of its own staff and encourages each one to develop their depth of knowledge and establish a rewarding career. It’s constantly on the lookout for new products and services, with a drive towards environmental quality in everything they use.
- Raising awareness for environmental issues
SD believe it’s everyone’s responsibility and duty to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible and it has been working hard to help businesses towards a greener, cheaper and more efficient alternative to replacing interiors.
The company launched its initiative ‘repair, don’t replace’ which encourages businesses to consider greener alternatives. As an industry leader in cosmetic repair, SD intends to set the bar high and ensure that its trained technicians offer only the best service in sustainable restoration even to the most heavily damaged items. This approach has been extremely successful and led to many businesses becoming recurring clients.
- Supporting & sponsoring incredible sporting talent
SD has been an avid follower of cycling in Wales. SD Teams got involved with Welsh Cycling back in 2015 and from there, the partnership has continued to develop in strength. Having supported individual cyclists in the past, SD is aware of the sacrifices, hard work and determination that this sport demands.We are incredibly proud to be the main corporate supporter of Wales Racing Academy. The Academy leads on from the existing Youth and Junior programmes to continue developing cyclists to further prepare and support them for the world of professional cycling.
As well as the cycling team, SD has sponsored the Leicestershire based Team Parker Racing for 8 years. The motorsport team continues to be branded with the SD Teams logo and colours, with the success of the crew increasing year after year.
Team Parker Racing has previously competed in Formula Vauxhall Junior, British Formula 3, and, more recently, in the British Touring Car Championship, where it is a race-winner. It also competes in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Caterham.
Everything we’ve achieved over the last fifty years has all played a part in making SD the company that it is today. We’re so proud of these accomplishments and we are eternally grateful to the excellent team members we’ve had working with us for over five decades – they have been instrumental in driving the business forward and we look forward to seeing what’s next!
This large event is recognised to be a networking opportunity for the marine industry and will give SD a chance to connect with key decision-makers and build valuable new relationships within the industry.
SD Marine Interior’s Gareth Preston will be joined by SD’s Managing Director Nick Jones along with fellow marine experts, Paul Thomas, Kim Sealey, Steve Shaw, Kevin Pearn, Val Corneby, Tony Webb, Chris Kirkland and Vince Johnson for their final event of the year.
The team will have the opportunity to showcase the business’ complete turnkey service, which includes electrical, hard surface repair, French polishing, upholstery, as well as painting and decorating for both refurbished and new build ships.
Before heading to London, Gareth Preston said “We are thrilled to be attending the Cruise Ship Interiors London at the end of the month. We have had a fantastic twelve months of travelling all around the world to visit some of the very best people and businesses in the industry. The team have been showcasing our fantastic expertise all year, which in turn has led to the development of many great relationships and business opportunities for 2023.”
“Paul and I will travel to the Cruise Ship Interiors on the 29th of November to get everything set up ready for what promises to be a great exhibit. SD’s stand will display our full product range, from in-depth surveys, design, draughting and drawings to project management and much more.
“In addition, we hope to show clients that by choosing cosmetic repair, a business is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, as repairing damaged items rather than replacing them is generally best for the planet.”
Beyond this, SD Team is a proud sponsor of the ‘Shipyard Team of the Year’ category at the Cruise Ship Interiors Awards 2022. In a community where working together is essential to the success of all projects, this award will recognise those people who consistently excel and exceed expectations. The award takes place on the 1st of December and the winners will be announced during an evening ceremony.
“We are very proud to be sponsoring the Cruise Ship Interiors Awards and SD is very excited to be celebrating the very best in the cruise industry. We look forward to congratulating the winner!”
To find information on SD’s Marine Interiors service, visit https://www.sdmarineinteriors.com/
For the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo, click here: https://cruiseshipinteriors-europe.com/our-sustainability-mission/
- It’s sustainable
Not only will cosmetic repair solutions make your damaged items look brand new, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the environment. By choosing cosmetic repair, a business is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, as repairing damaged items rather than replacing them is generally best for the planet.
The construction industry is responsible for 120m tonnes of waste every year – around a third of all UK waste. Cosmetic repair is a quick remedy to reducing such waste, with professionals using innovative products and skills to repair damaged surfaces rather than ripping them out and replacing them.
Beyond this, it’s also important to consider the processes used to build replacement items. A lot of energy and resources are used during manufacturing and transportation processes, resulting in more carbon being emitted. While some broken items can be recycled, repair and restore is usually even better from an environmental standpoint and sends a clear message that your business has moved on from a disposable to a sustainable mode of operation.
- It’s cheaper
Whether it be refurbishing or tidying up damaged surfaces, repairing costs significantly less than buying an item brand new, especially if you have items that are antique or unusual.
Knowing whether to repair or replace isn’t often straightforward, but it’s important to remember that even the most heavily damaged items can be restored to their original state, no matter their age. So, in these times of rising costs and tight budgets, engaging professional repairers to tackle unsightly chips, scratches and other damage can make a significant contribution to your business’ bottom line.
- It’s efficient
The high demand for cosmetic repair solutions is unsurprising, particularly when many contractors are under heavy pressure from tight time limits, exacting customer demands and the risk of accidental damage to surfaces, general fittings, walls or doors. In such circumstances, repairing instead of replacing won’t hold up your deadlines, as there will be no need to wait around for delivery times or new products to come into stock. Cosmetic technicians can be on hand for any projects big or small in a timely manner.
SD would love to help your business towards this greener, cheaper and more efficient alternative. Don’t hesitate to get in contact to discuss your needs here or to find out more about our cosmetic repairs service.
The new launch will complement our existing Group website and provide easy to access essential information about SD’s marine service, offering a streamlined, modern design with crisp functionality. With the new site, we aim to help the cruise, ferry and offshore sectors make well-informed decisions about their refurbishment or cabin repair project needs.
It will also highlight the eco-sustainability efforts that SD Marine is making, including a pledge that explores ways to reduce both their own and their clients’ carbon footprint – from using specially selected non-toxic solvents and adhesives to waste reduction and simply repairing items instead of replacing them, and much more.
Take a look at the new home of SD Marine here: https://www.sdmarineinteriors.com/
Nick Jones, Director of SD said “This new site will be a great portfolio for SD’s Marine Division. It will help us communicate what we do; how we do it; and the value which we can bring to our customers. We look forward to continuing to develop content and sharing the latest news from our Marine team.”
Since SD brought its experience and knowledge of sealants, resins, adhesives and hard surface repairs to the marine sector, the Division has become a prominent force in the vessel refurbishment and cabin repair industry. Having full-time and expert on-site management and tradesmen to hand means that our team are extremely reliable, with many clients returning for projects.
SD’s marine experts will continue to attend conferences and industry events worldwide, where stakeholders across the various cruise sectors gather for networking opportunities and help us to continue to learn more about new and exciting industry developments.
The History
In 1973, SD teams and Cosmetic Repairs was launched and originated as a family run business in Somerset that specialised in the supply and application of sealant. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming the UK’s largest sealant and finishing company, with offices across England, Scotland and Wales.
The year in review
Although Covid-19 continued to affect society, 2021 started to feel a little more normal with SD teams continuing to press ahead working hard on its business development and growth. As a result, SD teams increased its turnover by 47% in 2021, compared with 2020.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of growth as SD continues to provide sealant application, decorating services and cosmetic repairs for homeowners, house builders and commercial businesses.
A large change to the business in the last few years has been the addition of a claims service for insurance providers, as well as a marine arm. Managing Director, Nick Jones has commented on the growth of the business and where he sees the company growing in 2022:
“2020 and 2021 were very challenging years for the construction industry, which inevitably had a knock-on effect for businesses like ours that depend on gaining and delivering significant contracts – but I am so pleased that with some forethought, good business planning and diversification, SD has bucked the trend and reported even more growth in 2021.
“These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole SD team, from those working on sites around the UK, as well as our great office and support staff at the head office in Caldicot, South Wales. We are the best in the business and that’s down to the team I’m lucky enough to have around me.”
2021 highlights
Here are some of the most memorable moments from SD teams in 2021. The whole team is extremely excited to see what 2022 will bring.
- New hires were made:
This year alone, the team at SD had a 33% increase in its headcount, with the business continuing to look for talent in 2022. SD teams understands that its staff are integral to its success and takes great care to ensure that they are looked after. It offers training to those who’d like to develop skills on-site and provides opportunities to learn first-hand from its professional technicians.
- SD worked on some impressive projects:
SD carries out up to 22,000 projects a year, with the professional team working hard to please clients with their restorative approach which is not only cheaper than replacement but also more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as far less waste goes to landfill.
The SD Marine team, for example, have had lots of success with key members dedicating the first six months of 2021 to renovating two of Windstar Cruises’ luxury ships – its namesake yacht, the Wind Star, and the world’s largest sailing ship, Wind Surf. The SD team were also delighted to have been invited to survey the Wind Spirit in Tahiti, prior to the ship going into dry dock in Singapore in January 2022.
- Attended some incredible events:
SD’s marine arm also attended one of the world’s biggest exhibitions in Miami Beach last year, with its management and sales team at the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo. Whilst there, they were able to showcase the renovation of the two luxury cruise ships carried out on behalf of Windstar Cruises.
This year, the SD team will be attending the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami from 25th – 28th April 2022. This large event hosts suppliers and buyers from around the world and features a multi-track conference programme headlined by the industry’s most knowledgeable speakers.
- Finishing the year with a strong GT performance:
SD sponsor Team Parker Racing which had a strong end to their maiden season, with its Porsche making top-six finishes in all three final races this year. Altogether, they finished the season 10th in the championship category.
- Proud to be sponsoring Welsh Cycling:
Being an avid follower of cycling in Wales, SD teams got involved with Welsh Cycling back in 2015 and from there the partnership has continued to develop in strength. Having supported individual athletes in the past, SD is aware of the sacrifices, hard work and determination that this sport demands of its athletes.
The event took place from the 10th – 11th November at the Miami Beach Convention Centre, intended to give the global interiors and hospitality cruise community the chance to meet face-to-face for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marine Director Gareth Preston was joined by fellow specialists Val Corneby, Paul Thomas, Steve Shaw and Kim Sealey at the conference, which is the world’s only exhibition exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers, suppliers and industry leaders of the cruise design sector.
It was a very rewarding experience for the SD team, and gave our marine experts a chance to showcase their complete turn key service, which includes electrical, hard surface repair, French polishing, upholstery, painting & decorating for both refurbished and new build ships.
Day one of the conference began at 9am with the invitation-only Newcomers’ Breakfast, while the following day will begin with the Founding Partners’ Breakfast.
At the Cruise Conversations Live event, the keynote speech for day one was titled ‘Design Leadership: We are One Cruise Industry’ and featured comments from Greg Walton, founding partner of design firm Studio DADO, and Petu Kummula, senior director of interior design and architecture at Carnival Cruise Line.
Day two, meanwhile, offered a session on ‘The Business Case for Sustainability,’ with speakers including Alexander Zeitz of Virgin Voyages, Yohandel Ruiz of Studio DADO, My Nguyen of Holland America Group, Paris Swann of Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, and Bergen Hubert of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
On attending the conference, Marine Director Gareth Preston said: “This has been a brilliant experience for us, and has really given us a chance to put SD on the map. Special thanks must go out to our stand creators, HT International Exhibitions, who helped build one of the biggest, most striking stands at the conference which had everybody talking.”
“Our initial team flew out on the 8th November, which was in itself a momentous occasion as we boarded the first flight leaving the UK for America after an 18-month freeze on US travel!
“The expo was organised brilliantly and allowed us to network with so many likeminded and key people within the industry who we might never have touched base with previously. Having an event like this be such a success has reminded us that we’re in it for the long haul and that our business is only going to get stronger – we have lots of new products to push in the market and we’ll be looking to add more strings to our bow over the coming months so we’re definitely looking forward to the next event like this one.”
The SD Marine team will soon be attending the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe on the 1st – 2nd December at London’s ExCel, which provides a gateway for interior designers, architects, outfitters, shipyards and interior suppliers to meet with Europe’s ocean, river and expedition cruise line market working on major refurbishment and newbuild projects.
To find information on SD’s Marine Interiors service, visit https://www.sdsealants.co.uk/marine-cruise-ship-interiors.
For the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo, visit https://cruiseshipinteriors-expo.com/.
But whether it’s a new development or a long-standing historic building, the impact of disposing of damaged furniture and interiors has huge consequences for the environment.
That’s where cosmetic repair comes in. Cosmetic Repair technicians help combat further damage to the environment by using products and techniques that repair damaged surfaces in situ, rather than ripping them out and replacing them.
From a sustainability standpoint, repairing is far more environmentally friendly and means that far less waste is going to the landfill with each new construction project.
Replacement items have to be manufactured, using energy as well as scarce resources and increasing carbon emissions during transportation. Not only that, but replacing broken or damaged fittings can often be a costly option, especially if you factor in disruption to the project and potential delays on top of the cost of a new counter or door.
Compare this to repairing an item, where carbon emissions are reduced by not having to make another product, by not having to transport it from wherever it is manufactured, and by not having to have it fitted – the difference can be monumental.
The same can be said not just in construction but in our own lives – buying new goods all the time can be energy intensive. The website “Fix it-Don’t replace it” uses an iPhone as an example of this, where 85% of its lifecycle’s carbon footprint is from manufacturing the phone, and another 3% from shipping it, rather than from its actual daily use.*
Whether it’s at home or within construction, repairing items rather than replacing them makes a huge difference to the amount of waste being dumped at the landfill.
The SD technicians can repair almost any surface in the built environment from plastic, glass, wood and laminate to ceramic, metal, brick and marble. Beyond repairing damaged surfaces, finishers are trained to match colours and recreate intricate surface patterns such as marble, wood-grain and granite by hand.
Our fully qualified and highly trained cosmetic building repairers offer a complete surface repair service, and even the most heavily damaged items can be restored to their original state.
Don’t hesitate to get in contact to discuss your needs here or find out more about our cosmetic repairs service.
*https://www.apple.com/environment/reports/docs/iPhone6_PER_Sept2014.pdf
The new repairs division will focus on working with housing associations, hospitals and care homes as well as schools and universities.
Nick Jones, Managing Director of SD teams, said on the launch: “This is an important launch for the business and we are really excited about the benefits we will be able to offer some of these sectors and in particular, housing associations and care homes.
“The impact of Covid this year means that a lot of these associations are months behind on their repairs. We will be able to assist with these repairs and help clear the backlog. Longer term, this will improve sustainability as it will be less likely that fixtures will need to be replaced.
“By assisting with these repairs, we are hopeful that we can help make cost savings of up to 80% for housing associations.
The company can also provide a slip resistant coating for baths and shower trays which it hopes will prove a benefit to care homes in increasing health and safety. Nick continued: “Hospitals and care homes will continue to see a lot of footfall in 2021 so keeping on top of repairs will be imperative. Again, we can help these organisations rescue fixtures and fittings, without the need to replace.”
For more information, visit https://www.sdsealants.co.uk/services/cosmetic-building-repair/.