NovaCast specialises in the manufacture of precision cast and machined components for a wide range of markets. The company holds expertise in a variety of casting processes, from sand to lost foam casting. Sustainability Coordinator Kim Little discussed NovaCast’s environmental measures, in a report by Antonia Cole.
For two years in a row, NovaCast has received the silver EcoVadis rating, Sustainability Coordinator Kim Little said: “We are really proud of what we’ve achieved so far in terms of sustainability and it’s great to be recognised for it. This accreditation shows that we are putting in the work to become an environmentally friendly company.”
Established in 1979, NovaCast has over 50 years of experience as a foundry. The UK-based company provides a comprehensive service to clients, offering a wide selection of casting solutions. From initial design and prototyping to casting, machining and finishing, NovaCast is committed to delivering efficient and high-quality service in every stage of product development.
The company specialises in a variety of casting processes including sand casting, investment
casting, gravity and pressure die casting, shell mould casting, and lost foam casting. This range allows NovaCast to provide the appropriate solutions for the broad selection of industries that it serves.
Additionally, the company works with both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, further aligning its metal casting solutions to individual customer requirements.
NovaCast has invested in ISO9001 accredited management systems and training of its employees to ensure they have the experience and skills necessary to ensure the efficient running of operations. The company’s talented team is a blend of highly-qualified design engineers and quality technicians, highly-experienced foundry workers and a close-knit administration team who keep operations running smoothly. Together, they work to create innovative and effective solutions for clients, resulting in a healthy and growing turnover.
Environmental achievements
Three years ago, NovaCast was asked by one of its customers to enrol with EcoVadis, beginning the company’s sustainability journey. NovaCast’s operations have always had a limited environmental impact as its use of metal is a circular process. The company uses recycled metal and then recycles waste material.
Although NovaCast has always incorporated sustainability into practices, working with EcoVadis has provided the company with a measurable assessment of environmental standards. This has given the company guidance and a structure with targets to strive for, driving forward NovaCast’s sustainability journey.
For the past two years, the company has achieved EcoVadis’ silver rating, highlighting the progress NovaCast has made in terms of improving sustainability. This past year, EcoVadis’ criteria has become more stringent, making the company’s achievement that much more impactful.
“Receiving a silver rating from EcoVadis again has been really important for the company,” explained Ms Little. “It shows that we’re not just claiming to be sustainable, but that we are putting in the time and energy to guarantee that we are doing the best we can for the planet.”
NovaCast recycles 70% of the sand used in the sand moulding process through a sand reclamation system. As well as this, the company has installed solar panels at one of its warehouses and uses 100% renewable energy sources in operations. Furthering this, NovaCast submits to the Carbon Disclosure Project. This measures
the company’s emissions and promotes a more sustainable operation. Additionally, NovaCast has been using SWMAS’ Make it Net Zero programme to receive advice on lowering its environmental impact. Both NovaCast’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been benchmarked and the company is working to improve Scope 3 emissions.
Investing in the future
As well as investing in sustainability, NovaCast also invests in its people and technology. Improving facilities within the company leads to reductions in material, resource and energy use. By running a more efficient operation, NovaCast not only becomes more sustainable, but is also able to serve customers more effectively. Processes such as 3D printing, 3D scanning and reverse engineering have
all been introduced into NovaCast’s practices, Ms Little said: “Our engineers influence the earliest stage of the design process and therefore make a huge impact. That’s why it’s so important for us as a company to invest in these engineering practices, making them more effective and efficient.”
In addition to operations, NovaCast has also been investing in people and communities. Partnering with Xylem, the company was recently involved in some charity work for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Venture, a charity that provides residential facilities for disadvantaged and disabled children. The charity aims to have a positive impact on children experiencing social or educational exclusion.
“Along with Xylem, we planted some spring bulb flowers at the facility in Macaroni Woods near Cirencester,” added Ms Little.
“We spent the day planting the bulbs, which was a really lovely experience. It was a great to meet with Xylem, which is a customer of ours, in a different environment and work together to make a difference. It’s important for the children to have a nice environment and I’m glad we could contribute to that.”
Also in partnership with Xylem, NovaCast signed onto the WASH campaign. The organisation strives to provide global access to safe water, hygiene education and sanitation. All of which contribute to improved health, poverty reduction and socio-economic development. NovaCast has upgraded its own water quality and sanitation facilities, plus it is promoting these standards throughout the supply chain.
Joining forces
NovaCast has an international supply chain and serves a broad portfolio of markets. These include oil and gas, transport, energy, defence, architectural, general engineering, valve components, and pump components. Therefore, NovaCast is connected to many companies and works with them to improve sustainability standards across many sectors.
“What we’re trying to do is support our partners and suppliers to be more environmentally conscious,” explained Ms Little. “Now that we have our own sustainability journey underway, we are looking to invite other companies to join EcoVadis too. It’s important that everybody gets involved because that’s what will drive real positive change.”
As a company, NovaCast believes that there has never been a conflict between sustainability and profitability, and that these two goals are connected. This is why the company has made investments into the efficiency of operations, with new technology and techniques. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it is also more cost-effective.
The company will continue to invest in sustainability, staff training and new technological innovations into the future. All of these factors will facilitate the growth of NovaCast and limit its environmental impact.
“At NovaCast, we have made a massive leap into the world of sustainability,” continued Ms Little, in conclusion. “As Sustainability Coordinator, I have learnt so much about environmental protection and running a more efficient operation. It’s been really interesting identifying areas of our company that we can improve and seeing the impact of making those changes. I look forward to finding out what more we can achieve in the future.” n
