How did your journey into sustainability start? How did that lead you to your current role as a Trainee Sustainability Manager at Denne Joinery?
I started out as a dental nurse, where I focused heavily on compliance. Over time, I realised I enjoyed that structured, regulation-driven approach, especially when it served a bigger purpose. When I saw that Denne Joinery was putting sustainability at the heart of their business, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. My previous role had equipped me with valuable, transferable skills that now help me support sustainability efforts that benefit both the company and the environment.
Can you walk us through what your role looks like day to day and how you’re helping embed sustainability across the business?
My focus now is on documentation and material tracking. I make sure everything we use is both sustainable and compliant, which is particularly important on jobs that require FSC®, BREEAM, SKA or WELL certifications. This involves working closely with suppliers and reviewing all materials, from timber to glue and finishes, to ensure we meet all environmental standards and wellbeing goals.
What key sustainability and ESG initiatives has Denne Joinery implemented in recent years?
After recognising the volume of material being sent to landfill, we launched a take-back scheme to recover and repurpose surplus materials directly from site, giving them a second life in future projects. It is a meaningful step towards our zero-waste goal, helping us promote a more circular approach across our operations.
We also prioritise FSC®-certified products, ensuring the timber we use is responsibly sourced to support global forest conservation efforts and offer full traceability. To further support wellbeing and air quality, we use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes wherever possible, reducing harmful emissions.
Additionally, we’ve introduced carbon tracking and now request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) from all our suppliers. By building a comprehensive library of EPDs, we’re able to respond quickly to customer needs and confidently meet certification requirements.
How are you helping the wider group achieve their ESG goals?
I ensure alignment across the group, from utility tracking at Bramling Workshops to making sure everyone is following FSC® and waste protocols. We’re actively working toward zero landfill and exploring more eco-friendly waste systems to help us get there.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited to explore or achieve in your sustainability role within the group?
We recently held an FSC® workshop with teams across the business, not just to raise awareness, but also to introduce a simplified, more efficient process for handling FSC® requirements. It’s already made a positive impact, helping teams better understand how to meet standards with more clarity and confidence. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum. Everyone should understand their part to play in our sustainability goals.
We’re also developing our social value initiatives, having chosen a group-wide charity and started planning volunteer days. It’s about making a meaningful difference, both on our joinery projects and in our communities.
