Penny Engineering Tackles Sustainability Goals with Bolsover Net Zero Innovation Programme
Here at Penny Engineering we’re demonstrating what true commitment to sustainability looks like in practice, taking decisive, measurable action to reduce our environmental impact while strengthening long-term business resilience.
After successfully securing funding through the Bolsover Net Zero Innovation Programme, we’ve transformed our premises into a modern, energy-efficient manufacturing facility, adding more solar panels and battery storage.
A Strategic, Evidence-Based Approach to Sustainability
Our journey began with a comprehensive premises audit, conducted in partnership with Bolsover Net Zero Programme, with a representative undertaking a sustainability premises audit from the team at Nottingham Trent University Business School (NTU).
NTU’s specialist team, undertook a detailed assessment of our facilities to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and modernise legacy infrastructure.
The audit provided a roadmap for practical, high-impact improvements, giving us both the confidence and evidence base to move forward decisively with additional solar panels and a battery storage. We would never have previously considered battery storage and with the expert steer from NTU, we were given the confidence to put this in place which has made a significant, operational cost saving for the business.
We're really pleased that we are seen as a leader in sustainability because nobody wants to be leaving the environment in a worse state than when they started their business.
Robin Penny, Board Chairman at Penny Engineering
Tangible Outcomes: Environmental, Financial and Operational Gains
From a financial perspective, the impact has been significant. The sustainability upgrades are generating annual savings of approximately £840,000, driven by substantial reductions in energy costs and improved operational efficiency.
This demonstrates our belief that environmental responsibility and commercial performance go hand in hand.
Investing in People and the Wider Community
True to its value of making lasting, positive impacts on local communities and stakeholders, Penny has ensured the sustainability programme extends beyond infrastructure.
Team members have undertaken carbon management training, embedding environmental awareness and accountability throughout the organisation. By upskilling our staff, Penny is prioritising the long-term resilience and adaptability of the business.
In addition, the company has hosted supply chain partners and members of the local business community at a dedicated event to share findings, lessons learned and successes from the project, reinforcing its commitment to collaborative, sustainable progress across the region.
Sustainability as a Foundation for Longevity
Our sustainability strategy reflects our wider philosophy:
- We commit to sustainable progress while contributing positively to society’s wellbeing.
- We make lasting, positive impacts on our local community and wider stakeholders.
- We innovate with eco-conscious practices to reduce our negative impact on the planet.
- We prioritise the longevity of the company.
- We retain a diverse product portfolio to mitigate risk.
By investing in infrastructure, people and partnerships, through collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and the Bolsover Net Zero Innovation Programme, we’re proving that sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise. It’s a strategic, long-term commitment to engineering excellence, resilience and responsible growth.
As the manufacturing sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, we stand as a powerful example of how heritage businesses can modernise, innovate and lead, ensuring our business can thrive for generations to come.