Environmental Statement
By having a responsible approach to the production of the conservatories and orangeries, we enable our customers to make socially and environmentally responsible purchasing choices.
Efficient use of our space and manufacturing procedures results in minimal waste using the latest CNC optimising and cutting equipment for timber and metals. All operations from the design, through to going out to site are carried out under one roof and we are therefore not reliant on travelling for internal design and production meetings.
Each project is pre-built here in our workshop which means that every single element will have been cut and fitted, and every component tested to ensure it is fit for purpose before we arrive on site. This reduces the length of the site installation process meaning minimal disruption to you and cutting down on transportation to and from site.
Timber Certification
All structures are built from timber purchased from well-managed sustainable forests, therefore aiding the preservation of the world’s timber supplies. This policy is applied to every one of our conservatories and orangeries.
Responsible, well-managed forests are where environmental, social and economic aspects are taken into consideration in forest practices.
For over 10 years Vale Garden Houses Ltd has held Chain of Custody Certifications for manufacturing from timber through the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) and PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™) schemes. The FSC and PEFC councils are independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisations.
Glass, Timber & Insulation
Our double-glazed units are low-E and argon-filled as standard, therefore achieving a high level of insulation, whilst still providing a fine glaze-bar detail which many conservation officers throughout the UK find acceptable, especially for period properties. Roof glass has been fragility tested.
Timber Research And Development Association (TRADA) membership is reliant on the use of products that perform to industry standards. TRADA also advise companies in best practice within the industry. Vale has been a member of TRADA for many years and they are heavily involved in performance testing of our bronze window and door systems for wind and water pressure and other elements of our build.
Our clients expect their conservatories to be insulated and energy efficient and Vale ensure that our buildings are exceptionally well insulated and ventilated to increase their performance which can sometimes be over and above that achievable in the original property.
Our Factories
As part of Vale's environmental credentials we are conscientious regarding good management of our waste products and recycling, investing heavily in this area.
All waste timber produced from our processes is put to good use. Sawdust and wood shavings are recycled as animal bedding. Timber offcuts are stored throughout the year and are incinerated through the winter for heating the factory. Some timber is given to a local company to make kindling.
All glass offcuts and breakages return to glass producers for recycling. Any offcuts of metals used in our extrusions are returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
Cardboard is sent for recycling for regeneration of packaging. Paper waste is also collected and recycled.
Recognition & Awards
Through the years of exhibiting at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show and alongside many companies involved in the construction of glazed buildings, we remain the only company to have been awarded a Certificate of Merit for our contribution to outstanding design and the presentation of our products.
Since then, our work has continued to receive recognition across the design and interiors industry. Most recently, one of our overseas projects was the focus of a special feature in Design et al, a revered leading journal for international design excellence.
Our commitment to design, craftsmanship and quality of build has been recognised for more than a decade through Houzz Awards, reflecting the enduring appeal of our bespoke approach and client appreciation.
Further Certification
Vale Garden Houses has won an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in recognition of its commitment to keeping its workers and workplaces healthy and safe. The International Safety Awards seek to celebrate and promote the success of the winning organisations and their employees in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all.
Vale are constantly striving to improve Health and Safety, not only in our factory but also on site when we are installing our conservatories, orangeries and rooflights.
In 1997 a group of Health & Safety and procurement professionals worked with the Association of London Government to develop CHAS. The two main objectives for CHAS were to improve health and safety standards across Great Britain and to reduce duplicated safety applications for both suppliers and buyers.
Vale Garden Houses have achieved CHAS accreditation to allow uninterrupted transparency in the pre-qualification process for larger projects. This achievement is testament to the competency of the Health and Safety policy and procedures within the organisation.