Ethical schoolwear manufacturer Rowlinson Knitwear is investing in a photovoltaic (PV) solar scheme for its Stockport head office. By adopting the PV system, over the course of a 12-month period, Rowlinson can generate more electricity than it uses.

The investment will also see the company save approximately £9,000 and 10.8 tons of CO2 annually. Furthermore, Rowlinson’s excess electricity will go back into the National Grid.

Investment in solar energy is one example of the immediate steps Rowlinson is taking as part of its commitment to people and planet.

The company is also replacing existing diesel fleet cars with plug-in hybrids. Collectively, through both of these developments, the company’s overall positive impact and carbon savings will be significant.

On a wider scale, Rowlinson has also recently achieved The Planet Mark certification to help measure and further reduce its environmental impact. The firm’s target is for a 5% carbon footprint reduction annually and to be carbon neutral by December 2019.

Equally, it is committing to becoming a Certified B Corporation. This will see the business legally required to consider the impact of its decisions to balance plant, profit and people.

About Rowlinson Knitwear

Established in 1935 and employee-owned since 2015, Rowlinson Knitwear manufactures specialist garments for the independent schoolwear and corporatewear markets.

Reinforcing the company’s commitment to caring for its people is its IIP Gold accreditation. Also, the Best Employer of the Year award at The Stockport Business Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2018. Crowned Rising Star of the Year 2017 at the Employee Ownership awards, Rowlinson became an accredited Living Wage employer in 2018.