Why did Encom visit a tile manufacturer in Italy?
Last month, our director Anna joined David Scott Tiles on a trip to Italy to visit the facilities of Florim, one of their key tile suppliers. David Scott Tiles have already taking steps to decarbonise their operations and this visit was an opportunity to explore how upstream suppliers are approaching sustainability. The trip offered insights into the energy demands of tile manufacturing and how solar PV is already making a difference in reducing emissions across the supply chain.
How energy-intensive is tile manufacturing and how can solar help?
Tile production, like quarrying and concrete manufacture, is a highly energy-intensive process. From extracting raw materials to firing kilns at extremely high temperatures, factories require significant amounts of electricity. Traditionally, this demand has been met with fossil fuels but companies like Florim are changing that.
Florim have installed more than 12MWp of solar PV at its Italian sites, making it one of the most solar-powered tile manufacturers in Europe. This investment offsets a substantial portion of their electricity usage, helping reduce their Scope 2 emissions (from purchased electricity). At Encom, we help businesses across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland adopt similar strategies, tailoring solar and battery solutions to match industrial usage patterns.
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and why do they matter for retailers like David Scott Tiles?
Understanding emissions categories is vital for any business looking to meet net-zero targets:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from a company (e.g., gas used onsite)
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity
- Scope 3: Emissions from the supply chain (e.g., purchased goods like tiles)
For businesses like David Scott Tiles, the carbon footprint of their suppliers (Florim, in this case) becomes part of their own Scope 3 emissions. So, when Florim reduces its electricity emissions through solar, it also benefits David Scott Tiles and ultimately their customers and the homes and buildings their products go into.
Encom supports both retailers and manufacturers in reducing direct and indirect emissions through electrification, solar generation and smart energy systems.
What can the tile and quarrying sectors in Northern Ireland learn from Florim?
Florim’s example shows what’s possible when sustainability becomes a strategic priority. Their investment in renewables, energy recovery systems and advanced machinery demonstrates that decarbonisation isn’t just possible, it’s good business strategy.
Northern Ireland’s quarrying and tile supply sectors can follow suit by:
- Installing solar PV to offset factory and plant power demand
- Electrifying material handling and processing equipment
- Tracking energy usage with advanced EMS (Energy Management Systems)
- Working with Encom to map and reduce carbon emissions
Encom is already helping construction and manufacturing clients reduce energy bills and meet sustainability goals through tailored commercial solar installations and EMS solutions.
How does this benefit homeowners and builders using these products?
More than ever, homeowners and developers are looking to reduce the environmental impact of their builds. When suppliers like David Scott Tiles work with manufacturers who are powered by renewables, the embodied carbon of their tiles is lower. This improves the sustainability credentials of new homes and buildings from the ground up.
By supporting supply chain decarbonisation, Encom is helping drive real change, not just in how buildings are powered, but how they are built.
Final Thoughts
Florim’s approach is proof that the construction supply chain can embrace solar and achieve measurable reductions in emissions. At Encom, we’re proud to support businesses like David Scott Tiles who are leading the charge.
Whether you’re in tile import, quarrying or construction, we can help you electrify your operations and take the next step on your journey to net zero.
Want to learn more about how Encom can help decarbonise your supply chain? Call or message us today to start the conversation.