The Duncan Print Group is a successful printing and packaging business based at a 130,000sq ft site in Welwyn Garden City in dire need of external refurbishment. 

The Company has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to environmental issues and was one of the first printing companies to achieve FSC accreditation ensuring the use of sustainable materials in its processes.

In 2009 the Company decided it had to invest in a new roof – the existing roof was coming to the end of its life - it was susceptible to leaks during heavy rainfall and did not have the heat insulation properties to be found in newer designs.

Bill Duncan, the Managing Director, enquired about part funding this investment through the Carbon Loans Scheme, introduced to support businesses to invest in measures to reduce carbon emissions. 

The company applied for a ‘carbon loan’ on the basis that the planned investment would improve the insulating properties of the premises and achieve energy savings of up to 25% per year.  This required a preliminary online registration and a straightforward application process.  The Company was successful in obtaining an interest-free business loan from the Carbon Trust for £80,000.00, with a payback period of 4 years.

The result has delighted all at Duncan Print – Bill Duncan comments: “In conjunction with The Carbon Trust, we managed to half our heating bills from the month following a complete re-roof of our premises.  Letchworth Roofing provided expert advice and assistance and delivered the re-roofing with no delays or hidden costs.  The work consisted of overlaying both the office block and print room roof and also replacing over 30 roof-lights.  This was achieved without any disruption to our business and also ensuring staff were fully protected during installation, which was of utmost importance to us”.