Sustainability

Sustainability at TJ O'Mahony

Building Better, Operating More Responsibly

We continually review the energy we consume, the waste we generate, the products we source and the way we operate — looking for practical ways to reduce our environmental impact and support more energy-efficient building.

  • Renewable energy
  • Efficient operations
  • Responsible sourcing
  • Recycling & waste reduction

For TJ O'Mahony and the wider HPC Group, sustainability is about making measurable, practical improvements across our business while helping customers build and retrofit more efficiently.

Our branch network, purchasing decisions and specialist product ranges give us opportunities to improve how we use energy and resources, reduce waste and support more responsible product choices.

Our sustainability approach

Reviewing Our Impact and Taking Practical Action

Because of the scale and geographical spread of our branch network, we believe our approach to sustainability needs to be reviewed regularly and translated into practical action across the Group.

We work with specialist external partners to help assess areas such as energy consumption and environmental impact, identify opportunities for improvement and support the implementation of appropriate measures.

The programme is coordinated across the business, including our Purchasing team, whose responsibilities cover both product sourcing and many of the services required to operate our branches efficiently.

Renewable energy

Generating More of Our Electricity from Solar

Solar generation has become an important part of our programme to reduce reliance on grid electricity and improve energy efficiency across our operations.

HPC Group solar project

Investing in Lower-Energy Operations

Solar panels have been installed across our branch network as part of a wider programme to improve energy performance.

Alongside solar generation, lower-energy lighting has been introduced across stores and warehouse areas, helping reduce electricity demand while maintaining the lighting required for safe and effective operations.

The video provides a closer look at the HPC Group solar initiative and its implementation with UrbanVolt.

239,956 kWh

Electricity generated by solar panels in 2023

167,632 kg

CO₂ emissions avoided through solar generation in 2023

22%

Of total electricity consumption generated from solar in 2023

>25%

Solar share reported during 2024

Figures supplied by HPC Group for the solar energy programme. 2024 figure reflects the reported position at the time of measurement.

Electric forklifts at TJ O'Mahony Prosperous branch
Improving how we operate

Electrifying Our Branch Operations

We are progressively replacing internal-combustion forklifts with electric models across the branch network.

The transition is already largely complete at a number of locations, while other branches require additional charging infrastructure before the remaining equipment can be replaced.

Moving to electric forklifts reduces fuel use and local exhaust emissions within warehouse and yard environments, supporting more efficient day-to-day operations for our teams and customers.

Fleet

Electric Forklifts

Our forklift fleet is being transitioned from internal-combustion equipment to electric models as existing equipment and charging infrastructure are upgraded.

Transport infrastructure

22 kW EV Charging

Electric vehicle charging points are being rolled out across the branch network to support the increased use of electric vehicles within the Group fleet.

Energy efficiency

Lower-Energy Lighting

Warehouse and store lighting has been upgraded to more energy-efficient lighting, reducing electricity demand across day-to-day operations.

Recycling & waste management

Reducing Waste and Recovering More Materials

Our waste management approach focuses on separating recyclable materials, reducing packaging waste and ensuring recoverable materials are handled through appropriate recycling streams.

Packaging, Cardboard, Paper & Timber

TJ O'Mahony is a member of Repak, supporting our focus on reducing and recycling packaging waste. We also work with waste-management partners to provide recycling facilities across our warehouses, yards and offices.

  • Cardboard balers across HPC branches
  • Waste separation for recycling across the Group
  • Paper recycling facilities within offices
  • Timber waste, including damaged pallets and construction timber, separated for recycling

WEEE Recycling & Appliance Take-Back

When purchasing a qualifying electrical appliance, customers can have an equivalent old appliance collected for recycling on a like-for-like basis through our WEEE recycling arrangements.

  • Like-for-like collection on qualifying appliances
  • Old appliances directed to an appropriate recycling process
  • Subject to applicable product and delivery conditions
Responsible sourcing

FSC® Certified Products

We take the sourcing of timber products seriously and support responsible forestry through FSC® certified products within our range.

The Forest Stewardship Council® promotes responsible management of the world's forests through an internationally recognised certification system.

Where FSC® certification applies, customers should refer to the individual product specification or supporting documentation. If certification is required for a project, our team can help identify the appropriate product information before purchase.

FSC® C116414 — certification applies to eligible products within our range.
Helping customers build more efficiently

Products and Expertise for Better-Performing Buildings

Our sustainability approach also extends to the products and specialist expertise we provide for new-build, renovation and retrofit projects.

Heating, ventilation & renewables

Heat Pumps & Heat Recovery

Demand continues to grow for alternatives to traditional oil and gas heating. Through TJ O'Mahony, PH Ross and our specialist teams, customers can access heat pumps, heat-recovery systems, heating controls and related lower-energy technologies.

Our sales teams continue to build their product knowledge so they can support customers with relevant product information and help identify solutions suited to the requirements of each project.

€4.3m — reported sales of heat pumps and associated products over the twelve-month period referenced in the HPC Group sustainability update.
Building fabric

Insulation & Airtightness Expertise

HPC Group established a specialist insulation division in 2019 in response to increasing demand for insulation, airtightness and products that improve the energy performance of buildings.

The business has continued to invest in this specialist area, including the acquisition of a substantial Dublin facility in 2022 to support the insulation operation.

Our technical expertise helps contractors, designers and customers navigate insulation and airtightness requirements and identify suitable product solutions for their projects.

€8m investment in 2022 — acquisition of the Dublin building supporting the specialist insulation operation.
Our approach

Four Areas of Focus

Our programme brings together operational improvements and the products, services and expertise that can contribute to more efficient use of energy and resources.

Better Buildings

Insulation, airtightness, ventilation, heating and renewable technologies that support improved building performance.

Efficient Operations

Solar generation, electric equipment, lower-energy lighting and EV charging across our branch operations.

Responsible Sourcing

Certified products and responsible procurement practices that support more informed material choices.

Recycling & Waste

Packaging, cardboard, timber, paper and WEEE recycling supported by structured waste-separation processes.

Need Help With an Energy-Efficient Building Project?

Our branch and specialist teams can help you identify relevant products and supporting information across insulation, airtightness, heating, ventilation, renewables and responsible sourcing.

Need more information?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TJ O'Mahony doing to improve sustainability across its operations?

Our programme includes solar electricity generation, lower-energy lighting, the transition to electric forklifts, EV charging infrastructure, recycling and waste-separation initiatives, responsible sourcing and increased use of digital processes.

Does TJ O'Mahony generate renewable electricity?

Yes. Solar panels have been installed across our branch network. In 2023 the programme generated 239,956 kWh of electricity, representing 22% of the electricity consumption reported for the year.

Is TJ O'Mahony moving to electric forklifts?

Yes. Internal-combustion forklifts are progressively being replaced with electric models. The pace of transition varies by branch because some locations require charging infrastructure upgrades.

How does TJ O'Mahony manage packaging and operational waste?

We separate recyclable waste across the Group and use measures including cardboard balers, office paper recycling and timber-waste recycling. TJ O'Mahony is also a member of Repak, supporting our focus on packaging waste and recycling.

Does TJ O'Mahony sell FSC® certified products?

Yes. FSC® certified products are available within our range. Certification applies to eligible products and should be checked against the relevant product specification or supporting documentation.

Does TJ O'Mahony provide WEEE recycling?

Yes. When purchasing a qualifying electrical appliance, customers can have an equivalent old appliance collected for recycling on a like-for-like basis, subject to the applicable product and delivery conditions.

What products can help improve the energy performance of a building?

Our ranges include insulation and airtightness products, ventilation, heat pumps, heating controls and related renewable and lower-energy technologies for new-build, renovation and retrofit projects.

Can TJ O'Mahony provide technical advice on insulation and energy-efficient building products?

Our branch and specialist teams can help identify relevant products and supporting technical information. Product selection should always reflect the project design, applicable technical specification and current building regulations.