Driving Real Change through Community & Sustainability
UBU Driving Real Change through Community & Sustainability – by Thomas Kenyon
At UBU Environmental Ltd, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t just a tick-box exercise—it’s an integral part of how we operate. Over the past year, we’ve maintained our commitment to the local community, sustainability, and social impact through hands-on work, targeted donations, environmental partnerships, and employee-led initiatives. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve been doing on the ground.
Supporting Local Communities through Action
Litter Picking on Moss Lane
In partnership with Salford City Council, our team carried out a community litter pick along Moss Lane Walkden, up to the Blackleach entrance. Volunteers from UBU as well as local residents rolled up their sleeves to help clean up the area, using equipment and bags supplied by Salford Council. The result? A visibly improved environment and a reminder of how local action can create real and immediate impact.
Walkden in Bloom – Grand Explosion of Bloom
We were honoured to be invited guests at Walkden in Bloom’s celebration event on 7th June. The initiative, supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Salford City Council, and ForHousing, has delivered impressive urban greening across Walkden. Events on the day included seed sowing, live music, and community recognition—all reinforcing the power of collective civic pride.
Tree Planting at Huyton
In December 2024, UBU donated and planted trees at a local primary school in Huyton. The planting was supported by sustainable material recovered via our treatment plant—reinforcing our circular approach to waste and environmental responsibility at the grassroots level.
Environmental Partnerships & Donations
City of Trees Donation
In July 2024, UBU made a financial contribution to local charity ‘City of Trees’ – an ambitious initiative aiming to plant 1,000 native broadleaf trees across Greater Manchester. Each £10 donation covers planting and 15 years of maintenance. Our support helps improve air quality, increase biodiversity, and engage local communities through hands-on environmental training and volunteering.
WeeCharity Technology Donation
We donated surplus electrical accessories and equipment to WeeeCharity in November 2024. This UK-registered charity supports low-income individuals while promoting ethical e-waste recycling – reducing landfill and extending product life through refurbishment and reuse.
Backing Local Education & Events
Christ the King RC Primary School
UBU continued to support Christ the King RC Primary School, most recently by donating a raffle prize for their 2025 Summer Gala – helping to raise much-needed funds for school activities and enrichment.
Investing in Mental Health & Community Resilience
Supporting The Shed – A Salford Foundation Project
UBU is proud to sponsor the Pantry at The Shed, a grassroots initiative run by Salford Foundation. The Shed offers a supportive space for socially isolated men in Salford, tackling mental health challenges, unemployment, and loneliness. Through our sponsorship, we help stock the Pantry with essential supplies—providing affordable food and preserving dignity for those in need.
We also partnered with The Shed to mark Men’s Health Week (9–15 June), using the opportunity to encourage open conversations about mental and physical wellbeing among our team—across drivers, engineers, and office staff alike.
Employee-Led Fundraising
Running for Autism Support and Awareness
At UBU, we’re proud to support the individual efforts of our team members who go above and beyond for causes that matter. In April 2025, Matthew Drakeley took on one of the world’s most iconic endurance events – the London Marathon – in support of Ambitious about Autism, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of autistic children and young people.
After months of disciplined training, Matt crossed the finish line in a strong time of 4 hours, 2 minutes, and 21 seconds, all while raising an outstanding £5,095 for the charity. His dedication, resilience, and commitment to making a real-world impact reflect the values we stand by as a business.
Advancing Sustainability through Research
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with The Manchester Metropolitan University
Our collaborative KTP with Manchester Metropolitan University has reached a major milestone. This partnership focused on the chemical characterisation of recovered filter cake material and included trials on 60 Silver Birch trees and a 12-month earthworm growth study. Results have been shared at international conferences and the Greater Manchester Green Summit. These efforts move us closer to regulatory approval and practical use of sustainable, waste-derived soil products.
As part of this work, Dr. Daniel Niepsch was appointed to the role of Head of Research & Development at UBU, leading our long-term innovation strategy. In June 2025, Dr. Niepsch was named a finalist for the 2025 Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards – Future Leader category and this recognition places Dr. Niepsch among a national shortlist of standout innovators shaping the future of the industry.
Powering Our Site With Solar
UBU has invested in solar energy infrastructure across our Moss Lane site, with panels installed on the Bungalow, Hire Desk, Garage, and an additional operational building. Since installation in November 2023 up to May 2025, we’ve generated over 160,000 kWh of energy – more than two-thirds of which has been used directly by the company, reducing reliance on the national grid and significantly contributing to our carbon reduction targets
Measuring Our Impact
Our carbon footprint has been independently assessed by Manchester Metropolitan University for the reporting period 01/08/2024 to 31/07/2025. The assessment covers Scope 1 emissions, which include direct outputs from vehicles and onsite equipment; Scope 2 emissions, related to the indirect impact of purchased electricity; and Scope 3 emissions, which account for other indirect sources such as business travel, waste, and supply chain activities. These findings will inform our strategy for reducing emissions and strengthening sustainability compliance going forward.
Continuing the Work that Matters
At UBU Environmental, we believe that responsible business is built on more than just operational performance – it’s defined by the impact we have on the communities we serve, the environment we operate in, and the people we work alongside. The activities outlined here reflect a wider commitment that runs through every part of our business: to lead by example, invest in meaningful change, and back it up with actions.
From community partnerships and charitable giving to environmental research and employee-driven initiatives, we’re proud of the role we continue to play in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive future.
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