B&Q ‘well on way’ to 90% carbon slash by 2023

B&Q has reduced its CO2 emissions by 29% against a 2006/7 baseline, despite a 10% increase in total square footage of its stores, according to the company's annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report released today.


The independent report, compiled by sustainability charity BioRegional reveals that the DIY giant has made 310,000 tonnes of cumulative savings on CO2 emissions since its One Planet Home sustainability programme began more than five years ago.

Overall, nearly 80% of targets have been achieved, exceeded or are on track to be met including, B&Q claims, its target of reducing carbon emissions by 90% by 2023.

Steps the retailer is taking to cut carbon include the introduction of energy-efficient LED lighting in six of its stores, which has driven savings of up to 50% on power bills. The company plans to roll out the installation of LED lighting into all of its stores over the next eight years.

Last year the company also signed a new contract with its electricity supplier which will enable it to source renewable power from outside it main supply contract. B&Q says as well as helping it meet its zero carbon electricity target, the agreement will also contribute to new renewable energy capacity in the UK.

In addition, 50 dual-fuel, low-carbon biomethane trucks have been introduced at the company’s distribution centre in Swindon and permission for a refuelling station has been granted.

However, while B&Q has reduced its electricity consumption across its stores by 30% compared with the 2006 baseline, gas usage rose by 2% in the same period due to a cold winter in 2012.

B&Q has also made progress in its waste management and is now diverting 91% of its waste from landfill while recycling 71% of it.

Conor McGlone

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