Long before companies embraced the idea of science-based targets, we encouraged the UK’s biggest home improvement retailer B&Q to break from the business norm and set ground-breaking sustainability targets. These were based on what is needed to prevent catastrophic climate change and provided the basis for a pioneering sustainability strategy.
The strategy we helped develop had one goal: to make B&Q a truly sustainable company. It was structured using One Planet Living, our easy-to-understand sustainability framework.
Rather than base carbon targets on estimated savings connected to planned initiatives or activity, we advised B&Q to set targets based on how to avert climate change disaster: a bar-setting 90% reduction by 2023 from a 2006 baseline.
Other bold commitments include 100% responsibly sourced timber and 100% reduction in peat use by 2020.
These targets aimed to:
B&Q has been working with Bioregional since 2007 and together developed the award-winning One Planet Home programme. Bioregional has consistently delivered the strategic and technical support we need to ensure our sustainability ambitions are realised. They are a pleasure to work with and I can’t imagine a better sustainability partner for B&Q.
Rachel Bradley, Head of One Planet Home, B&Q UK plc (2005 – 2018)
Energy use and transport, for example, continue to become more efficient, while supply chain risks are minimised and innovative new products and services are continually sought.
B&Q is also well-known in the sector with its commitment and progress recognised by a large number of prestigious awards, including the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development.
Cumulatively these efforts have had a huge impact in reducing B&Q’s impacts and improving its bottom line since 2006/7.
A saving of 762,546 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions through a 41% reduction in B&Q’s absolute carbon footprint
Reducing costs by £164m through better energy, transport and waste management
99% diversion of waste from landfill
This document is for any company or organisation (including local governments) that wants to design or transform its customer offer, operations and supply chain, so that it becomes truly sustainable
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