DIY retailer B&Q has published its first Build A Life Project Annual Report which revealed it has reduced its Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions by 63.5% since 2016/17.
In the same period, B&Q has seen a 56% reduction in the intensity of its Scope 3 carbon emissions (per million £ turnover) from its supply chain and in products used by customers.
In the last year alone, the retailer has reduced absolute greenhouse gas emissions from their operations – Scope 1 and 2 emissions – by 63.5%. This has exceeded their 2025/26 reduction target of 37.8%.
Scope 3 emissions account for around 98% of B&Qs total carbon emissions. In 2023/24, by offering products with improved energy efficiency to help decarbonise homes, collaborating with suppliers to help tackle manufacturing emissions, and by using fewer and different production and packaging materials, B&Q reducing the intensity of its Scope 3 emissions.
Joanna Gluzman-Laukkenen, B&Q’s director of responsible business, commented: “I am excited to have joined B&Q for the opportunity to help progress delivery of B&Q’s net zero targets and to help millions of people make more sustainable choices for their homes and to enhance B&Q’s positive contribution to people and planet.
“There’s always a lot that we must do for legislative and other reasons. However, we also have choices to make about what we want to do above and beyond that. We’re currently identifying environmental and social opportunities and risks so that we can prioritise our focus for the coming years, and we’re creating an integrated roadmap to give us a more holistic view of our Planet and People initiatives. There’s lots to do and it’s good to see the progress made this year.”
In May, the retailer announced it has achieved a 99.3% responsible sourcing of wood and paper products, meaning that the wood or paper is either FSC® certified with full chain of custody; PEFC certified with full chain of custody; or from a proven recycled source. It is aiming for 100% this year.
Furthermore, earlier this month B&Q added secondhand tools as part of its Refurbed by B&Q range, and expanded its tool hire service for customers not wanting to commit to a tool purchase.
Read more about B&Q in an exclusive interview. Amélie Gallichan Todd, supply & logistics director at B&Q, told Katie Searles why the retailer has been utilising its existing store network for fulfilment.
“Customers are looking for choice, not only in the products on offer, but also choice of when and how their purchases are delivered,” noted Gallichan-Todd.
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