Somerset Folks Take Note: Screwfix Going Green!
Screwfix, a well-known trade retailer, has been busy cutting down on their carbon footprint. Since 2021, they’ve managed to halve their direct carbon emissions (that’s the stuff they make from their stores and deliveries) by a whopping 50%! This is even more impressive considering they’ve also grown the number of stores from 790 to over 900 in that same time.
So how’d they do it?
- Saying Goodbye to Fossil Fuels: Screwfix has been switching out old-fashioned gas and oil heating in their stores for air source heat pumps. These clever gadgets use cleaner electricity to keep things toasty, which is much better for the environment. They’ve already done this in over 639 stores, and more are being added all the time.
- Greener Deliveries: Screwfix is also ditching dirty diesel in their delivery vehicles. Instead, they’re using a special fuel called HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). Made from recycled stuff like cooking oil, HVO helps reduce nasty emissions and keeps the air cleaner for everyone. They’ve already switched over 85% of their fleet, and they’re not stopping there!
The Journey Continues
Screwfix isn’t finished yet. They’re determined to completely wipe out their direct carbon emissions in the next two years, and they’re also working on tackling the indirect stuff (like the emissions from making all their products).
Screwfix’s “Let’s Fix Tomorrow, Today” Scheme
This ambitious plan isn’t just about cutting emissions. Screwfix wants to be a champion for sustainability across the board. Here’s what else they’re up to:
- Giving Old Gear a New Lease on Life: Screwfix is all for keeping things out of landfill. They’ve been selling refurbished products, giving perfectly good tools and equipment a second chance. Last year, they sold a whopping £2 million worth of refurbished kit, and they’re planning to double that amount this year by investing even more in their refurbishment operation.
- Helping You Shop Green: Finding eco-friendly products can be tricky, so Screwfix is making it easier. They’ve got a “Green Star” label for products with a lower environmental impact. In 2023, over 1,500 products had this label, and they’re aiming to double that number by summer!
- Waste Not, Want Not: Screwfix is a champion of recycling. Last year, they recycled a mighty 83% of their waste, with only 17% needing to be burned (and even then, the heat was captured to make electricity!). They’re also working on reducing paper waste and helping their staff be more mindful of what they print.
- Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly packaging is another focus. Screwfix is working with suppliers to use recycled materials and has switched their own brands (like Site and Turbo) to packaging that’s easy to recycle. They’ve even made their high-volume No Nonsense sealant tubes with over 30% recycled plastic!
- Empowering Employees: Screwfix knows their staff are key to their success. They’ve launched initiatives like “Make a Switch” to encourage employees to share sustainable ideas, and even held a company-wide “The Big Switch” event to raise awareness about saving energy. They also celebrated their first ever “SustainFest” in April, with fun activities and talks about sustainability.
Matt Compton, Screwfix Commercial Director, says: “Our staff tell us they really care about working for a responsible company, and we’re proud of the amazing progress we’ve made. We know there’s more to do, but we’re committed to going even further to reduce our environmental impact and make it easier for our customers to shop sustainably.”
Screwfix’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed either. They’ve been recognized by the British Retail Consortium for their sustainability achievements, winning awards for their HVO project and air source heat pump program. So, if you’re in Somerset and looking for a retailer that’s serious about the environment, Screwfix is definitely worth checking out!
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