How is B&Q Targeting Scope 3 Emission Reduction?
B&Q, the UK's premier home improvement retailer, is stepping up its commitment to sustainability with an ambitious focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions.
As these emissions account for around 98% of B&Q's total carbon footprint, addressing them is critical for the retailer's environmental strategy.
- Category 1 (Purchased goods and services): B&Q is collaborating with suppliers to help tackle manufacturing emissions, asking top vendors to set Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) roadmaps and decarbonisation targets. The company also uses Manufacture 2030's platform to help vendors build emissions roadmaps.
- Category 4 & Category 9 (Upstream and downstream transportation and distribution): B&Q has reduced its logistics carbon footprint by 28% since 2016. It is using one of the country's largest fleets of LNG tractor units, saving around 16,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2020. The company has also trialled electric vehicles for its home delivery fleet.
- Category 8 (Upstream leased assets): B&Q has invested in infrastructure to make its buildings more efficient, including installing LED lighting and solar panels at distribution centres.
- Category 11 (Use of sold products): B&Q is focusing on offering products with improved energy efficiency to help decarbonise homes. It is providing energy-saving products like programmers, room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves that can reduce a home's carbon emissions.
Scope 3 emission reduction strategies
B&Q is taking bold strides towards greener business practices, aiming to cut Scope 3 emissions by partnering closely with suppliers.
The retailer champions more efficient manufacturing methods, reducing carbon output, whilst material use also gets a makeover, with streamlined packaging and sustainable alternatives at the forefront of B&Q’s plans.
Its commitment to responsible sourcing shines through in a 99.3% compliance rate for sustainably sourced wood and paper, setting sights on 100% by 2024.
These initiatives have led to a 56% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity (per million £ turnover) since 2016, highlighting B&Q's steady progress in reducing its supply chain's environmental impact.
Engaging suppliers in decarbonisation
In partnership with its parent company, Kingfisher, B&Q has set ambitious decarbonisation targets for its suppliers:
- By 2028, B&Q's top 100 vendors must establish a roadmap aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to achieve decarbonisation. Following this, 450 vendors will set similar goals by 2030, ensuring the entire supply chain is moving toward a more sustainable future.
- To aid vendors in meeting these goals, B&Q provides shared training, expertise and access to the Manufacture 2030 platform, a cloud-based tool for tracking and managing emissions data. B&Q is building a resilient, sustainable network across its entire product line by supporting suppliers.
Innovating delivery solutions
B&Q is shaking up deliveries and product options with creative, eco-conscious solutions that meet customer needs while shrinking its carbon footprint.
In Milton Keynes, a trial with DPD UK has seen autonomous robot deliveries zipping small parcels to doorsteps, offering a futuristic and greener way to shop.
Meanwhile, B&Q has teamed up with Deliveroo for on-demand delivery from nine B&Q Local stores across London.
Sustainability extends to the products, too. B&Q’s “Refurbed by B&Q” range brings second-hand tools back to life, letting customers snag affordable, waste-reducing gear. DIYers can also skip buying altogether with the expanded tool hire service - a practical, eco-friendly option for occasional projects.
B&Q’s commitment to greener choices transforms how we shop, saying loud and clear: convenience and sustainability go hand in hand.
We're working hard to improve our fulfilment services to give our customers more choice of when and how their B&Q purchases are delivered.
Our aim is to give customers more choice of speed and location whilst, at the same time, fulfilling our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment and the introduction of these electric trucks into our fleet is another step towards our transition to alternative fuels.
Through comprehensive strategies targeting Scope 3 emissions, B&Q demonstrates its leadership in sustainable retail.
By blending environmental responsibility with innovative solutions, B&Q is setting a high standard in the industry, ensuring a greener future while meeting its customers' evolving needs.
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