Sustainable operations - carbon

The Group takes responsibility for direct environmental impacts from its estate of over 1,400 sites and fleet of 2,500 vehicles.  The Group has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon – relating to the Group’s fleet and estate – by 80% by 2035 and offset any remaining emissions. Whilst 99% of the Group’s footprint is in the supply chain, to have integrity in asking suppliers and customers to decarbonise the Group must address its own direct emissions.

For information on the Group’s Scope 3 target and progress see the Sustainable Solutions page.

During 2025, Scope 1&2 carbon reduced by -4%, taking performance from the 2020 baseline year to 2024 to -44%. The absolute reduction is partly influenced by volume-driven activity decline in a tough economic climate

Decarbonising the fleet

The Group continued using HVO instead of diesel in 156 HGVs, reducing carbon emissions by c.3,000 tCO₂e. and 104 aged HGVs were replaced by new, higher-efficiency models. Drivers are financially incentivised to drive efficiently for reduced fuel consumption and improved safety, and 352 branches achieved Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme certification, recognising responsible fleet management.

Decarbonising the estate

The renewable energy tariff was renewed in 2025, sustaining previous carbon savings of c.10,500 tCO₂e emissions per year. The LED lighting project continued, upgrading lighting in 109 locations, which lowers energy demand and costs. four new branch openings were decarbonised with air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging stations. A climate-adaptation survey was conducted to inform a Climate Adaptation Playbook for estate planning.

Environmental Policy

ISO14001 Certificate

Carbon Emissions Accounting Overview

LRQA Independent Assurance Statement

Buildings roadmap

Fleet roadmap

Scope 3 roadmap