This is a guest article by Travis Perkins.
Travis Perkins are proud to help lead change in our industry and to set a benchmark for decarbonisation in the construction sector. We have also made strides to reduce our carbon footprint and to support our customers and the industry to adopt sustainable practices. These have included;
- 20th year of FSC chain of custody: Travis Perkins is celebrating its 20th consecutive year of FSC certification this year, which give customers peace of mind that the timber they purchase is sourced and handled in a sustainable way.
- Timber Development UK: Travis Perkins has signed up to become a member of Timber Development UK; a not for profit organisation that is the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body for timber in the UK.
- Increase in home-grown timber sources: Throughout the last 12 months Travis Perkins has also driven participation on Canadian Lumber Standard timber sourced in the UK , increasing it from 10% to 40%. This is against the general backdrop that 81% of timber consumed in the UK is imported, according to a House of Commons Committee report.
- Decarbonising fleet and estate: Travis Perkins is actively transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing renewable technologies. In 2023, the Group utilised Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in 270 vehicles, saving 1.4 million litres of diesel and reducing carbon emissions by 3,500 tonnes. Additionally, a pilot project was conducted to decarbonise one branch in each business, identifying renewable energy systems and low-carbon technologies required for long-term sustainability.
- Sustainable supply chain: We collaborate with manufacturers to minimise carbon emissions in product manufacturing. By ensuring products are sourced from ethically and sustainably managed suppliers, Travis Perkins is committed to responsible supply chain management.
- Supporting trade customers: Travis Perkins is dedicated to educating trade customers on energy-efficient products and installation methods. This includes promoting materials with lower embodied carbon and technologies designed to conserve energy and heat.
- Packaging reduction: Last year the Group significantly reduced plastic packaging by eliminating air pillows and packing peanuts, replacing foam door corners with cardboard, and switching to a lighter grip film for shrink wrap to reduce materials.
- Progress in 2023: With a science-based target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 80% by 2035 from a 2020 baseline, Travis Perkins achieved a 33% reduction by the end of last year. The Group’s primary focus was on training colleagues and enhancing their expertise in sustainability and carbon management.
Rosie Wise, Category Director of Timber and Joinery at Travis Perkins says:
Travis Perkins has been in the timber business for over 200 years, and we take our responsibility to the environment, suppliers and customers very seriously. We were one of the first businesses to sign up to chain of custody certification 20 years ago and we were trailblazers then and we are still leading the way now. By maintaining a chain of custody, it means we have accountability and transparency across the supply chain, preventing illegal logging, advocating for sustainable forestry practices, and upholding the integrity of our products.
Further, Megan Adlen, Sustainability Director at Travis Perkins, adds;
We are proud to be leading the way in decarbonising the construction industry. Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions extends beyond our operations to supporting our trade customers. By providing them with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable choices, we can collectively make a significant impact. Small changes, such as choosing energy-efficient products and adopting new construction methods, can lead to substantial benefits for both the environment and the economy. By prioritising decarbonisation across the built environment, we will enhance energy efficiency, promote sustainable living environments, leading to improved health and comfort in our homes.
As one of the biggest providers of timber for building and construction projects in the country, FSC chain of custody certification gives our customers peace of mind that the timber they buy is sourced and handled in a sustainable way.
Find out more from Travis Perkins here: https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/