A UK trade kitchen and joinery supplier, Howdens, has moved closer towards its ambition of creating zero emissions by switching 96% of its depot network over to clean, renewable energy.

With over 750 UK depots, the majority of Howdens’ depot network has switched over to using energy that is generated in the UK from wind, solar or hydro (water) power. Previously, depot electricity emissions made up more than 10% of Howdens’ total business carbon footprint.

The move equates to a reduction of over 6,500 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent of removing almost 1,500 cars from the roads.

Rob Black, director of ESG, Howdens says: “Switching to green, renewable energy across the majority of our depot network is a great stride on our Road to Zero. It supports our vision to become the UK’s leading sustainable kitchen and joinery business, and furthers our commitment to reducing the impact on the environment in all areas.”

The small proportion of the businesses’ depot network that has not switched to using renewable energy has their energy providers arranged directly by their landlords. However, as part of its ongoing strategy, Howdens is working with landlords to embrace and adopt green energy sources.

Earlier this year Howdens committed to set near- and long-term companywide emissions reduction targets in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and in 2021 the business achieved carbon-neutral manufacturing at its sites in Howden, Yorkshire and Runcorn in Cheshire in 2021. 100% of production waste at these sites is reused, recovered, or recycled, and 99% of depot waste avoids landfill.

To find out more about Howdens’ commitment to sustainability and its ‘Road to Zero’ plan visit https://www.howdens.com/help-and-advice/about-us/sustainability.