SIG’s five sustainability commitments
Achieving net-zero carbon by 2035
Our carbon footprint includes emissions for which we are directly responsible, such as vehicle and heating fuel (Scope 1) and emissions by third parties from the generation of electricity that we then use (Scope 2). This year we completed a study to quantify our total Scope 3 emissions. This study enhances our understanding of our impact and outlines how we will work with our partners to reduce these over time.
In comparison to 2019 (the last year unaffected by Covid-19), we have achieved a reduction in both Scope 1 emissions, which include vehicle and heating fuel, of 15.6%, and Scope 2 emissions, which include electricity, of 25.3%. Overall, Scope 1 and 2 emissions combined have fallen by 16.8% as of our 2020 reporting period.
Investment in a greener fleet is a priority for us as around 85% of SIG’s emissions originate from our vehicles. We are looking to move to electric cars and forklifts in most operations and where it’s not possible to transition immediately, we will continue to source lower-carbon fuel in the interim.
Read more about our recent performance in Achieving net-zero carbon by 2035
Sending zero SIG waste to landfill by 2025
Our primary responsibility is the SIG waste that we directly control, including monitoring and validating third-party waste contracts for our sites. This will be achieved by waste segregation, reuse of packaging, and paperless processes.
By the very nature of our role as a distributor handling the supply of products between customers and suppliers, means we are already coordinating complex logistics and breaking bulk, helping to reduce on-site waste (both materials and labour) in construction. We are well placed to support a circular economy by recycling and repurposing materials to reduce waste and raw materials extraction.
We are a member of the Valpak compliance scheme, and we comply with our commitments under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007.
Partnering with manufacturers and customers to reduce carbon and waste across the supply chain
We know we have an influential role to play in partnership with our manufacturers and customers to influence the broader carbon emissions associated with the products that we distribute and support customers and manufacturers to take tangible steps to reach their own net zero carbon goals too.
Using our central position in the supply chain we will focus on categories aligned to green growth drivers, partnering with suppliers to deepen insight into the sustainability products to enable customers to consider trade-offs between embodied carbon and in-life energy efficiency, and making lower carbon materials and systems accessible.
Health and safety leader in building materials distribution
Our commitment is to lead the health and safety agenda in building materials distribution as we passionately believe that everyone who works at or with SIG should feel safe and well, both physically and mentally. We do all we can to ensure the physical safety of our employees and anyone who visits our premises and provide a work environment that ensures our colleagues feel safe, proud, and valued.
Read more about our recent Health and Safety performance in our Annual Report
An employer of choice in our sector
Our ambition is to be an employer of choice in building materials distribution. Simply put, we want SIG to be a great place to work and for people to want to work for us.
We are committed to promoting opportunity for everyone, with an inclusive and supportive culture that empowers our people to give their best and reach their potential.
Read more about how we support our people here