As a generation, we are consuming the world's resources faster than they can be replenished.
B&Q recognises this and are actively trying to make a difference.
As UK’s leading home improvement and garden centre retailer, B&Q recently won The Observer’s Ethical Business Award 2010. The retailer collected the award from Oscar nominated actor and environmental campaigner, Colin Firth. The company's strong heritage in sustainability was recognised by the judging panel, which included Ben Fogle and Jo Wood, who were impressed by the huge achievements made by B&Q.
This includes its 16% absolute reduction in CO2 emissions against a 2006/7 baseline, its work towards demystifying ecological ideas to
the consumer and its overall commitment to being a responsible retailer. This is the first time B&Q has entered the awards, after having made significant changes to its operations and reducing its absolute carbon emissions by 16 percent in the last few years.
Changes include making all in-store lighting displays energy efficient, creating skip-less stores to reduce waste to landfill, reducing packaging and introducing double-decker lorries to substantially cut road miles.
B&Q recently launched eco advice centres in its flagship stores. These eco shops are fronted by qualified eco-advisors trained to NVQ level two standard. The specialist advisors offer tips on how people can lower their eco footprint at home and recommend products from the company’s One Planet Home eco range to help them do so.
The awards, which are now in their fifth year, aim to identify the quality and diversity of British eco ‘heroes’ with categories including a Lifetime Achievement, Conservation Project of the Year, Ethical Politician and Ethical Business Award.
B&Q has committed to becoming a One Planet Company and is working in partnership with BioRegional to reduce its direct impact to sustainable levels and helping its three million customers achieve One Planet Homes and lifestyles.
About B&Q
The Observer Ethical Business Award is the third such accolade to be awarded to the retailer this year. B&Q has also made the top 50 Sunday Times Green Businesses list and a Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Award
B&Q is the largest home improvement and garden centre retailer in the UK and Ireland with 330 stores, employing more than 30,000 people nationwide, more than a quarter of whom are over 50 years of age, with a similar number under the age of 25.
B&Q is part of Kingfisher plc, Europe’s leading home improvement retail group and the third largest in the world.
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