A blog written by Marshalls...

Marshalls has had its carbon reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This is a big achievement, especially since we’re the first construction materials company in the UK to do so. But what do science based targets really mean?

In 2016, the Paris agreement was signed by the majority of worldwide countries to take the steps needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, whilst pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. This was a huge development in the fight to recognising the impact of climate change.

We’ve all seen the news reports. Global warming is real and I’ve seen it for myself. In 2017, I went to the North Pole to see with my own eyes the impact of climate change on the polar ice caps. The result is startling, so much so that the trip I took was the last one because the ice is now too thin to support a camp and transport to get in and out. The melting of the polar ice caps has a direct impact on sea levels which will rise and result in flooding for low lying coastal areas all over the world.

Setting science based-targets
As a UK manufacturing company, Marshalls recognises the need to act now. We’re doing our bit and taking responsibility for our carbon emissions, by making the changes needed to meet the Paris agreement. Part of this is setting science-based targets, in order to make those changes and demonstrate our leadership on climate action. Our science-based targets have been verified by the Carbon Trust and approved by the SBTI.

By setting science-based targets, we’re aligning our carbon emission reduction goals in line with what the climate science says is needed to keep warming well-below 2°C, and preferably 1.5°C. For Marshalls, this is what being sustainable is all about. We have to take action and as a business, we have a vital role to play in securing the future of the planet.

How will Marshalls achieve its science-based targets?
Now that our science-based targets have been approved, we’re putting in place a programme of activity which will help us achieve our targets. We’ve already switched to renewable energy, so now we’re going further with the electrification of our fork lift trucks and looking at productivity and efficiency in our manufacturing processes. We will also be working with our core suppliers, along with looking at better ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our products and shipping of our products.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets.