Trade kitchen giant Howdens has had its company-wide emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).
The SBTI is an independent global body that enables businesses to set emissions targets in line with the latest climate science thinking, working closely with the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact and the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Howdens says that it is the first major UK trade kitchen company to be approved by the SBTI.
As part of the sustainability strategy Howdens first launched in 2021, the kitchen company has pledged to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030 and that by 2027 all of its energy requirements will be met from renewable sources. It has also previously committed to achieve Net Zero status by 2050 across its value chain.
Howdens said it will also actively engage with and support its suppliers in establishing their own science-based emissions targets, aiming to have a quarter of them signed up to SBTI by 2027.
Howdens sustainability lead Claire Toomey said: “Securing SBTI’s endorsement for our emissions reduction targets validates our plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. This accreditation underscores our dedication to ensuring we take a proactive stance in mitigating climate change. It not only reinforces our responsibility but also recognises that achieving sustainable practices in the kitchen industry necessitates collective action.
“We are steadfast in our determination to contribute to this cause, advocating for greener solutions and minimising our impact on the environment.”
Howdens has already switched 96% of its depots to renewable energy and is switching its vehicle fleet to run on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which it says should save 90% on CO2 emissions for every journey.
Howdens has more than 800 depots across the UK.