Karndean Designflooring Takes Next Steps Toward a Low Carbon Business

Karndean Designflooring, the UK’s leading supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, is forging ahead with its Karndean Evolve® sustainability strategy after receiving approval of its near-term targets from the Science Based Targets initiative.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a corporate climate action organisation that is developing standards, tools and guidance to help businesses set appropriate targets, has announced that it has independently assessed and approved Karndean’s near-term science-based emissions reduction targets.

Fleur Carson, managing director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Karndean was founded on innovation, bold action and a pioneering spirit and we are still guided by these ideals today because the future demands change. Tackling key environmental challenges and protecting the natural world have become major considerations for the construction industry so we are proud to be taking a leading role in the building of a greener future.

“Our Karndean Evolve® strategy explains how we will reduce our environmental impact through continual improvement and outlines how we are integrating the principles of sustainability across our global operations. We have taken a science-based approach to setting ambitious yet achievable targets to reduce our carbon emissions and it is highly gratifying to receive validation of our approach from the SBTi.”

Having set out its 2022 baseline for greenhouse emissions from all sources in its Karndean Evolve® Sustainability Report 2023, including those controlled directly, indirectly and via third parties, Karndean Designflooring has committed to reduce absolute greenhouse emissions controlled directly and indirectly by 42% by 2030 and from end of life treatment of its sold products by 51.6% by 2030. In addition, it will aim for 62% of its suppliers to commit to science-based targets by 2028.

Jamie Shaw, global head of sustainability at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Joining the SBTi is a key step toward the success of our Karndean Evolve® strategy as it ensures that our planned climate action is in line with the latest science. With this knowledge we can be confident that our goals are in line with the 1.5C trajectory confirmed necessary by the 2015 Paris Agreement. Achieving this third party endorsement demonstrates our commitment not only to taking bold action but also to being open and transparent as we make progress.”

The ® strategy outlines how the business is reducing its environmental impact and sets out its future plans in six key focus areas: confronting climate change, individual health and wellbeing, sustainable resource use, inclusion and diversity, supply chain transparency and education.

To confront climate change through increased energy efficiency and renewable energy, Karndean has developed a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources it controls directly, indirectly, and through third parties (known as scopes 1, 2, and 3, respectively). This plan includes further investment in solar power across its property portfolio, constructing new buildings to achieve BREEAM Excellent accreditation, transitioning to lower-emission fleet vehicles, and increasing recycling opportunities to support a circular economy.

For further information on the Karndean Evolve® Strategy and Sustainability Report 2023 or to book a free Specifying Sustainability CPD, visit www.karndean.com/karndeanevolve.

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