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The MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle visited the Redruth branch of Bradfords Building Supplies, the country’s oldest builders’ merchant, to learn how it’s helping constituents with greener choices to support environmental responsibility in construction. The focus of the visit was how the building materials’ supply chain has evolved over two and a half centuries, and how it is responding to today’s net zero carbon challenge.
George Eustice, who is also secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, was welcomed by Giles Bradford, head of sustainability, and Dean Gerrans, general manager. Touring the branch, Mr Eustice was shown examples of the latest sustainable materials and products available to Bradfords’ customers in its seven Cornish branches.
George Eustice said: “It was great to recently visit Bradfords’ Building Supplies in Redruth to hear how they are embracing low- and zero-carbon construction initiatives, whilst serving their traditional housebuilding and property improvement markets.
“Bradfords’ is still a family-run business, having celebrated its 250th anniversary, it is great to see they are still thriving, local business that plays an important role in not only the Camborne and Redruth economy, but also more widely throughout Cornwall.
“I thank Dean Gerrans, Giles Bradford, and their team for helping local SME builders and DIY customers with their building works and home improvement projects as we seek to Build Back Better and Build Back Greener.”
George Eustice MP is the minister responsible for natural resources including timber. Bradfords outlined to the MP how they uphold industry standards on responsible sourcing of timber – notably European softwoods imported from Scandinavia.
There was also discussion about the issue of phosphate pollution being considered by local authorities in planning applications throughout the South West – and the impact it is having on local housebuilders in the catchment areas of the River Camel and River Fal.
Giles Bradford said: “With the built environment contributing to around 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, our customers have a big role to play in meeting the legally-binding net zero 2050 target.
“We’re passionate about supporting our customers here in Cornwall and across the South West in rising to this challenge. We do this by helping to educate them about informed choices they can make in their building works and home improvement projects – and by stocking the latest sustainable materials and products on the market.”
