MKM commits to low carbon operations

Builders merchant MKM Building Supplies (MKM), is stepping up its sustainability game — cutting carbon, boosting energy efficiency, and backing greener building solutions across the board.

The company’s newly opened Cheltenham branch is its first to have the entire shell structure built to BREEAM Excellent standards, and is designed as an all-electric site which includes a roof-mounted solar PV array, air-source heating systems MVHR, movement-controlled LED lighting systems and intelligent energy management systems. Some 42% of the branch’s total annual electricty consumption will be provided by the PV system and with a REGO certified grid supply the building achieves an operational carbon net zero status for its energy use. The branch also deploys electric forklift trucks, EV charging points and will shortly include an electric delivery vehicle. Cheltenham sets a new benchmark for future branches.

“We know that construction has a significant carbon footprint, and we’re not pretending we have all the answers,” says Rachel Constable, Head of ESG at MKM. “What we do have is a clear and measurable plan to improve. We’re working within our own operations to cut emissions, and we’re helping customers make informed choices about sustainability. Cheltenham is a great example of what’s possible, but it’s just the start.”

With most of its branch buildings leasehold properties, MKM has to work closely with landlords to implement sustainability improvements, according to David Shaw, Head of Special Projects at MKM. “But we’re seeing landlords engage more actively in sustainability initiatives. Greener buildings are more attractive to tenants and investors alike, and this aligns with our drive to operate more efficiently and responsibly. From that point, it’s up to us to make as many appropriate decisions as possible – choosing energy-efficient systems and operational best practices – to ensure the entire building is as sustainable as possible.”

In April, the business was awarded a Silver EcoVadis Medal, placing it in the top 15% of companies assessed for sustainability globally. The rating reflects strong performance across key areas including environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

“We’re responsible for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions which includes electricity, gas, biomass, and diesel, but we know from our Scope 3 emissions work, that the biggest impact comes through our supply chain,” said Rachel. “Our suppliers are stepping up—offering more sustainable materials, reducing their own emissions, and embedding sustainability into their operations. We see ourselves as the link between these suppliers and our customers, ensuring that demand for greener construction is met with the right solutions,” Constable continues.

“As a builders’ merchant, we rely on our fleet to deliver for our customers, and it would be naïve not to acknowledge that transport remains our largest source of emissions within scope 1 & 2. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make improvements. We’re rolling out technology to help us track fleet emissions at a branch level and making strategic investments to lower our impact. We recently introduced our first electric crane and we’re transitioning our forklift fleet, with close to 50% now fully electric and expansion planned across additional branches. We’ve also adopted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) HGVs where infrastructure allows, with a growing number now operating in our logistics network. We’re committed to embedding sustainability across our business as we progress towards our net zero targets.”