Knauf's 2022 Sustainability Report outlines a roadmap for the company to reach its goals of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
The report identifies three focus areas for achieving the company's goals: People, Planet and Prosperity. Within each of these pillars, there are specific actions Knauf is taking to achieving these goals.
Measurability and accountability are key in setting these sustainability targets. The partnership with Planet Mark, an independent business that certifies company’s sustainability progress by monitoring carbon emissions, and applying Environmental, Social, and Government (ESG) criteria, is central to this.
Through this partnership, Knauf can effectively measure and verify progress not just in carbon reduction, but social value too. This extra layer adds value to the measures the business is taking, and demonstrates the commitment to meeting the net zero target.
In measuring progression to date, Knauf's carbon emissions are down 8.2% in 2022 compared to a 2021 baseline. Within that reduction, Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 7.9%. Social value has also improved year-on-year, with a 64% increase underlining the positive impact Knauf continues to have on employees and local communities.
Introducing the report and setting out what it means to the business for both internal and external stakeholders, Ian Stokes, Knauf UK & Ireland Managing Director, said: “Sustainability is not a nice to have, but an essential part of the way we live and work. We will put people and communities first, achieve net zero carbon and be a key player in the circular economy.
“Our strategy focuses on three core areas where we will bring real action and measurability to ensure progression. We’re educating and encouraging all our staff, suppliers, and stakeholders to take on more sustainable practices to help meet these goals. This report is our marker in the ground and offers a focused route to achieving Net Zero.”
