Garland UK Sustainability Report 2024

Garland UK is proud to unveil its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining the measurable progress we’ve made in helping clients across the public and private sectors advance their environmental goals. Our focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and investing in people is already delivering practical benefits to estates, facilities and asset managers across the UK.

Now in our second year of formal reporting, the latest data reflects how Garland UK is aligning with net zero ambitions in the built environment, bringing structure, science, and real momentum to what can often feel like an overwhelming challenge for many property professionals.

Taking Real Climate Action in the Roofing and Building Envelope Sector

For organisations looking to decarbonise their estates, data-led decision-making is essential. That’s why Garland UK began its journey by establishing a baseline year in 2023 and using 2024 to track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

This year, we are proud to report a 7% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions, a significant step toward our long-term target of achieving net zero by 2050. This reduction was achieved primarily through improved freight and transport planning, areas that represent nearly 80% of our carbon footprint. 

To ensure our approach remains credible and aligned to international standards, Garland UK has retired its PAS 2060 carbon neutrality commitment in favour of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By 2027, we aim to validate our near-term targets and continue our transition to net zero using verified frameworks that are recognised across both public procurement and private investment channels.

Our newly published Carbon Reduction Plan, compliant with the UK Government’s Procurement Policy Note 06/21, outlines how we’re tackling Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and how our clients can benefit from these reductions through better material choices, smarter logistics and more sustainable system design.

Helping Clients Cut Whole-Life Carbon Through Smarter System Choices

Whether you’re managing a school roof replacement, a multi-building housing scheme or a commercial retrofit, the materials you specify matter. In 2024, Garland UK extended its suite of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to 17 of our 18 core systems, including our new Solarise solar PV range with supply partner Solarwatt PV. These independently verified documents provide full transparency on carbon and resource impacts across the lifecycle of our roofing, rainscreen, and solar systems.

Crucially, our systems are designed to outperform their guarantee periods, reducing the need for early replacement and allowing our clients to plan long-term maintenance and investment cycles with confidence. With support from your dedicated Garland Technical Manager, you also gain access to design-stage advice and digital documentation via our Roof Asset Management Programme (RAMP), ensuring compliance, traceability, and better building performance over time.

Zero Waste to Landfill: Proven Resource Efficiency in Action

Sustainability doesn’t stop at emissions. In the face of growing scrutiny around construction waste, Garland UK maintained zero waste to landfill throughout 2024, partnering with Grundon to divert 100% of non-recyclable waste through energy recovery and maximising recycling at every opportunity.

Year on year, we achieved a 19.5% reduction in total waste, alongside an increase in recycling rates from 13% to 24%. These improvements reflect practical changes across our operations, such as reusing surplus materials, improving warehouse processes, and working with suppliers to reduce packaging at source.

Garland UK’s definition of avoidable waste is now clearly defined and aligned to circular economy principles, helping estates managers and specifiers understand how to reduce environmental impact at every stage, from design to installation and aftercare.

Empowering Your Team and Ours: A People-Centric Approach to Sustainability

We know that delivering sustainable buildings is ultimately a people-powered effort. In 2024, we continued to invest in both internal and external education, ensuring that everyone, from project managers to specifiers, has access to the knowledge and tools needed to deliver more sustainable outcomes.

Our Technical Managers delivered in-person CPD sessions to 717 specifiers nationwide, with additional online webinars engaging hundreds more professionals. These sessions covered critical topics such as flat roof defects, sustainable roof design, and solar integration, equipping surveyors, architects, and estates teams with up-to-date insight that directly supports project performance and regulatory compliance.

Internally, every Garland UK employee undertook training across key ESG topics, including modern slavery, anti-bribery, environmental awareness and health and safety. We also supported our communities through 100 hours of volunteering with FareShare SouthWest and continued our tradition of staff engagement through team events and development initiatives, reflecting our unique position as a 100% employee-owned business.

Supporting Your Sustainability Goals into 2025 and Beyond

As the sector accelerates towards net zero, Garland UK remains committed to helping our customers meet their sustainability objectives in a way that is practical, measurable, and built to last.

Next year, we’ll begin benchmarking suppliers on their carbon credentials, expand our data collection processes, and continue to investigate low-carbon alternatives for transport and materials. We’ll also deepen our engagement with Approved Contractors and the wider supply chain to ensure that social value, fair practices, and ethical sourcing are considered at every stage of a project.

Mark Fisher, General Manager at Garland UK, adds  ‘This report reflects the continued dedication of our entire team. As we move forward into the next phase of our roadmap, we remain focused on transparency, science-based action, and delivering lasting, measurable impact across carbon, resource efficiency, and people.”

Read the full 2024 Sustainability Report and see how Garland UK can support your journey to net zero.