Garland UK Achieves Scope 1 and 2 Carbon Neutrality
Garland UK has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey, achieving carbon neutrality across Scope 1 and 2 emissions for the first time. This marks a defining step in our long-term commitment to reducing operational emissions and operating responsibly, with verified Gold Standard offsets used to balance the small amount of unavoidable emissions remaining after a year of substantial progress.
This achievement follows two years of rigorous data collection, operational improvements, and emissions reduction measures set out in our 2024 Sustainability Report and Carbon Reduction Plan. Becoming carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 represents the culmination of focused work across every area of the business, supported by an employee-owned team that continues to prioritise doing the right thing for each other and the environment.
Measurable Progress
Throughout 2024, Garland UK recorded a 7% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions compared with the previous year, driven primarily by improvements in freight efficiency, energy use, and travel. These reductions were achieved before any offsets were applied. The company also maintained zero waste to landfill, reduced total waste generation by almost 20%, and improved recycling rates from 13% to 24% through better segregation, packaging changes, and internal awareness campaigns. Alongside this, our electricity supply is now 100% REGO-backed, and our gas supply includes a renewable and offset component, verified by the Carbon Trust.
The Gold Standard credits purchased this year support a solar lighting project in Zambia, which delivers clean energy access to off-grid communities while generating measurable emissions reductions. This initiative (chosen by employee-owner vote) aligns with Garland UK’s values, being practical, transparent, and socially beneficial. However, the offset project is not the centre of this achievement; it is another final piece of the puzzle, complementing the hard work already underway in our own operations to cut emissions at source.
Mark Fisher, General Manager, commented, “This milestone reflects determination and follow-through. We set a clear plan to reduce our footprint, made measurable progress, and then used verified offsets to balance the remaining emissions. It shows that when you stay committed to doing things properly, real progress follows.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Garland UK’s carbon neutrality builds on a solid foundation of operational efficiency and continuous improvement. In recent years, we have upgraded our offices and warehouses with LED lighting, improved fleet and freight efficiency through partnerships such as FreightRoute, and introduced recyclable packaging and product innovations with clear environmental data through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These practical actions have not only reduced emissions but also strengthened transparency with our customers and supply chain partners.
Our near-term target remains to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 45% by 2032, based on our 2023 baseline year, and to achieve a 90% absolute reduction across all three scopes by 2050. The commitment to measurable long-term reduction remains central to our sustainability strategy. Offsetting our operational footprint in 2025 was always intended as part of this plan, a responsible step forward taken only after reductions had been demonstrated and verified through data.
Charlotte Fenwick, Sustainability Lead, added, “Becoming carbon neutral for Scopes 1 and 2 is a collective achievement. It reflects the work of every employee-owner who has helped us integrate sustainability into daily decisions, from logistics and materials to energy and waste. It also reminds us that this journey doesn’t end here. The focus now is on continuing to cut emissions within our control and strengthening engagement with our suppliers so that progress extends across our wider value chain.”
Continuing the Journey
For Garland UK, achieving carbon neutrality is an exciting checkpoint, and our focus remains on continued emissions reductions through better data, efficiency, and collaboration. Freight continues to account for the largest share of our total footprint, nearly three-quarters of all emissions, and this will remain a central focus through 2025 and beyond. By working closely with transport partners, exploring lower carbon delivery models, and optimising logistics, we aim to continue driving measurable year-on-year improvements.
At the same time, our commitment to responsible resource management continues. In 2024, we maintained zero waste to landfill for a second consecutive year, reduced waste generation, and improved recycling through segregation, training, and supplier collaboration. These actions form part of a wider circular approach, one that values efficiency, longevity, and material responsibility throughout the life of every roofing system we provide.
This achievement reinforces Garland UK’s culture as an employee-owned company where sustainability is a shared responsibility. Each milestone represents the effort of a team determined to deliver practical, lasting change for our business, our customers, and the built environment we help to protect.
“We’ve always believed that doing the right thing is a collective act,” said Mark Fisher. “Reaching carbon neutrality for our operations is a proud moment for everyone at Garland UK. It shows what’s possible when people are united by purpose and prepared to do the work behind the words. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved so far, and excited for where we’re heading next, as we keep building a stronger, more sustainable business for the future.”
Learn more about Garland UK’s Sustainability Commitment here.