Garland UK Offsets 60 Tonnes of Carbon with Solar Project
Supporting clean energy access, education, and carbon reduction through a Gold Standard certified project as part of our ongoing sustainability commitment.
At Garland UK, sustainability is integrated into every part of how we design, build, and deliver our systems. We are committed to playing our part in the transition to a low-carbon economy, aligned with the UK Government’s goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
This year, our employee owners selected the carbon-offset project that would deliver the greatest positive impact. The chosen initiative was the Solar Lighting for Families in Zambia, a clean energy programme certified by Gold Standard, one of the world’s most trusted frameworks for verified carbon reduction and sustainable development.
Through this partnership, Garland UK has offset 60 tonnes of carbon emissions, making a measurable contribution to our goal of reducing environmental impact while creating social value on a global scale.
What the Project Delivers
The Solar Lighting for Families in Zambia project distributes affordable, durable solar lamps to households, schools, and communities that lack access to reliable electricity. Over 60% of Zambia’s population is without dependable power, and many rely on kerosene lamps or open flames, both of which are harmful to health and the environment.
By replacing these with solar-powered alternatives, the project:
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by cutting kerosene use
- Improves indoor air quality and reduces respiratory health risks
- Enables safe study conditions for children after dark
- Enhances safety in off-grid areas
- Supports local livelihoods and reduces energy poverty
Each solar lamp provides light, which directly supports education, health, and community resilience. This mirrors Garland UK’s wider sustainability philosophy to create tangible impact while delivering long-term value for people and places.
Why Gold Standard?
Established by WWF and other NGOs in 2003, Gold Standard sets the benchmark for carbon offset projects that deliver measurable, independently audited impact. Each project is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and must demonstrate both verified carbon reductions and positive social outcomes.
By partnering with Gold Standard, Garland UK ensures our carbon offsets are transparent, credible, and aligned with our sustainability governance and environmental reporting frameworks.
“Our business is built on long-term thinking, for our clients, our systems, and the environment,” said Mark Fisher, General Manager at Garland UK. “This project represents the kind of practical, high-impact solution we seek out, one that aligns with our values and helps build a more resilient, low-carbon future.”
Charlotte Fenwick, Sustainability Lead at Garland UK, added, “Our 2024 Sustainability Report outlined how employee ownership drives our environmental responsibility. Every decision we make is shaped by that collective mindset, to act with purpose, invest in meaningful change, and ensure our progress is measurable. Reducing our emissions by 7% over the past year reflects that momentum. Projects like this turn those values into action.”
Our Sustainability Commitment
This offset forms part of our wider sustainability strategy, which includes:
- Supporting the UK Government’s target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
- Reducing total emissions year-on-year, including a 7% reduction between 2023 and 2024 through smarter freight and energy sourcing
- Maintaining zero waste to landfill through energy recovery initiatives
- Enhancing supplier benchmarking and carbon data verification
- Delivering CPD-accredited sustainability training to specifiers and building professionals across the UK
As a 100% employee-owned business, we remain committed to transparency, responsibility, and continuous improvement, ensuring every project contributes to a more sustainable built environment.