Helping You Build a Greener Future
At GKR, sustainability is central to everything we do. We are committed to achieving Net Zero across all emission scopes by 2045, with short- and long-term science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
We are proud to be:
• A member of the Pledge to Net Zero
• Among the first in our sector to achieve PAS 2060-certified carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Sustainability is being embedded into our operations, supply chain, and client delivery, ensuring we lead from the front in our industry.
Our long-term strategy aligns with the Paris Agreement and is grounded in science. Our targets are validated by the SBTi and published for transparency:
• Scope 1 & 2: 42% reduction by 2030 (baseline: 2022)
• All Scopes: 90% absolute reduction by 2045
We are delivering our Net Zero roadmap through focused, data-driven action:
Operational Changes
• Transition to HVO fuel and introduction of electric vehicles
• Electrification of heating and warehouse operations
• Implementation of an ISO 50001-certified Energy
Management System
• Full transition to renewable electricity across all sites Materials & Procurement
• Procurement of lighter, repurposed steel tubes with lower embodied carbon
• Use of eco-materials, including recyclable scaffold sheeting and GRS-certified recycled polyester workwear
• Developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for key products (e.g., steel, timber)
Digital & Strategic Initiatives
• Annual reporting of emissions across all scopes
• Introduction of carbon-labelled services for client transparency
• Launch of a Sustainable Procurement Policy
• Development of a circular procurement strategy
• Engagement with Tier 1 suppliers to align on Net Zero targets
Green Credentials at a Glance:
• PAS 2060-certified carbon neutrality (Scope 1 & 2)
• 42% scope 1 and 2 SBTi-validated reduction target for 2030
• Circular procurement and low-embodied-carbon materials
• 91% reduction in fleet emissions (HVO conversion)
• 30% improvement in emissions intensity per tonne handled (2024 vs 2023)
• ISO 50001-certified Energy Management System
• Formal Sustainability Management Function embedded in our business
We achieved PAS 2060-certified carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions from June 2021 to May 2022 through certified reduction and offsetting measures.
Key Milestones:
• Fleet conversion to HVO fuel > 91% reduction in emissions from diesel vehicles (vs. 2020 baseline)
• 100% renewable electricity via REGO-backed UK energy supply
• Carbon offset projects supporting UK tree planting and Amazon forest protection
• Energy upgrades including LED lighting and a full electrical review and rewire at our Kent depot
• Electric forklift transition underway across depots
• ISO 50001 certification achieved to guide continuous energy performance improvements
Download Carbon Neutrality Declaration
2024 Scope 3 Summary:
We reported 12,807 tCO₂e in upstream Scope 3 emissions, a 53% rise from 2023, due to increased activity in project delivery and procurement.
Despite growth, we’ve achieved the following efficiencies:
• 7% reduction in emissions per £ spent
• 46% reduction in emissions per tonne of materials handled
• Emissions per £1 million turnover grew at half the rate of revenue
Key Contributors and Actions:
• Steel scaffold equipment is our largest Scope 3 impact area
• Use of lighter steel tubes (18% weight reduction)
• Shift to recycled steel procurement to lower embodied carbon
• Specification of eco-materials (e.g., recyclable sheeting, GRS-certified clothing)
• Adoption of a circularity-first approach: design, reuse, and refurbishment
• Supplier engagement to improve carbon transparency and drive reductions
• Implementation of a dedicated Sustainability Management Function
What’s Next:
• Launch of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for materials
• Formal Sustainable Procurement Policy
• Integration of circular procurement strategy
• Tier 1 supplier collaboration on capital goods decarbonisation
• Systems upgrade to support detailed sustainability reporting
Our strategy is validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and aligned with the global 1.5°C pathway.
Our Targets:
• Scope 1 & 2: 42% reduction by 2030
• All Scopes: 90% absolute reduction by 2045
Planned Measures:
• Scale up HVO and electrification across our fleet
• Electrify heating systems across all depots and offices
• Implement carbon-labelled service packages
• Use of EPDs and VOC data to guide procurement
• Collaborate with sustainability partners (e.g., EQUANS) to drive high-impact reductions
• Annual emissions reports with full Scope 3 data
• Deeper engagement with suppliers to reduce embodied carbon in key materials
We are committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and innovation. Future initiatives include:
• Client-facing sustainability reports and services
• Enhanced supplier scorecarding and carbon data integration
• Expansion of our Net Zero governance structure
• Integration of sustainability into digital and operational systems
We aim to lead the scaffolding industry toward a net zero, circular, and climate-resilient future.
Our Carbon Journey
