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VIEWPOINT


BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS: EMBRACE SUSTAINABILITY FOR A PROFITABLE FUTURE


Andy Oram, EH Smith


IN AN ERA where sustainability is at the forefront of humanity’s collective consciousness, it is time for builders’ merchants to up their game when it comes to understanding and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry. For many people in the sector, the concept of sustainability is a niche idea propagated by well-meaning hippies who live in yurts and knit their own yoghurt. However, sustainability is now, quite rightly, mainstream. In the UK the built environment contributes 40% of our total CO2 emissions1 and, in the push towards making the country Net Zero Carbon (NZC) by 2050, construction is going to have to rapidly get on board or face further enforced change through legislation.


A cursory glance at merchants’ marketing messages or sustainability strategies though, highlights the scale of the challenge. Words like “eco”, “green” and “sustainability” are frequently scattered across leaflets and websites as liberally as croutons on a Caesar Salad. Selling materials that are mandatory to meet the minimum building regulation standards and then promoting them as “eco” products is not only misleading but also undermines genuine efforts towards sustainability. Let’s take standard loft insulation as an example. It is an essential component for any building; yet frequently it is labelled as an “eco” product as if that marks it out as being better than other standard building materials. The same can be said for heating controls like TRVs, or low energy light fittings. These products are mandated by building regs for new builds; our customers have to buy them. It is imperative


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Rain Forest Alliance. By consciously choosing to refrain from selling uncertified timber, merchants can demonstrate their commitment to preserving our forests and supporting responsible forestry practices.


that builders’ merchants move beyond mere compliance and strive to offer innovative, truly sustainable solutions to their customers.


There are plenty of insulation products on the market that have a genuine claim of being ecologically friendly beyond their thermal performance. Insulation made from natural fibres like sheep’s wool or recycled clothing help improve indoor air quality because they have fewer chemicals in them as well as having low levels of embodied carbon compared with energy intensive products like glasswool or mineral wool. Natural fibre products won’t completely replace the mass-produced, low-cost loft roll that we all carry in stock, but they can play an important part in construction projects because of their enhanced sustainability. By embracing innovation in materials and staying ahead of the curve, merchants have a golden opportunity to attract new business and boost profitability. If the majority of the market has failed to recognise and promote a genuinely innovative product, there lies a commercial advantage waiting to be seized. Customers of all sizes are increasingly


“In the UK the built environment contributes 40% of our total CO2 emissions.”


demanding environmentally friendly options, and those merchants who can meet that demand with foresight and enthusiasm will emerge as the leaders of the next three decades. One fundamental step towards sustainability is the responsible sourcing of timber. Builders’ merchants should by now have made stocking timber that is certified under the Chain of Custody scheme a basic requirement. However, true sustainability goes beyond the bare minimum. Merchants can go the extra mile by giving precedence to timber products that are 100% Chain of Custody certified, or better yet, by only stocking those that are FSC or PEFC accredited. This is a step that EH Smith took in 2017. We worked closely with Altripan to switch all our plywood to be FSC certified, with our highest grade of ply also being stamped by The


While it may require some adjustments and initial investments, the long-term benefits of prioritising sustainability far outweigh the short-term challenges. Embracing sustainable products not only aligns with the growing consumer demand but also future proofs your business against evolving environmental regulations and standards. By actively engaging with suppliers who take sustainability seriously and promoting their products, builders’ merchants can become the go-to resource for eco-conscious builders, contractors, and individuals. Establishing partnerships with manufacturers who are dedicated to a low environmental impact can solidify the merchants’ position as trusted advocates for greener construction practices. Builders’ merchants have a tremendous opportunity to drive positive change within the construction industry. By going beyond compliance and genuinely embracing sustainability, they can not only attract new customers but also enhance profitability. The moment has come to leave behind the era of disingenuous “eco” labelling and introduce materials that truly contribute to a sustainable future. By giving precedence to the sale of innovative, sustainable materials and establishing themselves as leaders in this field, merchants can help shape an eco- friendlier future. Let us seize this opportunity together, for the benefit of our planet and for the prosperity of all. BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2023


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