VIEWPOINT
BUILDING GREENER WITHOUT BREAKING
THE BANK John McGann, regional sales manager, NBP
SUSTAINABILITY HAS MOVED far beyond a buzzword. The road to success when incorporating sustainable practices is paved with proactivity from both the industry and its stakeholders, such as suppliers like us at NBP. Leading the change rather than waiting for it is how we prepare ourselves for a net zero future, but the challenge is clear: how do we do it without pricing ourselves out of the market?
Meeting customer demands for greener materials
At NBP, we’re seeing more of our larger customers pushing for evidence that the materials they use are responsibly sourced and meet environmental standards. They’re under scrutiny from their own clients and stakeholders, so they need to know their supply chain is solid. That includes everything from timber accreditation and packaging waste to carbon tracking and water usage.
Driving ESG performance from within
We’ve taken a proactive approach to support these demands. One example is our involvement with the School of Sustainability - a framework that helps suppliers assess and improve performance across ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) areas. As part of the programme, we complete modules and receive feedback, which helps us track progress and identify areas for improvement. That might be measuring our energy use (in kilowatt-hours), reducing water waste, or setting targets for CO2
emissions across our fleet. Fleet transformation is
something we’ve taken seriously. We’ve begun switching our
vehicles over to electric and hybrid, and any new commercial vehicles meet Euro 6 engine standards to ensure compliance with the latest emissions legislation. Alongside that, we’ve started installing solar panels at our sites - beginning with our Leeds branch - as part of our broader effort to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy.
Closing the loop with waste recovery But sustainability can’t just be about our own house in order. It has to support our customers too. We’re looking at backhaul schemes that allow us to take back used packaging, damaged goods and offcuts. Instead of going to landfill, this material can often be repurposed or recycled for future use. It’s a win-win: less site waste for our customers, and a lighter footprint for the whole supply chain.
Smarter deliveries, lower emissions One area where we’ve made significant improvements is delivery efficiency. Logistics can be a major contributor to a merchant’s carbon footprint, and we’ve invested in route planning technology to optimise every journey. Reducing unnecessary
July 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
gives them confidence that their ESG reporting is underpinned by reliable supply chain data.
Becoming a
sustainability partner, not just a supplier What’s become increasingly clear is that merchants today need to do more than just move materials. We have a role to play as sustainability partners. That means being able to advise our customers on the best, most efficient and most environmentally responsible choices - without automatically defaulting to the most expensive or advanced option. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from small changes: a different product spec, a smarter delivery time, or a better recycling process.
mileage isn’t just good for the planet - it’s also good for our customers’ schedules and budgets. The fewer vehicles needed to fulfil orders, the better the outcome for everyone.
The importance of ethical sourcing We also place a strong emphasis on responsible sourcing. We know where our products come from, and we make sure they’re accredited and ethically produced. Timber is a great example - it must meet stringent standards, and we only work with suppliers that can demonstrate full compliance. For larger developers in particular, this level of traceability is essential. It
It’s about progress, not perfection And it’s not all about grand gestures. A lot of the progress we’ve made has come from practical, day-to-day improvements. It’s not about being perfect from the outset. It’s about being honest, transparent, and committed to continuous improvement - and helping our customers do the same. In our industry, time is tight, margins are tight, and no one has the bandwidth to reinvent the wheel. So the more we, as suppliers, can take the lead on practical sustainability - offering credible products, smarter logistics, and proactive advice - the easier it becomes for the whole trade to build greener without breaking the bank. That’s what we’re committed to at NBP. We’re on this journey alongside our customers, and we know that by working together, we can build something better - not just for today’s projects, but for the future of our industry. BMJ
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