SUSTAINABILITY
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE W
Croydon builders merchant Harris & Bailey, believes its place in the supply chain comes with responsibility when it comes to sustainability. BMJ finds out more.
hilst understanding that embedding ESG goals in the industry is challenging it is clear lip service is no longer
enough, and improvements must be seen. A key takeaway from the most recent KPMG Construction Report 2023 highlights the risk facing those in the construction sector that don’t prioritise ESG; a negative sustainability profile that reduces access to both capital and top talent.
Croydon builders merchant Harris & Bailey is supporting its customers across the sector on their journey to a more sustainable future by helping to make their ESG goals a reality through practical means. Renewables manager John Grinham says that, by recognising the incremental improvements to be made in order to maintain a competitive advantage both for its customers and for its own operations, the independent merchant is offering tangible support and practical steps to help customers achieve greater efficiency and sustainability.
“With more than a century of experience supporting the construction industry, we beieve we are combining our heritage with a progressive approach to energy, helping customers meet the growing demand for low- carbon solutions,” he says.
“From the Sustainable Home Centre, launched in partnership with Daikin last year, to our investment in renewable technologies and training, we are trying to set an example of how independent merchants can play a meaningful role in the industry’s transition to more sustainable future.”
Supporting sustainable growth With the UK government targeting net zero emissions by 2050, the construction sector faces increasing pressure to deliver projects that are both energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.
“There is a collective responsibility between manufacturers, merchants, and installers,’ Grinham adds. “It’s about making sure we all have the right tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices that are also commercially viable and that will ultimately lead to more sustainable homes.”
These principles are at the heart of the company’s Sustainable Home Centre at the Croydon base which offers a supportive hub for installers across London and the South East. The Centre represents a major step forward in Harris & Bailey’s efforts to
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John Grinham Renewables
Manager at Harris & Bailey
support installers, homeowners and the wider industry in adopting renewable energy solutions.
The facility provides hands-on product demonstrations and technical advice with the accredited Daikin-led training focusses on air-source heat pumps, system design, and installation best practice.
“Since its opening, we’ve hosted hundreds of installers who have come to take part in the training so far. It’s not just about products; it’s about making sure that installers have the right knowledge so that we can help support the industry as a whole. Moving further towards more sustainable heating and cooling solutions has multiple benefits including cost saving, reducing emissions, and improving energy efficiency.” He says that feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many installers noting the balanced blend of theory with practical training and easy to understand instruction from the trainer. With only a fraction of the UK workforce currently qualified to install renewable heating systems, there is a clear need for more industry-led training and support.
“Upskilling the trade is crucial. If the UK is going to meet its renewable energy targets, we need more qualified installers who can deliver these technologies confidently and effectively. That’s where we can make a real difference,” he explains.
While the Sustainable Home Centre focuses on customer and industry support, Harris & Bailey is also driving sustainability internally. The company has invested heavily in energy efficiency across its operations; installing solar panels on its main premises, introducing EV charging points, and upgrading its internal heating system to a renewable alternative. The company’s approach to transport reflects this too. Its fleet meets Euro 6
emissions standards, and all drivers undergo environmental awareness training. Harris & Bailey is also exploring alternative-fuel vehicles as part of its long-term approach to greener logistics.
“We can’t expect our customers to embrace sustainability if we don’t lead by example,” Grinham says. “That’s why we’ve looked carefully at how we operate our transport and logistics and the energy we use. We already invest in the highest-grade transport options to keep our drivers and other road users safe and our next step is to do the same for the environment. In the next few years, we’ll be exploring ways we can safely invest in alternative-fuel vehicles.”
The way forward
As the demand for renewable technology continues to grow, Harris & Bailey is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, Grinham says.
“Sustainability isn’t just about what we sell, it’s about how we do business. From the products we hold in stock, to the way we deliver them, every decision plays a part in creating a more sustainable future for our customers and our community. We have a responsibility to do what’s right for the future of the industry.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2025
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