Gloucester company hails sustainability credentials
The environmental performance across a group of specialist cold chain industry contractors has been measured for the first time in its latest sustainability report.
The UK constituents of Gloucester-based The P & M Group, which supports the critical supply of food and pharmaceuticals in the cold chain, have completed an analysis of their business sustainability from sourcing and operations to recycling and employment.
The companies include coldstore construction and maintenance specialists ISD Solutions, as well as installation labour force S Tysoe Installations and industrial pipe insulation experts PLG.
Regarding emissions, during the financial year Feb 2022 to Jan 2023 – the first year of measurement following the baseline assessment the previous year – combined turnover at the three companies grew from £55m to £73m, an increase of 31.3%.
However direct greenhouse gas emissions, such as business travel in company-controlled vehicles and gas and electricity used at head office (which contribute to “scope 1 and 2 emissions”) decreased by 8.1%, marking CO2 emissions savings despite the increase in turnover.
Savings measures included a switch to a renewable energy supplier, overhaul of manufacturing processes and an increase in natural warehouse light to reduce reliance on electric lighting.
The challenge of measuring and reducing scope 3 emissions – those which are outside a company’s direct control because they are embedded in the value chain – was not ignored either.
The assessment included measuring these emissions to establish a baseline, identify hotspots and focus on improvement. Between the two years, scope 3 emissions increased by just 10.5%, compared with the turnover increase of 31.3%.
The group said it realises the importance of reducing total footprint across all scopes. It will be setting science-based net zero targets supported by a credible action plan. The decoupling of scope 3 emissions growth from turnover growth, however, is a “huge step in the right direction”, it said.
This focus on reduction in scope 3 emissions will involve developing a rigorous programme of supplier and customer engagement, as well as collaboration with the wider sector.
“This is just one measurement of how we and our supply chain are leading the way in minimising our impact on the environment,” said Joanne Swift, sustainability manager at The P & M Group. “We’re extremely proud of what we’ve done, not only the relatively small impact we’ve had in our immediate business operations but also of the effect we believe we are having on our suppliers.
“By setting an example of implementing sustainability across our business and asking the right questions, we are encouraging those who provide our materials to reduce their own emissions, to recycle and re-use products, and ensure that other elements of sustainability are considered, too.
“We’re also looking at the full range of measures to ensure our business prospers well into the future – from creating a safe and healthy working environment, empowering tomorrow’s leaders, insisting on the creation of buildings focused on longevity and performance, engaging with stakeholders across our communities and reducing waste.
“We’re only at the beginning of this journey and still have a lot to work on, but we’ve made great strides in a year and are looking forward to continuing our work over the next 12 months.”
Sustainability consultants working with the group hailed the approach as far above the commitment expected of a company of The P & M Group’s size, and a beacon for others to follow.
Dr Denise Taylor, managing director at Leamington Spa-based Wylde Connections, said: “The Group has put a lot of work into developing a robust sustainability strategy and drawing up an ambitious action plan. The business has since embraced the implementation phase and should be proud of its positive interventions, which put it way above the level of many larger businesses.
“By working with its supply chain, providing guidance to the wider cold chain sector and putting its head above the parapet as a sustainability pioneer, The P & M Group is ensuring it has positive impacts well beyond its own organisation. The Wylde team is very excited to continue working with the Group in meeting more milestones. The P & M Group has quickly become a benchmark client, and we encourage other businesses to seek inspiration from their achievements.”
