Back to About Us

Sustainability

At Howdens, sustainability is central to our growing business to ensure we continue to be worthwhile for our staff, our customers, our suppliers, the environment, and the communities we serve. That is why sustainable behaviours are adopted right across the business from our material sourcing to manufacturing, right through to depot waste management and our distribution fleet. It is through these behaviours that we have achieved carbon-neutral in our dedicated factories in the UK and reached zero waste to landfill in our production operations. Both accomplishments align with the Science Based Targets Initiative (or SBTi) standards, and our ambition is to halve our carbon emissions by 2030. We also continue to develop and re-engineer our products to ensure we meet our mission statement of “no-call-back on quality”, so we produce and source products which are durable, safe, and continue to benefit the environment.

Our Road To Zero

Learn more about our ambition to be the UK's leading responsible kitchen and joinery company. Explore sustainable products, read about community initiatives, and discover our efforts on the Road To Zero.

Discover our Road to Zero

Sustainability stories

Howdens introduces HVO fuel and bio-natural liquid gas vehicles into its fleet

We are attempting to reduce CO², with the landmark introduction of HVO fuel and bio-natural liquid gas vehicles into the logistics fleet.

Read More

Howdens introduces HVO fuel and bio-natural liquid gas vehicles into its fleet

We have recently announced the introduction of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel (HVO fuel), alongside piloting electric trucks into our logistics fleet, in a landmark commitment to reduce CO².

First used for trucks refuelling at the Raunds distribution centre in Northamptonshire, HVO fuel is now used extensively across our logistics fleet. We have also committed to buying 350,000 litres of HVO before the end of 2022, with plans to increase volumes in coming years as the business strives towards sustainability targets.

Produced using hydrogenation and hydrocracking of vegetable oils and animal fats, HVO fuel produces 90% less CO²than diesel per litre.

Due to its versatility, HVO fuel is considered a ‘direct drop’ or ‘drop in’ solution, which can be used as a direct replacement, or in conjunction with, the fossil fuel diesel, without a requirement to adapt the trucks engine.

We have also been investigating zero-emission transport solutions and have begun a trial of electric trucks for part of the logistics operations. A DAF electric truck is being trialled, and we aim to implement at least three electric vehicles across sites by 2023. The vehicles will deliver on our XDC next day delivery service, with a 150-mile range.

Additionally, We are introducing six bio-liquid natural gas vehicles at our Raunds and Portbury sites, which work similarly to diesel vehicles, but with an 80% reduction in CO².

Gareth Sterland, Head of Transport at Howdens, said:

“The move towards HVO, LNG and Electric vehicles demonstrates our commitment to CO² reduction across our expanding fleet and network.

At Howdens, we understand what we must do and will absolutely deliver on our carbon reduction promises. As the UK’s leading supplier of kitchens to the trade we travel millions of kilometres every year and sustainable opportunities to improve and drive down our emissions are always being reviewed to find the best option for long term success and benefits to the local, national, and global environment. We are excited by the difference we will make.”

This news comes as we have been shortlisted for ‘Livery of the Year’, at the Motor Transport Awards 2022. Our fleet consists of 700 liveried trailers which join the company’s tradespeople every day on the roads, travelling the length and breadth of the country.

Sustainability
Howdens sponsors Golden Globe Race skipper Simon Curwen

We are sponsoring sailor Simon Curwen as he competes in one of the world’s most sustainable sailing competitions, the Golden Globe Race.

Read More

Howdens Sponsors Golden Globe Race Skipper Simon Curwen

We are sponsoring sailor Simon Curwen as he competes in one of the World’s most sustainable sailing competitions, the Golden Globe Race.

The Golden Globe Race is returning for the second time since its inception in 1968, having last been held on its 50^th anniversary in 2018, where 5 sailors successfully completed the race. With sustainability at the heart of the race it will see Simon along with 16 other competitors race solo non-stop across four oceans, primarily relying on wind and solar energy, as well the force of the sea to power their vessels.

Experienced yachtsman and environmental enthusiast, Simon, will take on the challenge without using modern technology such as GPS, satellites, or smart phones, in a refurbished vessel as the race prioritises protecting the environment, for every litre of diesel used participants are awarded a two-hour time penalty.

Departing from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, the event will cover 30,000 miles and is expected to take between 220-300 days. In the history of the event there has only ever been six finishers to complete the entire course.

Speaking of the sponsorship, Mark Slater, Commercial Director, Howdens, said: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Simon as he embarks upon this gruelling challenge. The race encourages sailors to push their skills to the limit without relying on advanced equipment, and the focus on sustainability echoes Simon’s passion for the planet, which we also share in the way we run our business.

“From sourcing and manufacturing, through to waste management and distribution, sustainability is central to Howdens. Partnering with Simon who shares our values and attitudes towards the environment is a great way of advocating this message, and we wish him the best of luck as he races across the world.”

Our vision is to become the UK’s leading sustainable kitchen and joinery supplier, and our ‘Road to Zero’ plan aims for the business to operate by creating zero emissions and zero waste. In 2021 we achieved carbon-neutral manufacturing at our sites in Howden, Yorkshire and Runcorn in Cheshire in 2021, with 100% of production waste being re-used, recovered, or recycled, and 99% of depot waste avoiding landfill.

Simon Curwen, Golden Globe Race skipper, adds: “This event is like no other, it’s the longest and loneliest race that exists. Harnessing only the power of the wind and sun while surviving the harsh conditions of great oceans is going to be an incredible challenge.

“Howdens’ support will help to inspire future generations, just as I was inspired some 50 years ago by the first Golden Globe Race. Their values around sustainability and protecting the environment are closely aligned with my own, and I am proud to have them on board as I embark on this journey.”

Simon has worked in Environmental protection for over 30 years, specialising in the investigation and clean up of contaminated land. As an experienced and competitive Offshore Yachtsman, Simon has competed in five Fastnet Races, winning the double-handed class in 2007, finishing second in the 2001 Mini Transat from La Rochelle to Salvador de Bahia, and was also runner up to Ellen MacArthur in the YJA Yachtsman of the Year in 2001.

The Golden Globe Race departs from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 4th, 2022 and continues non-stop around the world, via the three Great Capes before returning to Les Sables-d’Olonne.

Earlier this year, we committed to setting near- and long-term companywide emissions reduction targets in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and since 2021 we have been a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Working with these organisations helps to strengthen and guide our commitment to the circular economy, sustainability, and the environment.

Find out more about our ‘Road to Zero’ plan and commitment to sustainability.

see the golden globe race

Sustainably designed products

Product development is central to what we do at Howdens to ensure we meet demand from our trade customers and homeowners alike. Sustainability is a key factor in the design process, with many new products being developed so they are more energy-efficient, use recycled materials, and are recyclable at end of life. It is our goal to make all new products sustainable, and we are constantly creating sustainable products we are proud of.