Policies - Climate Action Plan
Nkuku is working to understand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and global supply chain. We are in the second year of carbon reporting with Greenly. Our data and methods will continue to improve as we obtain more activity-based information from our business and suppliers.
We will set long-term, science-aligned reduction targets when the baseline is sufficiently complete and reliable. In the meantime, we are taking practical action in areas where the evidence is already clear.
Our framework
- Measure: build reliable data and a useful baseline
- Reduce: implement practical emissions reduction measures
- Collaborate: work with suppliers, logistics partners and customers
- Communicate: report progress and limitations clearly
Measure
Our annual assessment covers Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions. Current priorities are:
- Increase the proportion of activity-based data in our assessment
- Improve transport, material, supplier and returns data
- Establish a consistent annual reporting cycle
- Improve data capture across procurement, logistics, product use, materials and operations
- Engage suppliers to improve the accuracy of supply chain information
Reduce
Products and materials
- Increase the use of recycled and post-industrial materials
- Design for durability, care and repair
- Avoid unnecessary composites that limit recyclability
- Work with suppliers to identify lower-impact material choices
Packaging
- Remove remaining polystyrene and unnecessary plastics
- Continue moving to recycled and recyclable paper-based protection
- Reduce packaging weight and volume without increasing product damage
- Support suppliers in adopting locally available lower-impact materials
Transport
- Avoid air freight except in exceptional operational circumstances
- Consolidate shipments and maximise container use
- Use 40-foot high-cube containers where appropriate
- Increase the use of reduced and zero-tailpipe-emission couriers where practical
Operations
- Reduce commuting through hybrid and remote working
- Promote active travel through the Cycle to Work scheme
- Improve energy efficiency at our head office, warehouse and stores
- Review renewable electricity options
Returns and circularity
- Improve returns data to prevent damage and waste
- Expand reuse and resale of returned goods through specialist partners
- Improve packaging and product durability
Collaborate
- Set clearer carbon data expectations for suppliers
- Work with suppliers on lower-impact materials and packaging
- Work with logistics partners to improve routes and fill rates
- Prioritise lower-emission last-mile delivery where practical
- Help customers extend product life through care and repair guidance
Communicate
- Publish a greenhouse gas emissions update each year
- Explain material changes in data, scope and methodology
- Report challenges and limitations alongside progress
- Avoid claims or targets that are not supported by adequate evidence
Roadmap
| Timeframe | Focus |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Initial footprint measurement and foundational data collection |
| Year 2 | Improve accuracy, fill data gaps and strengthen supplier participation |
| Years 3 to 4 | Expand targeted reduction initiatives and improve energy and freight efficiency |
| Years 4 to 5 | Introduce longer-term targets when supported by reliable data, expand circularity and refine measurement |
Governance
Senior leadership oversees our climate strategy. Department leads are responsible for the data and actions within their areas, and progress is reviewed annually.