How UKOS is chasing down a net zero future

Managing director Ian Haywood talks progress and challenges

What if sustainability wasn’t just a bolt-on part of your business? What if it was so deeply ingrained that every business decision had the good of the environment at heart? That’s how things are for UKOS, a Hertfordshire-based business supplies firm with an impressive track record in sustainability.

Managing director Ian Haywood told Dealer Support, “I believe to be commercially successful, an organisation must give full consideration to sustainability. It’s no longer an option. The challenge is to keep moving and improving – we’re very focused on that.

“We’ve been on a sustainability journey since before 2010 when The Sunday Times rated us ‘The Greenest Company in Great Britain,’ so it’s always been core to our business. I make no apology for saying one of the key drivers is commercial consideration.”

Focus on logistics

Ian noted that one of the key focusses for the months ahead is reducing carbon in the UKOS logistics arm. Logistics, and customer deliveries in particular, are one of a dealers’ biggest contributors to carbon footprints.

Since 2008, UKOS has achieved a 72% reduction in delivery miles, through initiatives including delivery reduction, eco delivery schedules and software that encourages fuel efficient driving behaviour.

The company has switched its own van fleet to electric delivery vehicles and recently opened a low carbon logistics hub. Collaboration with customers and suppliers to remove carbon from the joint supply chain is considered integral to the business model.

Moving on to scope 3

Those aware of net-zero targets will be familiar with the daunting ‘scope 3’ requirement. While scopes 1 and 2 deal with internal consumption and carbon emissions, scope 3 requires tackling the carbon emissions of the businesses in their supply chain.

It’s well known to be the most difficult of all the net zero targets, and the one that terrifies most business owners. But UKOS is taking the bull by the horns, and is actively working in collaboration with their supply chain partners. Ian explained,

“We expect to achieve some key certification later this year, which we’re very excited about, and of course Net Zero is a major focus. We have also just begun our journey toward becoming a B-Corp However greater collaboration and re-engineering in our supply chain is where we feel real and tangible progress can be best achieved.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Read more about the UKOS journey towards net-zero here.