Squire’s Garden Centres has signed up to The Planet Mark to help drive its sustainability efforts.
Squire’s Managing Director Martin Breddy explains the move: “Increasingly, our customers and colleagues have been asking us what we are doing to become more sustainable. Whilst we have numerous initiatives in place and are making progress, we know there’s much more that we can do. The Planet Mark will ensure that we meet our reporting obligations, but more importantly, it will inspire us to deliver tangible sustainability progress for our customers. We were also encouraged by their relationship with the Eden Project, who have been a close partner with them since the very start.”
The Planet Mark certification scheme is a three-step process.
- Measure & Record
Firstly, expert independent auditors will conduct a formal measurement of energy, waste, travel and other elements that consume carbon in Squire’s, and compile a report that complies with global protocols.
- Employee Engagement
Secondly, The Planet Mark will work with Squire’s senior team to cascade the programme to all employees, inspiring them to become involved.
- Communicate
Finally, the team will create a communication plan for Squire’s customers, explaining the steps being taken to improve the company’s carbon footprint.
The first year for Squire’s will involve data collection, measurement and employee engagement, with their main consumer communication starting in 2021.
Steve Malkin, CEO & Founder of The Planet Mark commented; "We are delighted that Squire’s has signed up to The Planet Mark. Garden centres provide a unique position in society, bringing people together with nature and each other. Regardless of whether you are a gardening novice or a seasoned horticulturist, whether you have a small back garden or vast acres of land, you can enjoy the benefits of environmentally friendly gardening. We all have a need to connect with the natural environment. Squire’s Garden Centres provide a communal space for people to align with nature and for biodiversity to thrive. We are looking forward to a blossoming relationship over the coming years."
Squire’s Chairman Sarah Squire added; “There is no doubt that as individual businesses and an industry we are going to be increasingly, and quite rightly, held to account on our environmental credentials, from plastic to carbon. Progress needs to be thoughtful and measured, as well as measurable, in order to be real and credible. There is no room for window dressing and bandwagons but plenty of opportunity for meaningful and incremental change. Squire’s will work hard to make that change, and becoming a certified holder of The Planet Mark is part of that.”
