Gardiners & Footsure Gains Carbon Neutral Certification
Footwear & Clothing Wholesaler Gardiner Bros & Footsure achieves Carbon Neutral Certification following focus on environmental sustainability practices.
Gloucester-based footwear and clothing wholesaler, Gardiner Bros and Footsure Western Ltd has achieved a major step in environmental sustainability responsibility. The local family business has been awarded Carbon Neutral Certification, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
Through a comprehensive sustainable strategy in 2024, the group worked extensively to reduce their carbon footprint by 34%. This has saved an incredible 73 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
This accomplishment is worthy of highlighting as in the past year the group has increased their energy usage due to large investments in enhancing the supplier to customer experience. This includes initiatives such as extended warehouse opening hours, further factory equipment, advanced conveyor automation systems, auto-baggers, and streamlined processes for greater order fulfilment. Despite these customer service incentives having a direct impact on energy usage, causing a 30% increase, by opting for a green tariff that provides carbon free electricity from renewable resources, the company has saved 233.80 tonnes of CO2 emissions entering the environment, successfully neutralising the environmental impact of its electricity usage in all operations. By investing in sustainable energy solutions, 100% of the company’s energy is derived from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Further to this, due to implementing energy-saving measures identified in ESOS reporting, their gas and transport fuel usage has dropped by 29% and 32% respectively, and this has resulted in an overall reduction of 34% less CO2 emissions compared to 2023. The company also took a strategic decision to have a digital-first approach to external meetings, and switch 20 of their fleet vehicles, operated by the group’s UK sales force, to hybrid or electric vehicles.
This fantastic achievement marks the culmination of years of dedication to adopting for green practices across all areas of the business. This includes implementing a comprehensive recycling program with a nearby waste handling partner, enabling diversion of waste from landfill. In 2024, Gardiners and Footsure recycled over 203 tonnes of cardboard. The remaining general waste had the majority recycled or turned into waste energy. Waste that is non-recyclable is turned into energy, aggregates and steam. The wholesaler uses sustainable packaging sourced from recycled materials throughout the day at their units based near junction 12 of the M5. Their new larger premises hosts some 30 charge points for electric cars, has eco-friendly responsive LED lighting, evaporative cooling to keep the mezzanine areas cool, destratifications fans and use renewable energy sources.
The heritage Gloucester company has also taken a pro-active approach in the fashion industry and has designed and developed several eco-friendly and recycled footwear collections. They also launched the world’s first ever safety boots for men and women made using recycled pre-consumer leather, leading the way in the PPE industrial sector. They work closely with The National Forest and supporting with the growth of the forest in the UK midlands.
The remaining CO2 that is generated through operations is offset by investing in heavily audited and legitimate reforestation and natural habitat projects that help mitigate climate change.
James Gardiner, CEO says:
At Gardiners and Footsure, we are very proud to be awarded Carbon Neutral Certification in recognition of the business’ commitment to ongoing environmental improvement. This achievement recognises the great efforts put in by the team to reduce our carbon footprint, implement strategies for continuous improvement, and evolve our environmental responsibility within the organisation. As Britain’s largest footwear distributor to the trade, we have a responsibility to actively reduce our impact on the planet and lead the industry by example. We look forward to continuing to build on this accomplishment to remain focussed on our dedication to playing our part in a sustainable future. Huge thanks to the team.
George Gates, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager says:
I’m incredibly proud that Gardiners and Footsure has received carbon neutral status and hugely proud of the team here. We’ve always been a company that has strived to do the right thing in all that we do, and our commitment to minimising our environmental impact is no different. We’ve had environmental measures in place for some years, so the engagement and support from within the business was present from the start of implementing our strategies. We’ve worked closely with teams across all areas of the business to implement our sustainable practices, improve energy efficiency and reduce our emissions across our operations. We look forward to evolving our environmental responsibility plans in the future.
John Attard, Head of Sustainability Integration and Consulting at Airfriendly, says:
At Airfriendly, we have had the privilege of partnering with Gardiners and Footsure since May of last year in their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Both entities have demonstrated a robust dedication to sustainability, implementing a comprehensive strategy aimed at minimising their environmental footprint. We have been thrilled to support their efforts by helping them further reduce their carbon impact and offset any remaining emissions through investments in high-quality, environmentally impactful projects. These projects were carefully chosen to align with their sustainability values and mission. Achieving carbon neutrality is a significant milestone, and this certification stands as a powerful testament to Gardiners and Footsure’s dedication to sustainability across all aspects of their operations. We are incredibly proud to have supported them throughout this journey, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in creating a more sustainable future.