The Huws Gray Group has published its first sustainability report as the business “launches a long term commitment to sustainability.”
Looking forward to its future ambitions, including targets and areas of focus, the report gives a “transparent overview” of the Group’s 2023 performance in the areas of environment, social and governance. Group CEO Daksh Gupta said: “A renewed focus on sustainability was one of my immediate priorities for Huws Gray Group when I became CEO of the business earlier this year.
“Like many businesses, we have much to do but I am extremely heartened by the steps we have already taken. Our ESG strategy focusses on four strategic pillars and this first report lays out the company goals to which we commit.”
The report covers two key aspects, firstly the company’s achievements, covering economic, environmental, social and governance areas. Secondly, the report sets out a new set of targets for the Huws Gray Group including Scope 1&2 emissions, Scope 3 emissions, transitioning to a 100% electric fleet and developing a sustainable procurement process.
As mentioned above, the strategy has four central pillars, which are described in detail in the report:
People: Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, diverse and growth focused workplace.
Planet: Dedicated to a sustainable future that supports net zero
Products: Commitment to promoting responsible production and consumption practices
Principles: Commitment to being principled and ethical business.
Highlights from the 2023 report include:
Since October 2023, 100% of our energy comes from REGO backed renewable energy suppliers
85% of our fleet is electric or hybrid and we’ve successfully concluded a trial switching from diesel to lithium ion powered fork lift trucks in our depots
Becoming a founding partner in the newly formed Construction Inclusion Coalition, championing women in the construction industry
Our Civils & Lintels colleagues raised £43,000 in 2023 for their chosen charity ‘Mates In Mind’, a charity which focus on raising awareness of mental health particularly in the construction industry
In 2023, we regularly donated to various community projects including; sand and wood for primary school sand pits, gardens and playground benches, build a memorial garden for a fire station and even gave Santa’s sleigh a refurb!
Huws Gray Group says it is committed to publishing a sustainability report annually with progress on the company’s journey towards a more sustainability future. Dafydd Hughes from the merchant group’s Sustainability Team, commented: “In 2023 we made significant progress in the ESG areas so are delighted to publish our first Sustainability Report and we look forward to being part of driving positive change within our industry.
“We believe the key to success in sustainability is working together with our colleagues, customers, suppliers and stakeholders to make a positive impact on our people and planet.”
Founded in 1990 from a single branch in Anglesey, Huws Gray has rapidly expanded over the past 30 years through organic growth and acquisitions. Having acquired a number of brands from Grafton plc in January 2022, the business now operates at over 300 trading and distribution locations and employ c.5,000 colleagues across the Group.
