NMBS has recently released its updated 2024 sustainability report, providing a comprehensive look at the progress it has made in its journey towards net zero emissions.
This update highlights the key actions taken to reduce the carbon footprint of NMBS’s operations while continuing to support the independent merchant market. It is also intended to offer valuable insights for independent merchants looking to enhance their own net zero journeys.
Whilst “making progress can be tough…” the company says that its “steady progress is evident.” For instance, despite a growing workforce and increasing operational demands, NMBS has successfully reduced its carbon emissions by 2.5% in a year, from 659 tonnes in 2023 to 643 tonnes in 2024. This reduction is deemed to be “particularly significant given the expansion of the company’s activities.”
Understanding the limitations
Like many organisations pushing forward with sustainability efforts, NMBS states that it has faced challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure. For example, while a large portion of the car fleet is now electric, certain areas, especially in the North, still lack the necessary charging infrastructure to support a fully electric fleet. NMBS is actively working to address this issue as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
Additionally, NMBS is looking at lower carbon options for heating its office building, with plans to transition away from gas boilers and towards more ground-source or air-source heat pumps in the future.
Furthermore, one of the key takeaways from NMBS’s sustainability efforts is the importance of making strategic decisions that balance environmental responsibility with business growth. For example, although fleet electrification has had an impact on reducing emissions, there has been an increase in emissions from electricity use overall as more employees return to the office.
This highlights the complexity of managing emissions across different areas of the business, a challenge that many independent merchants may also face.
Supporting independents
The annual sustainability report is also intended to be a “reminder of the value of transparency and communication that need to take place across the merchant sector.” By making this report publicly available, NMBS says that it is not only showcasing its progress but also aiming to encourage and support other businesses in the industry.
Julie Langford, Finance and Operations Director, explains: “One of the most important steps independent merchants can make is to take action where they can, even if the full infrastructure or support isn’t yet in place. Our industry needs to come together and share our sustainability experiences, so we can learn from each other and unify our sustainability efforts.”
By sharing its sustainability report, NMBS hopes to set an encouraging example for independent merchants across the UK. And “despite the noise from high profile detractors who see no value in moving towards Net Zero and only talk about the hurdles,” NMBS is restating its commitment and believes that working together with trusted partners can make the transition to a more sustainable future that much easier.
Whether it’s through supplier engagement, fleet electrification or making smarter energy choices, NMBS argues that the journey towards sustainability is one that it is “committed to sharing with its members every step of the way.”
Read the full sustainability report on the NMBS website at https://www.nmbs.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sustainability-Report-2024.pdf
