Commercial is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Planet Mark certification. In order to retain the Planet Mark, certification holders must reduce their carbon footprint year-on-year by a minimum of 2.5%, through savings in energy, waste, water, travel, and procurement.

Commercial has been taking positive action to reduce emissions for nearly 12 years.  During that time it has achieved significant reduction in its carbon footprint, adopting sustainable working practices including the introduction of a hydrogen-fuelled fleet and the use of renewable energy. The business has moved from 73 tonnes of CO₂/£million turnover in 2006 to 20 tonnes of CO₂/£million turnover in 2017. This means that for every £1 million of turnover gained in 2017 it emitted 73% less carbon compared to 2006.

“We are delighted to receive the Planet Mark certificate,” says Simone Hindmarch, Commercial’s Managing Director. “It recognises our continuous improvement in sustainability, and our commitment to taking ongoing, meaningful action.  It’s an accreditation that reflects our commitment to sustainability in its broadest sense: environmental, social and economic.  Planet Mark also puts the same emphasis on an employee-led approach to continuous improvement that we do through our Change Champions initiative.” 

Those with Planet Mark accreditation commit to a minimum annual carbon reduction of 2.5%. However certified organisations are already exceeding this target - they achieved an average carbon reduction per employee of 10% in 2016 compared to 2015.

Planet Mark also supports businesses in directly and measurably contributing to seven of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future.  They address global challenges relating to poverty, inequality, climate and environmental degradation, among others.

The Planet Mark is also partnered with the Eden Project, the educational charity and award-winning international visitor destination, and centre for education in sustainability and innovation.  Every business awarded the certification contributes 5 per cent of the fee to the Eden Project, and each certification also comes with 12 free tickets. Organisations are encouraged to use them to learn more about climate change and the importance of biodiversity.

Last, but not least, with every new business certification, the Planet Mark protects an acre of rainforest through Cool Earth, the award-winning charity that works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction.