Sustainable Growth: MKM’s Commitment To Lower Carbon Operations

MKM Building Supplies (MKM), the UK’s proper independent builder’s merchant is stepping up its sustainability game — cutting carbon, boosting energy efficiency, and backing greener building solutions across the board. It’s all part of their commitment to doing things the right way — for customers, communities, and the planet. 

The company’s newly opened Cheltenham branch - its first to have the entire shell structure built to BREEAM Excellent standards - marks a major milestone in MKM’s wider sustainability journey. Designed as an all-electric site including: a roof-mounted solar PV array, air-source heating systems MVHR, movement-controlled LED lighting systems and intelligent energy management systems. Some 42% of the total annual electricity consumption will be provided by the PV system and with a REGO certified grid supply the building achieves an operational carbon net zero status for its energy use.  

The branch also deploys electric forklift trucks, EV charging points and will shortly include an electric delivery vehicle. Cheltenham sets a new benchmark for future branches. 

However, this is just one part of a much larger effort to make MKM’s entire business more sustainable. 

Driving sustainability across the business

MKM’s environmental strategy goes beyond branch-level improvements, reflecting a long-term commitment to cutting carbon and improving energy efficiency across the business. As a builders’ merchant operating in a traditionally high-emission sector, MKM recognises the challenges it faces — but it isn’t shying away from them. Instead, the company is taking a practical, proactive approach, backed by tangible initiatives that aim to drive real change throughout its operations. 

“We know that construction has a significant carbon footprint, and we’re not pretending we have all the answers,” said Rachel Constable, Head of ESG at MKM. “What we do have is a clear and measurable plan to improve. We’re working within our own operations to cut emissions, and we’re helping customers make informed choices about sustainability. Cheltenham is a great example of what’s possible, but it’s just the start.”

One challenge MKM faces is that most of its branch buildings are leasehold properties. This means the company must work closely with landlords to implement sustainability improvements. However, attitudes are shifting, and landlords increasingly recognise the long-term benefits of investing in energy-efficient properties—not only to comply with regulations but also to enhance the value of their assets. 

“We don’t own all of our sites, which means we have to collaborate with landlords to make changes,” said David Shaw, Head of Special Projects at MKM. “But we’re seeing landlords engage more actively in sustainability initiatives. Greener buildings are more attractive to tenants and investors alike, and this aligns with our drive to operate more efficiently and responsibly. From that point, it’s up to us to make as many appropriate decisions as possible - choosing energy-efficient systems and operational best practices - to ensure the entire building is as sustainable as possible.”

MKM’s sustainability progress has also been recognised externally. In April, the business was awarded a Silver EcoVadis Medal, placing it in the top 15% of companies assessed for sustainability globally. The rating reflects strong performance across key areas including environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. It’s a clear sign of MKM’s commitment to keeping things moving in the right direction — for people, the planet, and the trade.  

• Air Source Heat Pumps and associated products, helping builders and homeowners transition to low-carbon heating.
  
  
• Solar PV solutions, enabling renewable energy generation.

• Advanced insulation options, including external wall insulation systems and hemp-based insulation to improve energy efficiency.
  
  
• Permeable paving and drought-resistant landscaping materials, supporting sustainable water management.
  
  
• Biodiversity-focused materials, such as bat boxes, brick bird boxes, and bee bricks, encouraging environmentally friendly building practices.
  
  
• Future Homes Standard-ready products, ensuring compliance with upcoming regulations for energy-efficient construction.

The drive toward sustainability isn’t just coming from MKM - customers and suppliers are also pushing for greener solutions. Trade professionals are actively seeking Future Homes Standard-compliant materials, while homeowners are investing in energy-saving products. At the same time, MKM’s long-standing suppliers are evolving their own sustainability commitments, ensuring the supply chain supports a lower-carbon future. 

“We’re responsible for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions which includes electricity, gas, biomass, and diesel, but we know from our Scope 3 emissions work, that the biggest impact comes through our supply chain,” said Rachel. “Our suppliers are stepping up—offering more sustainable materials, reducing their own emissions, and embedding sustainability into their operations. We see ourselves as the link between these suppliers and our customers, ensuring that demand for greener construction is met with the right solutions.”

Several MKM branches have created dedicated in-store displays featuring low-carbon heating solutions from leading manufacturers such as Grant, Samsung, and Bosch. These initiatives are further strengthened by MKM’s acquisition of Oceanair - an award-winning HVAC distributor specialising in air-to-water heat pump solutions and training. Through Oceanair and its specialist platform Oceanashp.co.uk, MKM now offers access to technical support, system design expertise, and accredited training, reinforcing its commitment to helping customers transition to more sustainable, future-ready heating technologies.

“As a builders’ merchant, we rely on our fleet to deliver for our customers, and it would be naïve not to acknowledge that transport remains our largest source of emissions within scope 1 & 2. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make improvements,” said Rachel. “We’re rolling out technology to help us track fleet emissions at a branch level and making strategic investments to lower our impact. We recently introduced our first electric crane and we’re transitioning our forklift fleet, with close to 50% now fully electric and expansion planned across additional branches. We’ve also adopted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) HGVs where infrastructure allows, with a growing number now operating in our logistics network.”

“Our focus on sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about doing the right thing and leading the way in the industry,” said Rachel. “We’re committed to embedding sustainability across our business as we progress towards our net zero targets.”

Source : MKM

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