FISP AUDIT HIGHLIGHTS DETERMINED COMMITMENT TO GREATER SUSTAINABILITY
The Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme is an independently certified programme created specifically for the furniture industry. It promotes best practices to drive social, economic, and environmental change by continually improving members’ business operations.
Membership of the scheme is subject to a regular, independent audit process requiring a demonstration of achievements and a commitment to continuous improvement. Following the full day visit on 23rd January 2024, we were delighted to receive our assessment report.
The requirements include Core Criteria covering Environmental Policy and Legal Compliance as well as completion of six Environmental and four Economic and Social modules. The ‘deep dive’ process necessitates the provision of robust, tangible evidence for each particular factor including a demonstration of a commitment to sustainable development and continuous progress.
We are delighted to report that we were not only rewarded for our continuing efforts through re-appointment to FISP but we also achieved a 25% improvement in our overall score. High marks were allocated across all criteria with notable excellence in the Environment and Sustainability management; Waste; End-of-Life management; Community relations and charity work; Healthy work environments and personal wellbeing; and communications and commitments categories.
“Our re-appointment to FISP signals our diligent efforts and positive commitments towards greater sustainability,” says Ashley Hayward, CEO at Southernsbroadstock. “We have committed to the goal of net zero by 2050 and are on track to achieve this ambition for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030.”
“Last year, for example, we achieved a 30% reduction in our Scopes 1 and 2 measurements against a 12% target. We recognise that reducing our Scope 3 emissions represents the greatest challenge. Waste reduction is a key focus, and we recorded a 25% reduction within our last reporting year.”
“As well as our efforts to reduce our environmental impact, we strive to improve the lives of our team, customers, and the communities we serve. It was rewarding to receive independent recognition for our wide-ranging initiatives across all areas of the business.”
Southernsbroadstock publishes an annual report – “Our Sustainability Pledge” – which provide details of the company’s continuous drive for improvement. The publication can be downloaded from the web site here.
