B&Q has published its latest Build a Life Project Report, setting out progress on reducing its environmental impact, helping customers make more sustainable choices and supporting the communities it serves.

The annual report provides a framework for measuring progress, celebrating achievements and identifying opportunities to do more as the retailer continues to evolve its responsible business strategy. Key achievements include the opening of B&Q’s Cheltenham Sustainable Store, which brings more sustainable choices to customers, and a 67.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions since 2016/17, supported by initiatives such as the decarbonisation of its logistics fleet.

Cover of B&Q’s Build a Life Project Report annual report 2026, with lavender and a butterfly on a blue background

The retailer also introduced Pennies across its stores in the UK and Ireland, allowing customers to make micro-donations at the till, which has raised £2.7 million since launch. Fundraising by colleagues raised a further £4.6 million for charity partners and local communities in 2025/26.

The report also highlights the expansion of the Refurb by B&Q programme to include more products, such as power tools and taps, and a Carbon Literacy programme to build colleagues’ knowledge of the business’s net zero plans.

Further progress set out in the report includes:

  • 67.3% of sales coming from products with more sustainable features or benefits
  • 99.7% of wood and paper used in products responsibly sourced
  • 99% of waste diverted from landfill
  • A 41% reduction in energy use since 2014/15, with 99% of electricity now from renewable sources
  • All bagged composts, and own-brand plants delivered to stores, using 100% peat-free compost
  • New sustainable packaging guidelines targeting at least 30% recycled plastic in packaging, and 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2030
  • B&Q Foundation grants awarded to 203 charities, helping more than 101,000 people benefit from spaces that feel more like home
  • More than 300 Community Day projects completed by colleagues, helping 310,219 people benefit from a better community space
  • More than 90,000 items donated through the Community Reuse initiative
  • More than 3,000 colleagues having completed or undertaking apprenticeships through the Learning for Life programme

“Our latest Build a Life Project Report is an important way for us to measure the progress we are making in reducing our environmental impact and understanding the difference we make to people across our business and communities. It helps us recognise and celebrate what we have achieved, while identifying where we can do more to create positive change.

“Over the last year, we’ve taken a more joined-up, people-centered approach to responsible business, with initiatives such as the opening of our Cheltenham Sustainable Store – a first for B&Q, scaling the Refurb by B&Q programme which has expanded to more than 300 products, including taps and power tools, building Carbon Literacy among our colleagues and making a difference through community and charitable initiatives.

“By working together across our business and with our partners and suppliers, we can build on this progress and make a lasting difference for people and the planet.”

Samantha Dyer, Head of Responsible Business, B&Q

B&Q, part of Kingfisher plc, operates more than 300 stores across the UK and Ireland and has continued to develop its wider offer, most recently with the launch of TradePoint Express and an expanded Deliveroo partnership. The full Build a Life Project Report is available online.

B&Q Build a Life Report Highlights Progress on People and Planet
Publisher and Content Director at  | Website | + posts

Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.

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