Britain’s biggest hardwood furniture retailer today announces a series of new initiatives and the creation of a new Head of Sustainability role, as it takes further steps to become a more environmentally responsible retailer.
A new tree planting partnership with One Tree Planted will see 100,000 trees reforested by the end of 2022 in areas around the world that Oak Furnitureland sources or sells its hardwood products in. In addition, two new initiatives with Clearabee and the British Heart Foundation will provide Oak Furnitureland customers with sustainable furniture removal options, to help reduce the amount of furniture sent to landfill.
As part of its sustainability journey, the company has also signed up to the BRC’s Climate Action Roadmap committing to net zero emissions by 2040. As part of its efforts to meet this ambition, Oak Furnitureland will ensure its 75 showrooms are converted to 100% renewable energy by the end of 2022. Oak Furnitureland will also create a new Head of Sustainability role, dedicated to driving the environmental transformation of the business.
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Alex Fisher, Chief Executive of Oak Furnitureland comments: “These new initiatives show how invested we are in putting sustainability at the heart of our business model. We’re excited to continue this momentum as we welcome our first ever Head of Sustainability to the Oak Furnitureland leadership team in the new year.
“We recognise that there’s more to be done to meet our environmental responsibilities, but we are making positive changes to the way we operate to ensure our planet and our business are both able to prosper for many years to come.”
These new initiatives build on investments Oak Furnitureland has made to become a more environmentally responsible retailer, including:
- Enlisting independent sustainability consultants Avieco to conduct a materiality assessment, which helped shape the framework for how Oak Furnitureland will become a more sustainable business;
- Converting 90% of Oak Furnitureland’s 75 showrooms to 100% renewable energy to date, with a new commitment to convert the final 10% by the end of 2022;
- Tracing 100% of all hardwood used across Oak Furnitureland’s products back to source.
One Tree Planted
Oak Furnitureland will plant 100,000 trees across the globe by the end of 2022, in countries such as Vietnam, UK, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, through its new reforestation partner One Tree Planted.
The projects focus on improving biodiversity in these regions through reforesting endangered species. The species of trees that will be planted have also been carefully chosen to suit the local ecosystems and includes species that Oak Furnitureland uses in the creation of its hardwood furniture.
British Heart Foundation
From today, Oak Furnitureland customers will be able to have their preloved, good quality furniture items collected by the BHF, with items then resold at one of the charity’s 180 nationwide home stores to raise funds for life saving heart research. Customers also have the option to add gift aid to their furniture donations, which in turn adds a further 25% value to their donation to the BHF.
The new scheme will help prevent usable furniture from going to landfill, and also raise funds for an important cause.
Clearabee
From today, Oak Furnitureland customers will be eligible for a new responsible furniture collection and recycling service through partner, Clearabee, at a discounted rate.
Starting from £29.99 collection charge, Clearabee will pick up old furniture, donate it to a local charity, or refurbish the item. In scenarios where furniture is not salvageable, Clearabee will ensure items are recycled, helping divert as much waste from landfill as possible.
This new scheme offers customers fast collection with the added reassurance the life of their preloved furniture will be extended through charity donation, upcycling or recycling.
To find out more, please visit www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/page/sustainability.html
