Sustainability overview
Wren Contract Kitchens is committed to sustainability and is actively pursuing a greener future through an array of environmental initiatives. Recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, Wren has set an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Their program encompasses multiple areas of environmental responsibility, from manufacturing to energy consumption, transportation, and wildlife conservation.
All Wren Contract Kitchens materials are sourced from approved suppliers who adhere to ethical standards, supported by documented policies. We prioritise sustainable procurement practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact. We are currently accredited to ISO14001 where environmental impact and sourcing purchasing of ethical products are key pillars in the ethos of the organisation. Our main supplier and primary company are fully FSC/FISP certified meaning that robust management of the use of sustainable materials is required.
Key Sustainability Initiatives:
Manufacturing
- Carbon Mapping Tool: In collaboration with Hull University, Wren is developing a carbon mapping tool to measure the entire life cycle carbon footprint of a kitchen or bedroom, helping customers make more environmentally positive choices.
- Use of Recycled Materials: The majority of wood in Wren’s chipboard is from recycled resources, and waste wood and plastic are recycled. All cabinet legs, sockets, and plinth clips are made from 100% recycled plastics.
- Water-Based Paints: Wren has transitioned to water-based paints, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by around 72%—a move that has earned them the 'One Small Step' Sustainability Award at the Ideal Home Awards 2024.
- Quartz Recycling: Waste quartz is repurposed for road repair and construction.
- Sustainable Sourcing: All materials used by Wren are sourced from sustainable resources.
- Carbon Emissions Reporting: Wren reports on scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions and prioritizes emission reduction over offsetting.
Energy
- Solar-Powered Facility: Wren’s new 1.1 million sq. ft. facility has the largest roof-mounted solar panel in the UK, producing 629.6 MWh of energy.
- Green Electricity: Wren purchases only green electricity.
- Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS): These systems will soon be implemented across all premises to monitor and control energy usage.
Transportation
- Reduced Road Miles: Enhanced route planning and processes have led to a 13% reduction in road miles.
- Zero Emission Fleet: Wren’s fleet of company cars and vans is now entirely electric or hybrid.
- Efficient Delivery System: Through its Triple Trunking process, Wren has reduced home delivery road mileage by approximately 60%.
- HVO Fuel for Delivery Vehicles: Wren is switching 94% of its HGV fleet to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, reducing delivery vehicle CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. HVO fuelling stations will be available at eight UK transport depots.
Wildlife Conservation
- Tree Planting Initiative: As part of a commitment to plant one tree for every kitchen sold, Wren has planted over 5,000 trees so far, with a goal of planting 100,000 trees annually.
- Biodiverse Habitats: Wren has created biodiverse habitats in local nature reserves and is supporting biodiversity by planting pollinator-friendly trees and installing bird boxes.
Industry Recognition and Certifications
Wren has received multiple awards, including five Motor Transport Awards for its green initiatives and efficiency. The company is certified under several sustainability programs, such as the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), highlighting its commitment to responsible forestry and furniture manufacturing practices.
These comprehensive efforts reflect Wren Kitchens' commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship, reassuring customers that they are working towards a greener, more sustainable future.