Sustainability at CLH


At CLH, sustainability means taking practical, responsible action to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency, resilience, and the way we work. We recognise that sustainability is a journey. While we do not claim to have all the answers, we are committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and measurable progress across our operations, fleet, facilities, and culture.

 
Our approach

 

Our sustainability focus is built around three key areas:

  • Reducing emissions and waste across our operations

  • Supporting our people and responsible ways of working

  • Strengthening governance, compliance and long‑term resilience

Where possible, we set clear targets and timelines, and we continue to develop improved measurement as our business evolves. 
 

 
Fleet & Transport

 

We are actively reducing the environmental impact of our fleet and travel by improving efficiency and accelerating the transition to lower‑emission vehicles.
 

 
Our actions include:

 

  • Transitioning our fleet toward electric and hybrid vehicles, with a target for all non‑van vehicles to be electric or hybrid by 2028, with a maximum CO₂ of 50g/km

  • Phased introduction and trial of electric vans

  • Electric forklifts adopted in operations, replacing gas and diesel alternatives

  • Route planning to consolidate service visits and reduce mileage

  • Use of telematics and driver KPIs to reduce idling and improve fuel efficiency

  • Remote troubleshooting where possible to avoid unnecessary call‑outs and travel
     

 

Our commitments include:

 

  • Transition to paperless - Operations by 2027, with office functions following shortly after.

  • Service reports, quotations, contracts and documentation issued electronically

  • Installation of LED lighting and motion‑sensor lighting where appropriate

  • Introduction of smart metering to monitor and manage energy usage

  • Development of a new warehouse by 2030, incorporating:

    - A solar roof capable of generating up to 150,000 kWh per year
    - On‑site charging of vehicles
    - Reduced reliance on externally sourced energy
     

 
Packaging, Waste & Materials

 

We aim to minimise waste, increase reuse and improve recycling across our supply chain and distribution processes.
 

 
Current and planned initiatives include:

 

  • Recycling of all cardboard and plastic wrapping materials

  • Reuse of inbound packaging for outbound deliveries where suitable

  • Waste audits to identify further reduction opportunities

  • Evaluation of cardboard balers to improve recycling efficiency

  • Engagement with suppliers to reduce inbound packaging

  • Customer options to consolidate backorders into main deliveries to reduce transport emissions

 
Our People & Culture

 

We believe sustainable change comes from engaging and supporting our people.
 

 
Our approach includes:

 

  • Bike to Work scheme for employees living locally

  • Regional sales and service teams to minimise long‑distance travel

  • Reduced travel through increased use of Microsoft Teams and virtual meetings

  • Staff engagement initiatives to encourage ideas for environmental improvement

  • Potential incentives linked to efficient driving and operational behaviours
     

 
Environmental Stewardship

 

The founding family, shareholders and directors of CLH have owned and actively managed 14 acres of woodland for over 20 years, maintaining and protecting its wildlife and ecosystem.

Following significant storm damage, planned reforestation took place approximately ten years ago, with ongoing maintenance to ensure the long‑term health of the woodland. This work reflects a long‑standing commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity, alongside our operational sustainability efforts.
 

 
Supporting our customers

 

In addition to reducing our own impact, we support our customers in operating more sustainably by:

  • Providing guidance on waste legislation and recycling best practice

  • Offering eco‑friendly and compostable product options

  • Sharing learning through our online Knowledge Centre and resources
     

 
Looking ahead, we are continuing to build on our sustainability efforts through a range of initiatives designed to reduce our environmental impact and support long-term responsible growth. This includes improving the way we track and monitor emissions and energy usage, further electrifying our vehicle fleet, increasing the use of renewable energy sources across our operations, and maintaining ongoing collaboration with suppliers, customers and employees to drive positive environmental change throughout our business and supply chain.