Intergamma, the group behind DIY chains Karwei and Gamma in Belgium and the Netherlands, has already achieved its 2030 ambitions in terms of reducing its own carbon emissions.
Energy savings
Intergamma’s own carbon emissions (the so-called ‘Scope 1’ and ‘Scope 2’ emissions) were 72 % lower last year than in the reference year 2021. As such, the retailer has already achieved its target of reducing emissions by 50 % by 2030, the company’s sustainability report published states.
Last year, Intergamma’s two head offices and its own DIY stores used only green energy. The company is also investing in making its logistics more sustainable: Intergamma will start using a new distribution centre of 94,000 sqm this summer, replacing the current five locations in the same town. This will save 28,000 kilometres in transport movements, the company claims. The distribution centre has a BREEAM Excellent sustainability certification and is equipped with over 12,000 solar panels.
Sustainable range
CFO Laura Hendrickx says that the product range is also becoming more sustainable step by step: more sustainable items now account for 14 % of total sales. “Many of our products are not sustainable by nature, but are life-extending and therefore have a positive impact, such as paint or stain with which window frames can be preserved for longer. We also see more and more supply and demand around more sustainable alternatives with an EU Ecolabel.”
Last year, 95 % of the major wood streams at Gamma and Karwei were FSC/PEFC certified, achieving another key target. In total, the retailer sold 1.2 million sqm of insulation material, equivalent to some 20,000 roofs. Tool rental also continues to expand. Last year, more than 110 employees were trained as sustainability advisors.
