Booth Welsh has taken an important step forward in our sustainability journey, with our carbon-reduction targets to 2030 and 2045 formally accepted and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The validation provides credible and internationally recognised confirmation that our targets meet the SBTi’s criteria and are aligned with current climate science.
In confirming the validation, the SBTi commended Booth Welsh’s commitment, stating:
“The SBTi commends your ambitious 1.5°C-aligned target, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.”
Turning Commitment into Measurable Action
We have committed to reducing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, measured against our 2022/23 baseline, alongside our longer-term commitment to achieve net zero by 2045.
We have also established targets addressing our wider Scope 3 emissions, including those associated with our supply chain, business travel, employee commuting and purchased goods and services. SBTi validation goes beyond making a general net zero pledge. It requires businesses to understand their emissions, establish measurable reduction targets and demonstrate that those targets meet independently defined criteria.
Alan Caddies, Compliance Manager at Booth Welsh, said:
“Having our 2030 and 2045 targets approved by the SBTi provides credible, internationally recognised validation of our commitments. We’re particularly pleased that our 1.5°C-aligned target has received the most ambitious designation currently available through the SBTi process. A great deal of work has gone into reaching this point, including valuable support from Think Partnership. Our focus now is on continuing that progress and delivering the actions needed to meet our targets.”
The validation will also support our wider compliance activity, including future EcoVadis assessments, our ISO certifications and the growing focus on carbon reduction within client pre-qualification and procurement processes.
Supporting Responsible, Long-Term Growth
For Booth Welsh, the validated targets will support the delivery of our developing Sustainability Strategy and existing Carbon Reduction Plan, helping to connect climate action with our operational decisions, investment, procurement and supply-chain engagement.
Gavin Tweedie, Responsible Business Leader at Booth Welsh, said:
“This validation is an important milestone, but it is not the end result. It confirms that the targets we have set are credible and aligned with climate science. The real work lies in translating them into practical, financially viable action across the business. We see this as a business transformation framework rather than a sustainability badge. It will help ensure carbon reduction is considered within our strategy, operations, procurement, investment decisions and the services we provide to our clients.”
As an employee-owned business, we are developing our approach to sustainability around responsible, long-term growth. This includes improving the quality and coverage of our emissions data, strengthening internal accountability and identifying practical opportunities to reduce our environmental impact. Our latest Carbon Reduction Plan significantly expanded the range of emissions we measure, particularly across Scope 3. This gives us a more complete and transparent picture of our carbon footprint and provides a stronger foundation from which meaningful reductions can be delivered.
Martin Welsh, Managing Director of Booth Welsh, said:
“We are delighted to have our targets validated by the SBTi which gives us an independently recognised framework against which we can measure our progress and hold ourselves accountable. It is also increasingly important to our clients. Many organisations are working to reduce emissions across their supply chains and want to partner with businesses that can demonstrate credible plans, reliable data and a genuine commitment to action. This initiative supports our ambition to grow responsibly while continuing to help our clients improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of their own operations.”
The Next Stage of Our Sustainability Journey
SBTi validation confirms the credibility of our targets, but it does not mean they have already been achieved.
Our focus now is on turning these commitments into an operationally deliverable and financially viable transition plan. We will continue developing the actions required and reporting transparently on our progress through our sustainability and carbon-reduction reporting.
The announcement also comes ahead of our attendance at the NOF Net Zero supply chain event on 10th September, where we look forward to engaging with organisations and supply-chain partners working to support the UK’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.
You can learn more about our approach and the actions already underway in our latest Carbon Reduction Plan.