Gloucester-based footwear and clothing wholesaler, Gardiner Bros and Footsure Western Ltd, has gained ISO 14001:2015 certification following a focus and commitment to environmental sustainability practices.
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance. The framework encompasses various aspects, from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments. By adopting this standard, organisations signal a commitment to regulatory compliance and ongoing environmental improvement.
James Gardiner, CEO of Gardiner Bros and Footsure Western Ltd, said this recognises the great efforts put in by the team to deliver continuous improvement and evolve the brand’s environmental management systems within the organisation…
“We look forward to continuing to evolve the plan and build on the award to remain focussed on our dedication to playing our part in a sustainable future,” he added.
“This certification demonstrates the steps Gardiners and Footsure have taken to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and supporting sustainable business practices for our cities.”
James Gardiner (CEO), George Gates (Health, Safety & Environmental Manager), Paul Wheeler (Chief Revenue Officer)
The heritage Gloucester company has also developed recycled footwear collections as well as launching some of the first ever safety boots made using recycled pre-consumer leather leading the way in the PPE industrial sector, working closely with The National Forest and support with tree planting.
In 2023, Gardiners and Footsure won Business of the Year and the Environmental and Sustainability Award in the Gloucestershire Business Awards sponsored by Randall and Payne.
The same year, the company successfully transitioned to sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources. By partnering with a local energy broker and taking green deals for all of its gas and electricity, its monthly carbon footprint for electricity has been reduced to zero meaning it is actively working towards the UK Government’s Net Zero initiatives to reach net zero by 2050.
The wholesaler has taken other positive steps, including implementing a comprehensive recycling program with a nearby waste handling partner, enabling diversion of waste from landfill. In 2023, Gardiners and Footsure either recycled or turned to waste energy over 95 per cent of waste, against a national average of 45. Waste that is non-recyclable is turned into energy, aggregates and steam.
The wholesaler uses sustainable packaging sourced from recycled materials throughout the day at their units, which also host some 30 charge points for electric cars, have eco-friendly responsive LED lighting, evaporative cooling to keep the mezzanine areas cool, destratifications fans and use renewable energy sources.
