EMR joins pledges to become eco champion

UK recycler EMR is the first recycling business in the world to support key pledges in an international sustainability initiative.

International non-profit organisation The Climate Group has three different schemes; RE100, EV100 and EP100 covering renewable electricity, electric vehicles and driving energy productivity improvements. EMR is one of only eight companies globally to become a member of all three.

As a condition of its RE100 membership, which is run in partnership with CDP, a global carbon disclosure project, EMR has committed to 100% renewable electricity across its sites worldwide. Through the EV100 initiative, EMR will switch 100% of its car and light commercial vehicle fleet and 50% of small heavy goods vehicles to electric vehicles.

Under EP100, it also pledges to deliver a 10% energy productivity improvement in materials handled. There is a deadline of 2030 for achieving the three commitments.

Ceo Chris Sheppard says the company is proud the first recycler and one of only eight companies globally to have a triple membership of the group’s initiatives. ‘As we rebuild our businesses and economies after Covid-19, we have an opportunity to build back better,’ he comments.

Sheppard calls for the creation of a ‘more resilient’, circular economy. He stresses EMR wants to make ‘an authentic contribution’, part of which is achieving zero emissions by 2040.’

Helen Clarkson, The Climate Group ceo adds: ‘As a metal recycling company EMR has the potential to make a big impact on corporate climate leadership. EU figures indicate that using recycled raw materials, including metals, cuts CO2 emissions by some 200 million tonnes every year. By converting their fleet to electric and switching to renewable and efficient power, EMR are setting a strong example for others in their industry.’