Chief Executive introduction 2009/10

A conversation with the Group Chief Executive, Ian Cheshire

What is Kingfisher doing to address climate change?

Kingfisher is in a unique position to address climate change because we can influence two very important groups of people, firstly our customers and secondly our suppliers. We can provide customers with products, services and information that will allow them to reduce their carbon footprint. We are also working with our suppliers to reduce climate change impacts in our supply chain.

How are you helping customers reduce their eco footprint?

We're increasing our range of eco products across the Group and developing a Group eco brand. Consumers are looking for answers and solutions to complicated questions and we need to give them as much help as we can. It's quite clear there's the demand for eco solutions, but a lot of the time customers don't know where to start. I think we can play a key role in making it easier for customers. For example, B&Q UK is introducing eco shops within stores which bring all our eco products together in one place for the first time.

How are you reducing the impact of your operations?

Our work on sustainability encourages us to think about every aspect of our business and how we can cut out waste. This also helps to lower cost and make us more efficient. So the fact that over the past year we've been able to reduce the total CO₂ equivalent from energy and transport by 8% and the amount of store waste disposed by 10% is a direct bottom-line benefit.

How are you working in partnership with others?

We work with a range of partners, such as Forum for the Future and BioRegional, to help inform our thinking. We also engage with governments and participate in a range of networks to influence the wider sustainability agenda. For example, we have set up a Timber Retail Coalition with a number of other major retailers to address timber issues. In addition, I'm involved in the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change which is calling for stronger government action to tackle climate change.

What are your priorities for the future?

There are two clear opportunities for the future. The first is to grow eco product sales. In 2009/10, we achieved over £1 billion of eco product sales – driven by initiatives such as Castorama France's Maison Éco and B&Q UK's One Planet Home®. The second opportunity is to provide eco installation services in customer homes, as government measures help to create new markets for home energy retrofits. We're now getting ready for a multi-billion pound eco services market that will be a big part of our future.