The importance of ESG and the journey to net zero

Join us for an insightful event on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This event will provide an opportunity to explore how ESG principles are transforming procurement practices and driving sustainable value within the industry.

The event will begin with an introduction to ESG and a presentation on the initiatives at Howdens that reflect their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing and responsible business practices.

Following the introduction, there will be a roundtable discussion which will provide a collaborative space for professionals to discuss the key ESG challenges faced in procurement and share best practices and innovative strategies.

Our aim is to provide a platform for networking and exchanging ideas on how ESG can be effectively embedded into procurement processes to support long-term business sustainability.

If you have any queries please contact branchevents@cips.org

EVENT VENUE:

Howdens, Thorpe Road, Goole, DN14 7PA

Parking is available around the perimeter of the building, available on a first come first served basis (visitors and staff spots will be available).

EVENT SPEAKER

Claire Toomey 

Sustainable & ESG Lead, Howdens 

Claire will give an overview of Howdens and the ESG initiatives within the business and the challenges of the decarbonising the supply chain.

Claire has 25 years experience in global supply chain procurement, category management across multiple product sectors and more latterly Leading the Joinery and Flooring Categories for Howdens. Having been with the business for 13.5 years, Claires passion for embedding sustainability right from the start of any process and ensuring that supply chains don’t just think about end price, but the total impact of all activities on the whole value chains; made the move in 2022 into leading sustainability for Howdens a natural next step.

Claire has led the 18 month project with internal and external stakeholders to get Howdens Approved with a Net Zero plan to reduce our emissions with the SBTI (Science Based Targets Initiative).  This is a major milestone for Howdens on the Road to Zero.  We will publish our Transition plan in 2025 and now we are preparing for the EU CSRD legislation, which will impact our French business from next year.

In the last year Claire has spoken and represented Howdens in the House of Commons and International Chambers of Commerce as well as Sustainability conferences such as Innovation Zero on the importance of global collaboration and why sharing knowledge, activities & achievements in reducing emissions from supplier to consumer is critical to changing behaviour.  She is also a Board Director for Timber Development UK (TDUK) and Director for Howdens charitable Foundation.