B&Q becomes first business to join OnePlanet

Retailer B&Q joined the OnePlanet initiative set up by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and environmental consultancy BioRegional this week. If OnePlanet rings a bell, it's probably because the same initiative popped up in our Abu Dhabi eco city story this week.

But DIY store B&Q is the first business to sign up to OnePlanet and joins a motley crew of sustainable developments and concept designs, including the London Olympics and a number of schemes in the controversial Thames Gateway region.

All of the OnePlanet organisations sign up to ten guiding principles: zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, sustainable materials, local and sustainable food, sustainable water, natural habitats and wildlife, culture and heritage, equity and fair trade, health and happiness.

BioRegional told SmartPlanet that it is not trying to sign up everybody to the OnePlanet scheme (though we don't see why not). Instead, these flagship projects are meant to inspire others to take similar steps.

Although some of the guidelines seem a little woolly for businesses, B&Q has signed up to a three-year partnership with BioRegional to draw up two sustainability action plans. The first of these looks to be nothing more than a commitment to stock another 2,000 eco-friendly products and get rid off all the carbon-emitting nasties. This initiative is behind B&Q's recent decision to phase out selling patio heaters.

The second action plan tackles the more meaty issue of improving B&Q's own operations. This plan, however, will only be finalised in February and will include a number of targets for B&Q to meet over the next three years. BioRegional said they'd be back in touch with us when the B&Q plan is ready, so we'll follow up soon.

Related Links

• SmartPlanet