L’Oréal has become the latest big corporation to commit to helping smaller businesses in its sector reduce carbon emissions.
Working with environmental business group Net Zero Now, L’Oréal has created the Net Zero Salons Programme to guide salons in the UK and Ireland through the processes involved if they want to reduce carbon emissions.
Through the scheme, these small businesses will be given a roadmap for calculating, tracking and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
A join statement from L’Oréal and Net Zero Now said that with over 30,000 salons in the UK alone, the programme presents a significant opportunity “to drive real decarbonisation in the beauty sector and create a greener high street for everyone”.
During a pilot programme which entailed working with salons such as Adam Reed in London, Trevor Sorbie in Manchester, and Linton and Mac in Scotland, it was estimated that the average salon appointment produces an estimated 3.1kg of GHG. In line with goals set by the Science Based Targets (SBT) Initiative, salons who sign up to the new Net Zero Programme will be working to reduce that figure down to 2kg per appointment.
This is expected to be achieved by switching to renewable energy, improving waste treatment and management, and incentivising employees to choose more sustainable travel options.
Thierry Cheval, managing director of L’Oréal UK & Ireland, said: “As market leaders, we recognise the important role we play in empowering our business ecosystem – such as our salon partners – to take steps to be more sustainable.
“We are committed to continuing to support the future of the sector and we look forward to having salons from across the UK and Ireland join the programme as the industry seeks to take climate reduction action.”
Net Zero Now co-founder Simon Heppner commented: “The programme is open to all salons, empowering and enabling the whole industry to play its part in tackling the climate crisis, whilst meeting the growing expectations of consumers and employees.”
Salons in the UK and Ireland can find out about the Net Zero Salons Programme and how to reduce carbon emissions here.
L’Oréal is not the only large company helping SMEs tackle the climate crisis. Grosvenor Property, which owns large parts of west London retail estate, is working with its suppliers to help them build SBTs and work towards greener practices.
[Image credit: Green Retail World]
