Making it matter:
Advancing sustainability through action, accountability, and ambition
The construction industry is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve natural resources. With the built environment accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the transition to sustainable construction practices is more critical than ever.
Adopting and embracing sustainable materials and techniques can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower waste, and extend the lifecycle of infrastructure, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
IKO's commitment
At IKO, sustainability is a fundamental part of who we are. As a trusted supplier to the UK’s built environment for over 140 years, we have made delivering high-quality, sustainable building materials a key part of our business model.
From reducing our carbon footprint and investing in local manufacturing to embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across our operations, we aim to contribute to a more responsible future for the construction industry. By combining innovation, integrity and a long-term vision, we strive to create a legacy of positive environmental and social impact.
Environmental
To help protect the environment through our actions, we continually invest in reducing the carbon footprint of our products and processes, with initiatives such as renewable energy, reduced CO2 emissions, an increase in recycled content in packaging, and minimising the use of packaging, where practical.
Social
Whether it’s the people we work with or the people who live near our sites, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our communities. This includes fostering a culture which protects the health, safety, and well-being of our team, as well as supporting local sports clubs, community clubs, and UK charities close to their hearts.
Governance
We’re creating a better future for our sector, where accountability is kind. To achieve this, our corporate governance commitments include working in line with the highest standards, meeting the requirements of industry-recognised accreditations, and adhering to policies that ensure we follow transparent and responsible business practices.
Sustainability in operations
At the core of the IKO sustainability and ESG initiatives are our Science-Based Targets (SBTs), and we have committed to achieving:
90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 across Scope 1, 2, and 3.
A 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, based on our 2022 baseline.
By 2030, we aim to certify that 70% of our UK suppliers are aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and plan to make 50% of all packaging from recycled materials, reducing waste and supporting circular economy practices.
Finally, IKO is working to ensure that 100% of its raw material suppliers have a decarbonisation plan in place, demonstrating a collective commitment to lowering emissions and building a more sustainable future.
Our dedicated Research & Development Teams focus on future-proofed innovation, ensuring our manufactured materials meet environmental standards and perform as expected. By advancing technologies that minimise environmental impact, we’re embracing sustainability and helping to shape the future of construction with products that align with modern needs.
Product innovation
At IKO, we proudly champion UK manufacturing, maintain independence, and ensure control over our raw materials to uphold quality and transparency. With four strategically located UK manufacturing sites, a strong Technical Team, a nationwide network of merchants, distributors, and IKO-approved contractors, and our role as a full-system manufacturer, we are a trusted, environmentally responsible partner.
Our commitment to innovation, local sourcing and continuous improvement allows us to deliver solutions that support a more sustainable future and enhance the longevity and durability of buildings. By providing roofing systems with extended life expectancy, we help reduce material waste, lower carbon footprints, and offer long-term value, ensuring structures remain resilient and efficient for decades.
Using proprietary technology, IKO Permatec LI hot melt roofing and waterproofing systems have over 50% lower embodied carbon compared to our original IKO Permatec membrane. Also, IKO Permascreed LI is a quick-drying mastic asphalt screeding solution with up to 38% lower embodied carbon and a reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) of up to 73.44kg per tonne.
In addition, IKO Spectraplan features a unique formulation that speeds up installation by up to 50% compared to standard systems. As the only TPE membrane manufactured in the UK, IKO Spectraplan achieves 91 on the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), effectively reflecting sunlight and reducing heat retention.
IKO Elements: The future of roofing
Designed to optimise performance while reducing environmental impact, the IKO Elements range provides innovative, high-quality solutions that answer the needs of modern construction. These environmentally responsible products are engineered for long-term performance, ensuring that sustainability and durability go hand in hand.
IKO offers a comprehensive range of sustainable roofing solutions for both new builds and refurbishments designed to enhance building performance and contribute to environmental goals. Our product offering includes:
Green roof systems
These living roofs promote biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce heat island effects, and provide natural insulation, making them ideal for urban areas.
BioSolar roof systems
Combining the benefits of both green and solar roofs, IKO’s biosolar systems incorporate vegetation with solar panels, creating a dual-purpose solution that generates renewable energy while enhancing environmental sustainability.
Solar PV roof systems
IKO’s solar solutions integrate photovoltaic panels (PV) into roofing systems, providing a clean and renewable energy source that reduces reliance on traditional energy grids.
Blue roof systems
IKO’s blue roofs help to reduce flooding from stormwater and improve water retention, supporting sustainable water management in urban areas.
IKO and GRO
IKO is a company that takes pride in being a member of the prestigious GRO alliance. The GRO Code of Best Practice is a standard of excellence that represents the best practices in green roofing design, specification, installation and maintenance.
With the help of the GRO Code, we ensure that our green roofing solutions are of high quality, environmentally sound and sustainable. Our commitment to the GRO code is an affirmation of our dedication to providing our customers with quality, long-lasting green roofing systems.
ESG at IKO
At IKO, our commitment to making it matter is not limited to environmental sustainability. It encompasses social responsibility and robust governance, ensuring that our actions positively impact both people and the planet.
From aligning with global frameworks, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to partnering with community initiatives, such as Wigan Youth Zone, and becoming signatories of the Anti-Greenwash Charter, we are holding ourselves accountable when it comes to our sustainability strategy.
Certifications
IKO upholds the highest standards of business ethics and sustainability through certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and BES 6001 (Responsible Sourcing), ensuring that our operations are both efficient and responsible.
As part of our commitment to a sustainable future, we are adopting PAS 2080, a pioneering standard for managing and reducing carbon in the infrastructure sector, which will help minimise embodied carbon across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
IKO is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, with significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2030. Our sustainability strategy focuses on reducing our carbon footprint, sourcing sustainable materials, and integrating eco-friendly practices across our entire operation, from product development to manufacturing.
IKO's products are designed to meet a range of rigorous sustainability standards and certifications. These include ISO 14001 and BES 6001. These certifications ensure that our solutions maintain environmental best practices and contribute to sustainable construction.
We have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for our products, to give customers visibility of the environmental impact of a product over its expected lifetime. We are also working on extending the number of products assessed via a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify and mitigate emissions across all stages of a product's life.
The potential long-term benefits of using IKO’s sustainable solutions include reduced energy consumption, lower operational costs, and increased building longevity. Our products are engineered to improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance requirements, minimise the environmental impact of construction projects, and offer a long life expectancy, contributing to both financial and environmental sustainability.
Yes, IKO’s products support key UK green building certifications such as BREEAM and PAS 2080. Our solutions help improve energy efficiency, reduce embodied carbon, and ensure that buildings meet sustainability requirements for energy use, waste reduction, and overall environmental performance.
We have implemented innovative measures to reduce packaging waste across our operations. IKO was the first in the UK to use a zero-waste wrapper for mastic asphalt products, leading the way in sustainable packaging. Currently, 30% of our packaging is made from recycled content, and we aim to increase this to 50% by 2030. To further reduce waste, we have invested in advanced packaging technology to use less film for wrapping pallets, and we are exploring the feasibility of packaging-free solutions for some of our products. These efforts reflect our commitment to smarter, more sustainable packaging.
Waste reduction is a key priority in our manufacturing processes. For example, our Grangemill site operates with a 100% zero-to-landfill policy, ensuring all waste is responsibly managed. We have invested in specialised recycling systems, such as equipment to recycle mineral waste and asphalt. Additionally, by incorporating recycled materials into our products, such as IKO Hyload and IKO Permaphalt, we are closing the loop on material usage, reducing our environmental impact while maintaining product performance.
Yes, we strongly support local sourcing as part of our sustainability strategy. Currently, 80% of the raw materials used in our products are sourced locally. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation but also supports local economies. By keeping our supply chain close to home, we minimise the environmental footprint of our operations and contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
We are members of the Anti-Greenwash Charter, which ensures transparency and accountability in our environmental claims. We are implementing PAS 2080, a leading standard for carbon management in infrastructure, and we comply with BES 6001, which demonstrates our commitment to responsible sourcing. Additionally, our adherence to ISO certifications, including ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO 9001 for Quality Management, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety, reflects our dedication to operating responsibly and sustainably. Our self-set Science-Based Targets (SBTs) also underline our short and long-term sustainability objectives.
Yes, we provide a comprehensive suite of tools and expert support to help you achieve your sustainability goals. Our specialists work closely with you to understand your project’s environmental objectives, offering tailored solutions that align with your sustainability strategy. To simplify tracking, we offer a Carbon Calculator, enabling you to quantify CO₂ savings when using IKO products. Additionally, our surveying service assesses the life expectancy of existing roofs and provides guidance on the most sustainable options for refurbishment or replacement.
How can we support you in your ESG journey?
If our ESG journey has inspired you to take action, let’s discuss how we can make a difference together!
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