MKM Building Supplies has achieved a Silver Medal in its latest sustainability assessment from EcoVadis, placing the builder's merchant within the top 15% of companies rated worldwide.

The award reflects significant improvement across areas including environmental impact, procurement, labour and human rights, and ethics. MKM's score of 70/100 represents a 28-point rise since its first assessment, underlining how sustainability is becoming a core part of its business operations.

Founded in Hull in 1995, MKM has grown into the UK's largest independent builder's merchant, operating 135 branches nationwide, which the company credits much of its progress to. Local teams are able to support their communities through sponsorship, volunteering and fundraising, while also engaging with sustainability initiatives.

Rachel Constable, Head of ESG at MKM, said that this structure makes industry recognition more meaningful: "Because our branches operate independently, success is dependent on each branch getting behind any given initiative.

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"It means achieving a Silver Medal is even more rewarding. It reflects the culture of our teams – everyone wants to do the right thing; actively getting involved to make progress that matters locally and across the business," she added.

Construction of MKM's new Cheltenham branch shows how sustainability is shaping the company's growth. The site has been built to BREEAM Excellent standards, using an all-electric energy system supported by on-site renewable generation.

The merchant is also modernising its fleet, rolling out electric forklifts and exploring alternative fuel HGVs to reduce carbon emissions from logistics. Alongside this, the company continues to emphasise safety across its network through the 'Go Home Safe' initiative, designed to ensure that employees, customers and visitors leave its sites safely at the end of each day.

MKM’s sustainability work extends beyond its own operations. It is a Gold member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, contributes to the Builders Merchants Federation's Sustainability Working Group, and is a Construction Leadership Council CO2nstruct Zero Business Champion.

It also works closely with suppliers through a strict Code of Conduct, ensuring that sustainable and energy-efficient products are available to customers. The acquisition of HVAC specialist Oceanair UK Ltd in 2024 strengthened this approach, giving MKM expertise in renewable heating solutions that now sit alongside low-carbon insulation and biodiversity-friendly building materials in its product range.

MKM acknowledges there is still more work to do. Demand for sustainable construction products is increasing, and the company expects regulations to keep tightening.

"Achieving Silver is a great result, but what matters most is the direction we're heading," said Rachel Constable. "We're committed to keeping that momentum, challenging ourselves to do better, and working together with customers, suppliers, and communities to build a more sustainable future."