Boots have established a reputation for making people €look and feel good', but with an innovative range of environmental initiatives in place, Corporate Social Responsibility is very much at the heart of the brand.

Boots are extremely committed to the concepts of Carbon Management, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and €being green'. Since 2005, for example, we have reduced our carbon footprint by over 10,000 tonnes, and we are aiming to continue in our efforts to be environmentally aware at all times, throughout every aspect of the business.

Over the coming years, we've planned a comprehensive CSR agenda to ensure that we continue to minimise Boots carbon footprint. Here are just a few ways in which we've been able to demonstrate that Carbon Management is central to the values of the Boots brand.

Energy Efficient Buildings

During the last three years, Boots have invested around 15 million in technology designed to reduce energy consumption within stores. Inefficient equipment has been replaced and building management systems have been synced with stores' hours of operation. An Eastbourne branch was used to trial a number of low-carbon solutions (such as smart metering, solar panels and the optimum use of daylight), and was recognised with an Energy Efficient Refurbishment award at the Environment & Energy Awards 2012.

Carbon Cuts

In October 2011 Boots received an external accreditation for demonstrating a commitment to carbon footprint reduction from then Carbon Trust Standard. Boots have since continued to make the low carbon challenge a priority via governance, carbon accounting, and carbon management. During the last two years, Boots have helped to shape carbon-saving legislation, working alongside key organisations such as the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

Suitable and Sustainable

Aside from promoting carbon saving strategies, Boots also support the responsible sourcing and sustainability of the materials which are used in making their products. As such, Boots maintain traceability data for all natural material and ingredients, and set clear targets for sourcing key materials such as wood, pulp, paper and palm oil. In addition, Boots have demonstrated an awareness of water management, taking active steps to reduce the water impact of certain materials - such as using bamboo fibre instead of cotton where possible, for example.

Transport Techniques

Boots recognise that the transport of goods from manufacturer to the shop floor can involve significant vehicle transportation, which produces carbon dioxide. The supply chain, therefore, is a key focus for Boots carbon-minimising efforts. Taking active steps to reduce the distance travelled for store deliveries, Boots have also changed the types of vehicle used, promoting energy efficient vans and trailers which maximise available space. Furthermore, Boots UK is a founding member of the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) - an industry initiative designed to record, report and reduce carbon emissions from freight transport.