Findel Achieves Carbon Neutral Business Certification

Findel, the UK’s leading educational resources supplier and subsidiary of the Manutan Group, has achieved Carbon Neutral Business certification from independent organisation Carbon Neutral Britain. The certification recognises the strength of the company’s environmental strategy and reflects several years of tangible action to reduce its carbon footprint. It also supports Findel’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. 

A rigorous certification based on internationally recognised standards 

The Carbon Neutral Business certification is awarded through a robust assessment process aligned with ISO 14064 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, two internationally recognised standards for carbon accounting and reporting. 

The certification provides a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1 and Scope 2, as well as material Scope 3 categories, offering a transparent and holistic view of the company’s overall carbon impact. 

Beyond measurement alone, the certification also commits organisations to a process of continuous improvement. Companies are expected to reduce emissions wherever possible and offset any unavoidable residual emissions through certified environmental projects with measurable impact. 

Significant investment delivering measurable results 

This certification is the result of a long-term commitment supported by clear, measurable action. Over recent years, Findel has fundamentally transformed its operations to reduce its environmental impact. 

Key achievements include: 

• 49.5% reduction in energy consumption since 2019 
• 97.7% reduction in operational carbon emissions 
• 100% renewable electricity and green gas usage 
• 46% reduction in packaging-related carbon emissions 

These improvements have been driven by major investment initiatives, including the installation of intelligent LED lighting systems, the rollout of smart energy building management technology, and the gradual transition of all material handling fleet to electric. 

For emissions that cannot yet be fully eliminated, the company supports certified carbon offsetting projects, including Gold Standard initiatives. Findel also invests in reforestation programmes such as the Findel Forest project, helping to support carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection. 

Meeting growing expectations across the sector 

As environmental accountability becomes increasingly important across the education sector, the certification provides customers with further assurance of Findel’s transparency and commitment. 

Chris Leonard, ESG Manager, adds:
"This confirms the credibility of our decarbonisation strategy. Our near-term emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), providing independent confirmation that our pathway aligns with climate science. In addition, we have also recently been awarded the BESA Sustainability & Net Zero Award, which recognises our leadership in sustainable development.” 

Chris Mahady, CEO of Findel, explains:
“Schools, nurseries and educational settings increasingly expect suppliers to demonstrate clear and measurable sustainability progress. Our customers can be confident that we are actively measuring our carbon impact, taking meaningful steps to reduce it, and accepting responsibility for the emissions we cannot yet fully eliminate.” 

This certification marks an important milestone in Findel’s climate strategy while creating further momentum for future progress. The company will now continue accelerating climate action across its entire value chain, particularly within Scope 3 emissions, as it works towards achieving net zero.