CEF Recognised as a Europe Climate Leader

CEF has been recognised in the Financial Times’ Europe Climate Leaders 2026 list, following the recent validation of our science-based net-zero targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Compiled in partnership with Statista, the list highlights European businesses making measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — particularly scope 1 and 2 emissions — while demonstrating transparency in reporting scope 3 emissions.

For CEF, this recognition reflects the progress we are making to reduce emissions across our operations and support the wider transition to a lower-carbon future. As the UK’s leading multi-channel electrical distributor, we recognise the important role our industry plays in accelerating electrification, improving energy efficiency, and supporting the adoption of renewable technologies.

Science-based net-zero targets

Earlier this year, CEF’s net-zero targets were officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), independently confirming that our emissions reduction plans align with climate science and the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Our validated targets include:

• A 63% reduction in scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2033, from a 2023 baseline

• Achieving net-zero emissions across the business by 2040

These targets reflect our commitment to taking meaningful action to reduce emissions while continuing to support customers, supplier partners, and the wider construction industry in improving sustainability outcomes.

Making progress across our operations

Reducing emissions requires practical action, and we continue to invest in initiatives that improve efficiency and reduce emissions across our operations.

As a result of this work:

• Scope 1 emissions are down 24% from our 2023 baseline, driven largely by progress in electrifying our fleet

• Scope 2 emissions are down 82% from baseline through the procurement of renewable electricity

These reductions demonstrate the impact that focus, investment, and operational improvements can have across a large business network.

Alongside this progress, we continue to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency while embedding sustainability into everyday decision-making.

Supporting the wider transition

Reducing emissions across the construction sector requires collaboration, which is why CEF works closely with customers, supplier partners, and industry stakeholders to help address the challenges of climate change and support the adoption of lower-carbon technologies.

One example of this is the ‘Horizon’ event that CEF hosted in February, bringing together major customers and industry experts to explore challenges and opportunities around net-zero, collaborate on solutions, and share best practice.

By working together, we can help drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.

Looking ahead

We are proud to be recognised in the Financial Times’ Europe Climate Leaders 2026 list and see this as an important milestone in our wider sustainability journey.

While there is more work to do, this recognition reinforces our commitment to reducing emissions across our operations, supporting our customers and supplier partners, and continuing our progress towards achieving net-zero by 2040.

For more information on CEF’s sustainability commitments and progress, please read our Impact Report on our Sustainability page.