The NSG Group, parent company of St Helens-based glass manufacturer Pilkington UK, has been recognised as a leader on climate change action by not-for-profit charity CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project).
- NSG Group achieve A- Climate Change Leadership rating from CDP.
- NSG Group set greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 30% by 2030.
- Pilkington UK pursue Net Zero with continued investment in carbon reduction.
CDP upgraded the NSG Group’s Climate Change Leadership rating from B to A-.
An A- rating recognises companies that are implementing current best practices on climate change. The score is higher than the materials sector average of B, which reflects companies demonstrating coordinated action on climate issues.
The not-for-profit runs a global disclosure system for investors, companies, and government authorities to manage their environmental impact on climate change, water security, and deforestation.
The rating improvement follows the NSG Group’s latest architectural glass Pilkington Mirai™ having been independently verified as the lowest embodied carbon glass of its kind, with 52% less embodied carbon when compared to standard float glass. Pilkington UK recently attended Futurebuild 24 to showcase the glass, which was pioneered using a combination of alternative fuel, high recycled glass content, and green electricity sources.
In 2023 Pilkington UK also proudly hosted Europe’s first carbon capture trial in the Flat Glass Industry. The project’s objective was to demonstrate that a low-cost carbon capture solution is a reality for industries like Pilkington UK’s in the race to net zero.
The NSG Group has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels and has been certified as a Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). As part of this, it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Kristian Chalmers, Global Strategic Commercial Manager in Architectural Glass SBU, NSG Group, said: “Decarbonising the built environment relies on building product manufacturers like Pilkington UK taking decisive action on climate change. If glass can be manufactured in a more sustainable way, then we can reduce the environmental impact of the world’s buildings.
“Achieving an improved climate change rating by CDP reflects how serious we take our responsibility towards the environment. This forms a key part of our purpose to makechange™, which is focused on delivering advanced glass that helps developers and asset-owners to meet their environmental ambitions, while transforming our own operations to meet the needs of decarbonisation.”
David Cast, Climate Change Director, at the NSG Group, said: “CDP has been at the forefront of climate disclosure for two decades, helping to standardise sustainability reporting globally. Having our score improve to an A- rating is a truly fantastic result and testament to the hard work of our global teams. We are excited to see where our sustainability story takes us, and to continue leading on climate change action for the benefit of the built environment.”
