MKM Building Supplies (MKM), a UK independent builder’s merchant, has achieved a Silver Medal in its third sustainability assessment by EcoVadis — with a score of 70/100, placing MKM in the top 15% of assessed companies worldwide.
EcoVadis provides the global standard for resilient, sustainable supply chains. MKM’s results highlight the progress it’s making on its journey to embed sustainability — or, as the company simply puts it, “Doing the Right Thing.” MKM’s score has increased by 28 points since its first EcoVadis assessment, reflecting tangible improvements across environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
Rachel Constable, head of ESG at MKM, said: “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and achieving a Silver EcoVadis Medal is a great milestone for us. It shows that our commitment to doing the right thing — whether that’s working with suppliers to uphold strong ethical standards, supporting local communities and charities, or helping customers build greener — is making an impact. We know we’re not done yet, and this recognition just gives us more drive to keep improving.”
Building a better business, branch by branch
MKM’s ESG approach is rooted in people and community as much as it is in environmental performance. All MKM branches are actively involved in their local communities, supporting grassroots initiatives and charities through sponsorship, fundraising, and volunteering. This approach reflects MKM’s unique business model, where each branch operates independently under local Branch Directors with the full support of Central Support teams — allowing them to choose truly local causes and initiatives.
This set up also means that progress isn’t achieved through top-down box-ticking — it’s driven by real action from local MKM teams, within their local communities and a culture that everyone’s on board with.
“Because our branches operate independently, success is dependent on each branch getting behind any given initiative.” added Rachel. “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.”
Investing in better practices and wider partnerships
MKM is investing in greener operations and building better. Its newly opened branch in Cheltenham — the first built to BREEAM Excellent standards — sets a new benchmark for future sites with an all-electric energy system and on-site renewable generation. MKM is also moving towards a lower-carbon logistics fleet, deploying electric forklifts and investing in alternative fuel HGVs.
The company’s ‘Go Home Safe’ initiative reinforces its commitment to health and safety across all branches, ensuring employees, customers, and visitors return home safely at the end of each day.
Beyond its own branches, MKM is also working with wider industry initiatives and associations to accelerate sustainability progress.
The company is a Gold member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and an active participant in the Builders Merchants Federation’s Sustainability Working Group.
In addition, MKM is a Construction Leadership Council CO2nstruct Zero Business Champion — demonstrating a strong commitment to helping the construction sector reach net zero.
MKM believes sustainability is a shared responsibility. It works closely with suppliers to uphold its Code of Conduct and to ensure the right products are available to customers — from renewable heating solutions through its specialist Oceanair division, to low-carbon insulation and materials supporting bio-diversity.
“Everyone’s welcome at MKM,” added Rachel. “We’re proud that this inclusive culture is part of what’s driven our progress and our improved EcoVadis score.”
MKM sees this EcoVadis recognition as another step towards its wider ESG goals.
Customer demand for sustainable solutions is rising, and regulations are evolving — so MKM is determined to keep supporting customers and communities every step of the way.
“Achieving Silver is a great result, but what matters most is the direction we’re heading,” said Rachel. “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.”
See page 23 of our October/November 2025 issue on our Back Issues page.
