MKM Building Supplies Achieves Gold EcoVadis Medal for Sustainability

MKM Building Supplies (MKM) has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning a Gold EcoVadis Medal, a recognition that places the company among the top 5% of over 150,000 businesses evaluated worldwide for their sustainability performance. This prestigious award was announced on 24 July 2026 and highlights MKM's commitment to responsible business practices, ethical supply chains, and a dedication to helping customers build sustainably.

MKM's Sustainability Journey

Since its first assessment by EcoVadis, MKM has made remarkable progress, moving from a Bronze rating to Silver and now achieving Gold. This improvement represents an increase of 39 points in their overall score, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the team in promoting sustainable practices within the company.

Rachel Constable, Head of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) at MKM, expressed her pride in the company’s achievements:

“Achieving Gold is a fantastic milestone for everyone at MKM because it reflects years of work happening right across the business. It’s recognition of the way our people support their communities, how we work with suppliers, the choices we’re making to reduce our environmental impact and the way we’re helping customers build more sustainably.”

What is EcoVadis?

EcoVadis is an independent platform that assesses companies based on various sustainability criteria, including environmental impact, ethical practices, labour rights, and sustainable procurement. This means that when a business like MKM receives a high score from EcoVadis, it demonstrates to customers and suppliers that they are committed to responsible operations and continuous improvement. With increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability, many customers are now more concerned than ever about the environmental impact of their purchases. This independent verification from EcoVadis offers reassurance that businesses are taking meaningful steps towards sustainability.

Community Engagement and Local Initiatives

MKM operates through 142 branches across the UK, each run independently by local directors who understand the needs of their communities. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, MKM encourages branches to take ownership of local sustainability initiatives. This means that each branch can tailor its efforts to support local projects, whether through sponsorship, fundraising, or volunteering. Recent initiatives include:

- Opening MKM’s first two BREEAM Excellent certified branches in Cheltenham and Wolverhampton, which are recognised for their sustainability standards.

- Increasing the use of electric forklift trucks to reduce emissions.

- Strengthening supplier engagement through a Code of Conduct that ensures ethical sourcing.

- Expanding access to sustainable products, including renewable heating technologies and energy-efficient solutions.

These steps reflect MKM's ongoing commitment to improving their environmental impact while also supporting customers in meeting evolving building regulations and standards.

Health and Safety Initiatives

MKM is also dedicated to the health and safety of its employees and customers. The company has implemented the Go Home Safe programme, which focuses on creating a safe working environment. This investment in health and safety complements their sustainability efforts and underscores their commitment to responsible business practices.

Rachel Constable noted the importance of independent verification in today’s market:

“Customers are – quite rightly - asking more questions than ever before about sustainability, responsible sourcing and supply chain performance. Achieving Gold gives them confidence that we’re not only responding to those expectations today, but that we’ve built the systems, processes, and culture to keep improving into the future.”

Recognition and Future Goals

In addition to the EcoVadis Gold Medal, MKM is also a Gold member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and has been recognised as a Construction Leadership Council CO2nstruct Zero Business Champion. These accolades reflect MKM's broader commitment to responsible sourcing and driving positive change within the construction sector. Looking ahead, MKM aims to continue its journey towards greater sustainability. The company believes that achieving Gold is not the end goal but rather a stepping stone towards ongoing improvement. MKM is determined to work collaboratively with suppliers, customers, and branch teams to make a lasting positive impact on communities and the construction industry as a whole. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the construction sector, MKM’s achievements serve as a beacon for other businesses looking to improve their environmental performance and ethical practices. The Gold EcoVadis Medal not only reflects MKM's current efforts but also sets the stage for future advancements in sustainable building practices.