Nordströms – pioneering a Net-Zero future in DIY & Trade.
Our colleague and friend Thierry Coeman has provided an interesting perspective on the practical advantages of sustainability in our sector from Europe in general and Stockholm in particular in this issue. Despite all good intentions, sustainability remains a challenging conversation starter in boardrooms, and the Home Improvement sector is no exception.
For some, it still feels like a “far-from-my-bed” topic; for others, it is quickly reduced to a costly, disruptive exercise in retail processes, something best postponed until later.
In Europe institutions such as EDRA/GHIN and global leaders like Kingfisher continue to make courageous efforts to keep the topic high on the industry agenda. Yet, it often remains an uphill journey. Perhaps the issue lies in communication itself: an overload of words and a shortage of real action have pushed sustainability into the realm of marketing rather than elevating it to a strategic boardroom priority.
In Search of a Genuine Case Study
Slightly frustrated, but still hopeful, my latest journey took me to the outskirts of Stockholm. My Swedish friend Per had told me about a modest family business in the professional trade sector that treats sustainability not as a buzzword, but as a daily conviction.
My travels led me to Ärsta, the green heart just outside the island Södermalm, where I was warmly welcomed by Gustav Nordström and Louise Guthe.
Their hospitality reflected perfectly the essence of their belief: to think and act sustainably, every single day. Participants on the recent Hardware Association Ireland Study Tour to Stockholm will remember being hosted by this company on one of our visits.
A Family with Vision Since 1908
Nordströms & Co was founded in 1908 by great-grandfather Verner Nordström, a woodworker who seized the opportunity to take over his former employer’s business. Through a thoughtful acquisition strategy, the company has grown into a respected organisation with 13 branches.
Today, nearly 120 years later, Nordströms remains a family enterprise, totally dedicated to B2B Trade only business.
Ownership is evenly shared between two brothers, a sister and three cousins, all united by one mission: to honour and respect nature, the very foundation of their trade.
The Sustainable Spark
The turning point came in 2019, when the company decided to make all their logistics fuel fossil-free. As a reminder, this was on the eve of Covid.
Within months, the switch to biofuels reduced transport-related CO2 emissions by 80%, a tangible proof of concept. From that moment on, sustainability at Nordströms became measurable and strategically embedded. “We were ready to think and act big,” underpins Gustav Nordström, CEO. “We took collective responsibility to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of our regional construction business.” What began as an operational decision evolved into a complete strategic transformation.
From Measuring to Improving
All internal operations were mapped and mirrored against the value chain under the GHG Protocol (Scopes 1, 2 and 3). Clear, realistic objectives were set, supported by a robust plan to systematically lower emissions.
The ultimate goal? Tackling residual emissions through certified climate projects beyond the company’s own value chain. Nordströms adopted a holistic 360° approach to the timber supply chain. Today, 98% of all wood sold is PEFC/FSC-certified.
In 2020, the company became Sweden’s first carbon-neutral B2B builders’ merchant.
“Obviously, we continue to refine our strategy in line with the latest science and best practices,” Gustav explains. “Our net-zero targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), fully aligned with the Paris Agreement. We are also pursuing ISO 14068-1 certification, ensuring transparency, credibility, and integrity.”
Circularity as Second Nature
Circularity is a cornerstone of Nordströms’ sustainability strategy. Guided by the 6 R Ladder principle (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Recover), the company gives new life to used timber, even simple pallet boards are repurposed and resold.
The results speak for themselves: Nordström had a 40% reduction in total Greenhouse (GHG) emissions, (99% of total emissions originate from Scope 3) while sales, revenue and profitability all exceed expectations.
The Broader Picture: EDRA/GHIN and the Scope 3 Movement
Nordströms’ efforts echo a wider movement in the sector as climate change is a key concern peaking in relevance. The European DIY Retail Association & Global Home Improvement Network (EDRA/GHIN) launched its “Make It Zero” initiative in 2023 to accelerate Scope 3 emission reductions across the global DIY and home-improvement industry.
Scope 3 emissions, those produced throughout the value chain, typically account for over 90% of a retailer’s total footprint. EDRA/ GHIN’s program helps members measure, reduce and report these emissions through a unified, science-based framework built on four pillars:
- Accounting: consistent, sector-specific GHG methodologies.
- Supplier Data: shared formats and digital platforms for carbon data.
- Targets: alignment with Science Based Targets (SBTi).
- Engagement & Reduction: supplier collaboration to drive measurable decarbonisation.
In June 2024, in partnership with Ricardo plc, EDRA/GHIN published its Scope 3 Strategy & Roadmap, charting a pathway to net-zero by 2050:
- By 2025: standardised accounting and data protocols.
- By 2035: substantial value-chain emission cuts through supplier engagement.
- By 2050: a near-zero impact, with around 90% Scope 3 reduction.
At the 10th Global DIY Summit in Rome last year, six industry leaders (Kingfisher, OBI, Wickes, Maxeda, Intergamma and Kesko), signed the Global Scope 3 Decarbonisation Commitment, pledging to set SBTi-aligned targets and share best practices across the broad Home Improvement & DIY sector.
A Shared Path Forward
Both Nordströms and EDRA/GHIN demonstrate that sustainability, once dismissed as a cost burden, can evolve into a true competitive advantage. By embedding circularity, science-based targets and supply-chain collaboration at the heart of their strategy, they are shaping a blueprint for a net-zero, resilient, and profitable future for the global DIY & Trade industry.
The Final Stretch
Nordströms’ ultimate goal, a full transition to net zero, is now within reach, though significant challenges remain. “As a specialist in drywall installation products, rebar, concrete, kitchen cabinets, and roofing materials, we still have work ahead to complete the transition across all product categories,” Gustav admits.
For sure, Nordströms can be considered as a trailblazer who shaped the pathway for corporate climate action in our industry. Moreover, as the standard-bearer of this remarkable family project, Gustav Nordström arguably deserves a Nobel Prize for Sustainability, if only symbolically.
And perhaps Thierry Garnier, President EDRA/GHIN might one day be willing to present it.
Company Profile
Management Team
– Gustav Nordström: CEO
– Louise Guthe: Commercial Director
– David Linden: Sustainability Manager
Key Figures
– Branches: 13
– Total retail area: 212,000 m²
– Turnover: €145 M
– Employees: 300
– Truck fleet: 45 fossil-free vehicles
– Delivery reliability: 99% just-in-time (next day)
– Central warehouse: None (each store operates its own logistics hub)
– Energy: 100% renewable (solar, wind, hydropower)
Headquarters Nordströms & Co Trävaru AB, Stockholm, Lövholmsvägen, 11
