Pioneering a net-zero future in DIY and trade

“When sustainability evolves towards competitive advantage”: this is the title of the article by our author Thierry Coeman, which he made available to The Hardware Journal in Ireland and DIY International. Using the example of Swedish specialist retailer Nordströms & Co Trävaru AB, he shows that sustainability and profitability – or, to put it more bluntly, protecting the climate and making money – are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary.

This is confirmed by CEO Gustav Nordström, whom DIY International asked explicitly whether sustainability can actually be an economic advantage: "The economic benefits of our Net Zero strategy are, of course, challenging to quantify precisely. However, thanks to the software we integrated into our strategy, we have been able, since 2023, to accurately calculate the annual reduction of our carbon footprint. By the end of 2024, this reduction amounted to 6 per cent per million euros in sales. Our next official measurement will be completed at the end of Q1 2026, and we expect to achieve a similar result for 2025, which will be published in our annual report. Ultimately, it is crucial to recognise that the European legislator will, sooner or later, introduce a carbon footprint tax. When that moment comes, our proactive approach will ensure that we have gained a substantial strategic and economic advantage.”

Read Thierry Coeman's report here:

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.

Slightly frustrated, but still combative and 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…