Sustainablilty Statement

Pearsons of Duns is a fourth-generation multi-retail business based in the Scottish Borders. For over a century, our family run business has been delivering solid fuel to the local community. Over the years, the business has expanded considerably; we now really do have something for everyone.  From our Coal, Smokeless Fuel, Wood and Biomass Department, Independent Builders’ Merchant/DIY Store, Stove Shop/Installation Service, Kitchen Design/Supply, Garden Centre, Potting Shed Restaurant, Self-Drive Vans, Self-Storage or even Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services.

At the heart of what we do is solid fuel distribution to the Scottish Borders, North Northumberland and nationwide through our pallet network.  The notion of sustainability in the solid fuel industry itself sounds like a contradiction which often sparks complex debate. For us at Pearsons of Duns, it is therefore about making choices and demonstrating we can do better.  We have a firm focus on protecting the environment, ensuring our operations are sustainable and that we act responsibly.

The Challenges

• Higher prevalence of domestic household burning in rural areas.
• Remote areas have limited if any access to piped gas so reliant on solid fuels.
• Solid Fuel provides energy security as stored at home.
• It is easy to heat one room with solid fuels.

Part of the Problem

Existing in the solid fuel industry, we recognise we are both part of the problem, as well as trying to be part of the solution. As an approved coal merchant in a largely rural area, we are relied upon to deliver solid fuel products to the homes and businesses that require it as a primary heating source.  We do however increasingly sell a range of cleaner alternatives for domestic household burning. If we don't do this, the unsustainable options will continue to thrive as the only options in the marketplace.  We know that coal use cannot last forever.  Until such time as better infrastructure and products are in place for people to heat their homes, we will strive to be a better solution and provide cleaner products.  

Part of the Solution: Products

Our Solid Fuel Team work hard to ensure a ready supply of quality consistent fuels that now includes a large range of approved Smokeless fuels which are certified Ready to Burn.

We also supply firewood which is Woodsure accredited. The regulations aim to prevent harmful pollution from domestic burning of all solid fuels by ensuring wood sold in volumes of under 2m3 is certified as having a moisture content of 20% or less.

Heat Logs and Briquettes are also popular cleaner burning products which we offer, exceeding the Clean Air Quality Standards and they are made from 100% recycled wood.

Our EN Plus A1 grade manufactured wood pellets are also a core part of our offering coming from renewable energy sources.

Bottled Gas is now part of our product range too having a lower environmental impact than solid fuels as well as being able to be stored discreetly.

Part of the Solution: Beyond Our Products

Packaging: In 2022, we commenced recycling all of our coal bags and cardboard produced across all operations. In 2023, we introduced naturally sourced paper bags in the The Potting Shed Restaurant that are 100% home-recyclable, meaning once you've received your goodies, your bag can go straight into your recycling bin or be reused.

Offices: Our Duns HQ is powered using solar PV on the roof and heated by a biomass boiler.  We were early adopters of this technology having them in place since 2008 and 2013 respectively. And in 2024, solar PV has also been installed at our Earlston office, saving 14.814t CO” emissions so far.  Reducing utilities consumption where possible is always the priority.

Circularity: We are continuously learning and striving to support a more circular economy.  We are currently working on ways to return our coal bags and pallets from our customers to be reused.  Adopting processes and practices that seek to minimise, recycle or reuse our waste is very much front and centre of our approach.

Transport: Our focus is to prevent pollution in our business operations and in the use of fleet and logistics planning.  All of our vehicles are EURO 6 compliant and we ensure that new vehicles added to the fleet are the most environmentally friendly options available to us that are fit for purpose.  We support the drive towards zero emission vehicle fleets but appreciate the challenges in providing such investment to the rural areas we cover are a long way off. In the meantime, we plan our rounds so that we maximise capacity sending out the least number of delivery vehicles each day cutting out empty running.  We work with established pallet delivery supply chain partners who are leaders in what they do, reducing delivery miles by using their established network and who have invested in various new all electric vehicles.

Technology: In 2022 we introduced a delivery app and tracking information to our customer orders, reducing the number of re-deliveries and therefore fuel consumption and associated emissions.  Further development of text messaging services will come in 2024.

People: Our teams are encouraged to actively participate in our environmental improvements via our committees and division meetings. Training is provided for all employees that includes environmental matters ensuring our teams comply with relevant environmental UK laws and regulations.

Performance: We are starting to increase our assessment and monitoring of our environmental impacts so that we can continually improve.

Suppliers: We take into account environmental considerations in our procurement and work with suppliers who share our values such as Charnwood Stoves, Hotmax and Land Energy Girvan.

Leading by Example: Promoting responsibility for the environment is part of what we do. We're always open to new ideas, so if you think we can do things better, please let us know at socialmedia@pearsonsofduns.com