CEF Secures SBTi Validation for Near- and Long-Term Net-Zero Targets

  Posted by: electime      19th May 2026

CEF Limited (‘CEF’), the UK’s leading electrical distributor, has announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its near-and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets. This milestone distinguishes CEF as one of the first in its sector to have its science-based net-zero target verified, reinforcing its ambition to lead the sector in sustainability & social value.

This independent validation confirms that CEF’s carbon reduction goals align with the latest climate science, in line with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

CEF has committed to a credible, science-based pathway for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040, with near-and long-term net-zero targets:

Near Term:

• Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63%, and absolute Scope 3 emissions by 63%, by 2033 against a 2023 baseline

Long Term:

• Net-zero* Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2040 against a 2023 baseline

Inspiring the Exceptional Everyday

As part of its purpose to ‘inspire the exceptional every day,’ CEF is moving forward with a clear, validated plan to reduce carbon emissions and lead the industry’s collective journey toward net-zero.

The validation is a critical element in delivering CEF’s Sustainability & Social Value (SSV) strategy, centred on the mission to create opportunities and improve lives. By managing and reducing environmental and social impacts across its operations and value chain, CEF seeks to set an example that contributes to a sustainable future for the planet, its people, and its communities.

This journey is a collective, company-wide effort toward decarbonisation.

Connor Dalton, Director of Sustainability, Health & Safety at CEF said: “Validating our net-zero targets through the SBTi is about more than just numbers: it’s about accountability. This achievement sits at the heart of our SSV strategy, converting ambition into action. We are committed to inspiring positive change across the electrical industry and creating a brighter future for everyone.”

Paul Thomas, Head of Environmental Sustainability at CEF, said: “Securing SBTi validation is the ‘gold standard’ for corporate climate action. It provides our customers and partners with the transparency they deserve, proving our net-zero plan is rooted in science rather than just ambition. We are holding ourselves accountable for driving reductions across our entire value chain.”

A Journey of Continuous Improvement

The SBTi validation follows CEF’s progress across sustainability benchmarks, including achieving an EcoVadis Silver rating, with a target of reaching EcoVadis Gold by the end of 2026. From engaging supplier partners to electrifying their vehicle fleet, CEF continues to integrate ethical and environmental best practice into every level of its business.

For more information on CEF’s Sustainability & Social Value strategy, visit the Sustainability and Social Value strategy report here.

*Net-zero refers to 90% decarbonisation across CEF’s operations and value chain, neutralising the remaining 10% with permanent carbon removals and storage (in line with SBTi criteria).