Sustainability Q&A Q HOW has Dunelm’sapproach to sustainability changed? Firstly, we reinforced the way we communicate ‘sustainability’ both internally and externally. ‘Sustainable in everything we do’ is now one of our Moving foundations that we are committed to building (see page 28) and ‘sustainability’ is also at the top of our list of focus areas for the year ahead. This reflects a shift in emphasis and an overall recognition that we must accelerate our work in this area. Secondly, I am now spearheading the excellent progress that our Pathway to Zero Steering Group has made to forward date as a further signal to our stakeholders and shareholders of the importance we place on building sustainability into all aspects of our business. Q WHY are you acceleratingyour efforts to become by being sustainable more sustainable? We are faced with a raft of pressures – from in everything we do customers, colleagues, the investment community,legislation and the UK Government – and these have definitely shaped our thinking. More importantly, however, we want to do the right thing In July 2021, we reorganised the to ‘future proof’ our business. Our rationale also ties in with our new purpose; we are committed ‘To way we manage our sustainability help create the joy of truly feeling at home. Now activities. Our CEO, Nick, explains and for the generations to come’. We must look to the long term, but we need to act now. our reinvigorated approach. Nick Wilkinson CEO and Chair of Pathway to Zero Steering Group Our reporting mirrors how we think about sustainability in the business. CARBON REDUCTION COMMUNITY Reducing GHG emissions 44 Creating joy for our customers 63 Operational waste management 46 Supporting store communities 65 TCFD update 48 Delivering a better experience for our colleagues 66 CIRCULAR ECONOMY Health and safety 72 Modern slavery 73 Anti-corruption, anti-bribery, Circular economy 52 and tax evasion 75 – Plastics and packaging 54 Our tax strategy 75 Responsible sourcing and manufacturing 56 Supplier payments 75 – Cotton 58 – Timber 60 – Palm oil, Animal-derived products 61 40 DUNELM GROUP PLC ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2021