Supporting Sustainable Procurement
Schools, local authorities, and organisations working towards Net Zero are increasingly looking for suppliers that can demonstrate genuine progress towards sustainability goals.
Creative Play provides transparent reporting on emissions, reduction targets and actions to support informed procurement decisions.
Our approach focuses on improving operational efficiency, increasing the use of recycled and recyclable materials, and investing in renewable energy – with progress tracked through an annual Carbon Reduction Report.
Download The Latest Carbon Reduction Report →
Sustainability At A Glance
“Children should be able to enjoy playgrounds without it costing their future”
– James Harris, Managing Director
√ Net Zero by 2045 – Five years ahead of UK Government targets.
√ Science-Based Targets – Reduction targets aligned with internationally recognised climate science (SBTi).
√ Annual Carbon Reporting – Transparent reporting for customers to see our yearly progress.
Progress Highlights
From the latest reporting period (1 June 2024 – 31 May 2025):
↓ 10.8% Lower CO₂ Emissions Per Employee – Grew the workforce while continuing to reduce emissions.
↓ 13% Total Scope 1 Emissions Reduction From Baseline – Done through cuts in gas consumption and vehicle emissions.
↓ 20% Reduction In Emissions From Material Purchases – Emissions from metals are down 13 tonnes, and rubber by 3 tonnes.
↓ 60% Lower Mains Gas Emissions – The largest operational emissions improvement for this reporting period.
↓ 100% Market-Based Electricity Emissions Reduction – Since 2025 we have maintained zero emissions from market-based electricity through 25,440 kWh solar generation, battery storage and a renewable energy tariff.
How We’re Reducing Environmental Impact
Renewable Energy – Invested in renewable energy generation across our site – 40kWp solar PV system, battery storage and 100% renewable electricity tariff.
Why – Lower-carbon electricity helps reduce the emissions associated with manufacturing playground equipment.
Lower Operational Emissions – Continually reducing emissions from day-to-day operations – improvements to building efficiency, lower gas consumption and ongoing transition towards electric vehicles.
Why – Operational improvements reduce emissions to keep us on track towards Net Zero targets.
Smarter Material Choices – Increased recycled content of plastic components, introduced alternative materials using regenerated waste, and continue to review opportunities.
Why – Lower-carbon materials help reduce the environmental impact of our playground equipment before they even reach site.
Measuring Progress – Calculating greenhouse gas emissions across operations, direct emissions, purchased electricity, and wider supply chain activities.
Why – Reducing emissions starts with measuring them accurately. Transparent reporting backed by measurable action gives collaborators confidence that environmental commitments are being supported by genuine progress.
Carbon Reduction Timeline
2022
- Improved insulation
- Fitted LED lighting with motion sensors
- Water-efficient taps and low-flow flush
2023
- Installed 40kWp solar PV system (104 panels)
- Introduced EV charging
- Expanded cycle-to-work facilities
- Adopted recycled plastics
2024
2025
- Moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff
Next Steps
- Predominantly electric vehicle fleet
- Remove mains gas
- Replace LPG forklift
- Continue reducing materials emissions
Explore The Full Report
Every figure and commitment featured on this page is supported by detailed reporting. Download the latest Carbon Reduction Report to explore Creative Play’s emissions data, year-on-year progress and future reduction plans.
Download the latest Carbon Reduction Report →
Understanding Our Carbon Footprint
Scrutinising data of our production practices from 1st June 2022 to 31st May 2023, green consultants calculated a Baseline from which we set goals. It is these audit findings that inform our plans for minimising CO2e output across all 3 Scopes.
Our goal is ambitious yet essential – we strive to achieve a Net Zero halfway point by 2032/33, eliminating over 400 tonnes of CO2e from our business methods.
When it comes to playground manufacturing, there are 3 scopes which need to be addressed.
Scope 1: Burn (Direct Emissions)
All emissions we burn directly, such as fuel in company vehicles or to power equipment. This scope currently accounts for 20% of all Creative Play’s annual CO2e (164 tonnes).
Scope 2: Buy (Purchased Electricity)
All energy we consume that is generated off-site, such as purchased electricity. Currently, it does not contribute any market-based emissions to our yearly CO2e.
Scope 3: Beyond (Supply Chain)
All greenhouse gas emissions produced from Upstream purchases and practices (raw materials used in manufacturing etc) and Downstream events (delivery of products etc). Basically, all business activities not owned or directly controlled by Creative Play. Currently these account for 80% of all our CO2e (666 tonnes).
Reducing Emissions Through Better Materials
Timber
Creative Play’s most prominent production material, all our timber is from a sustainable FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited supply chain that meets PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) standards and complies with all relevant environmental regulations and legislation.
Timber accounts for 1% of our overall annual carbon footprint, approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO2e.
Plastic
The plastic elements of our outdoor play equipment previously accounted for around 168 tonnes of CO2e per year – but in 2023, we introduced two new sustainable materials to replace this core component of playground manufacturing. Both are part of a circular economy, meaning that offcuts and any waste are returned to the manufacturer for reuse.
PlayTec PCR replaced the standard PlayTec plastic. It consists of three layers, one of which is made entirely from post-consumer recycled material, making it 80% recycled. At the end of its life 100% of it will be recyclable.
EkoGrip is a tough polyethylene sheet with a top layer of virgin granular TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). It is made from 89% recycled material and is 100% recyclable when it is no longer needed.
What’s Included In Our Carbon Reduction Report?
Choosing a supplier is easier when you can clearly see the progress they’re making.
Creative Play’s annual Carbon Reduction Report provides transparent evidence of emissions, reduction targets and progress towards Net Zero, helping support informed procurement decisions.
The report includes:
✔ Annual greenhouse gas emissions
✔ Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 reporting
✔ Carbon reduction targets
✔ Progress against previous years
✔ Carbon intensity measurements
✔ Future reduction plans
Whether you’re reviewing suppliers or simply want to understand how our environmental impact is being reduced, the report provides complete transparency.
Can we use your Carbon Reduction Report as evidence when assessing suppliers?
Yes. It can be used as supporting evidence when assessing Creative Play’s sustainability credentials as part of a procurement or supplier evaluation process.
Download The Latest Carbon Reduction Report →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Net Zero mean?
The Net Zero goal is achieved when overall emissions are reduced to 10% from the Baseline (set for 2045), and the remainder is reviewed for offsetting – so eliminating 50% of the baseline volume by 2032 will be more than halfway to Net Zero.
Who conducted your carbon emissions audit?
Since 2022 we’ve been working with Go Green Experts, and after collecting and analysing data on Creative Play’s environmental impact, they were able to provide a decarbonisation strategy which guides us to Net Zero.
Their support has allowed the company to focus on best practices, identify cost efficiencies, and develop then implement an environmental strategy. This has led to a radical shift in improving our green status, primarily through social change and surplus prevention.
Over time, their auditing will help us reduce all 3 scopes of our carbon emissions to achieve Net Zero.
Why are science-based targets important?
Science-based targets (SBTi) ensure carbon reduction plans are aligned with internationally recognised climate science, providing greater confidence to customers that sustainability progress is both measurable and meaningful.
How often is your Carbon Reduction Report updated?
The Carbon Reduction Report is published annually, allowing customers to monitor our progress towards Net Zero over time.
Want to know more on how Creative Play operate?
Find useful information on our About Page.
