SCC and HP plant 500 trees in sustainability drive with Forestry England

SCC and HP Inc. have planted 500 trees in New Forest National Park, in partnership with Forestry England. Senior leadership from the international IT solutions firm and its long-term vendor partner invited colleagues to join them at the specially arranged Tree Planting Day on Tuesday, 7 February 2023. As part of SCC’s ongoing commitment to global sustainability and HP’s Climate Action Goals, the event included talks from experts at Forestry England and HP on the importance of biodiversity and forests. To date, HP has planted more than 60,000 trees in the UK and Ireland (UK&I), with more planned this Spring planting season. These local initiatives contribute to HP’s global target of planting 1 million trees in 2023. As one of the few companies in the world to achieve a zero-deforestation goal for the sourcing of its own brand paper and packaging, HP’s Climate Action Goals include achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the HP value chain by 2040, reducing HP value chain GHG emissions 50% by 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality and zero waste in HP operations by 2025. Among the Tree Planting Day volunteers from HP was UK&I Channel Director Neil MacDonald. He said: “We all have a critical role to play in protecting our planet, and it requires collaborative action. Our work through the HP Amplify Impact partner programme is a good example of how we can drive partnership and sustainable impact at scale. Today, we’re thrilled to be going beyond the Amplify Impact programme by partnering with SCC on a volunteering tree planting initiative. Restoring and protecting the world’s tree and forests will be crucial in the battle against climate change and Britain’s declining biodiversity. We’re committed to ensuring a forest positive future in the right way, by partnering with experts in reforestation like Forestry England to maintain and enhance a local area’s existing natural biodiversity.” Paul Southall, Head of Sustainability at Rigby Group, SCC’s parent company, also took part in the Tree Planting Day. He said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with HP and Forestry England in support of this wonderful cause, which provided an opportunity to directly contribute to the UK’s reforestation journey. “Not only that, but the opportunity to learn from expert speakers on biodiversity was fascinating and concerning in equal measures. The UK is in the bottom 10% globally for biodiversity and restoring the UK’s tree coverage is essential to improving biodiversity levels and the country’s ability to reach net zero. “It’s important that companies like SCC and HP continue to take their responsibility to sustainability and the environment seriously, and keep setting and meeting ambitious targets such as HP’s Climate Action Goals.” Forestry England has a long history of growing, shaping, and caring for the nation’s forests, and currently cares for over 1,500 forests across the UK. A spokesperson for the land manager said: “With corporate partnership support, we’re able to plant more trees, which is a vital tool in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies. Planting trees is one of the most effective ways of removing carbon from the atmosphere and will enhance habitats to support wildlife and provide cleaner air to benefit local communities. Over the coming years, these trees planted in the New Forest will be looked after by Forestry England’s local team of experts to help them reach their full potential. We are grateful for HP and SCC’s support today and being part of the solution that really makes a difference.”