B&Q was one of only three retailers to make The Sunday Times Best Green Companies List 2011, coming in at 18th place.
The list, published in The Sunday Times on June 12, highlights British businesses making a concerted effort to improve their environmental performance.

B&Q is continuing to make significant changes to its operations to reduce its carbon emissions.

For example, stores have been installing light shafts to increase natural daylight, as well as ensuring that lighting instore is on a timer, greatly reducing electricity output.

The company has also created skipless stores to reduce waste to landfill by 80%, reduced packaging and increased the amount of double-decker lorries used to cut road miles.

Euan Sutherland, ceo of Kingfisher UK and Ireland and chairman of B&Q, said: "Being included in The Sunday Times Best Green Companies List 2011 is a testament to our employees who are working hard to create a more sustainable environment across all of our stores and HQ. We're especially delighted as we're one of only three retailers to be included on the list and are the only retailer within the DIY industry to be recognised. Our efforts to make it easier for our customers to create greener homes, is also a priority for the team."

The company has also been collecting signatures from customers, staff, MPs and celebrities to petition the Government to reduce VAT on energy-saving products and encourage customers to choose the greener option. The petition will be presented to Number 10 later this summer.