Electrocomponents plc : RS Components achieves Carbon Trust Standard recertification - one of only 80 businesses in the UK

Leading distributor achieves relative reduction in carbon emissions

Corby, UK, 24 January 2012 - RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has been recertified under the Carbon Trust Standard by achieving further cuts in carbon emissions over the last two years. RS is one of 80 businesses, including Royal Mail, BSkyB and O2, to achieve recertification in the UK to date.

RS has demonstrated that, despite growing the size of its UK business, the effectiveness of its energy efficient strategy has improved. This has resulted in a reduction in carbon intensity of 15.5%, and this is an improvement on the previous reduction in carbon intensity which was certified as 8.1% in 2009. RS is the first distributor of electronics and maintenance products (including , cables and screws) to both achieve the Carbon Trust Standard and become recertified after the initial two year qualifying period.

To achieve the Carbon Trust Standard, organisations must: measure their direct carbon footprint, such as onsite fuel and electricity use; prove that good carbon management practices are in place; and demonstrate genuine reduction in emissions over a three year period.

The recertification process is equally robust, demanding an even greater focus on maintaining a commitment to carbon reduction by achieving further improvements in carbon efficiency. The ultimate goal is for RS to play its part in meeting the UK target of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

The savings have been made following a number of energy efficient initiatives. RS invested in a new Building Management System (BMS) at its Nuneaton plant, upgrading software that had been in place for nearly 15 years. Controlling lighting, heating and ventilation around the whole site, the BMS upgrade allows tighter control over energy outputs and improves accuracy when identifying where further efficiencies can be made. It is expected that the installation will result in a massive saving of 582 tonnes of carbon across the site each year.

Following an energy efficiency review trialled at a number of RS Trade Counters, figures showed high levels of wastage at non-peak times. This has led to the roll out of a Vickers system, which monitors and controls air temperature, helping to shut off heating or air conditioning when the 16 counters are closed. The installation will generate annual savings of 508 tonnes of carbon.

RS has also been building on its efficient lighting programme which commenced three years ago, with installations of LED bulbs and improved florescent tubes now in place across all UK sites. Of these, a number are fitted with dimmers and several work from a sensor if they are located in areas not always in use, such as some warehouse aisles and toilets. RS is already planning for further energy efficiencies, with the installation of video conferencing facilities across its global business locations.

Paul Quested, RS UK General Manager commented: "We have worked hard to have an integrated environmental approach across our UK sites and are delighted that our ongoing programme continues to be recognised. By retaining the Carbon Trust Standard we've proved that by measuring energy usage, engaging our staff and encouraging new ways of working we can make a major difference to climate change. Our awareness also helps us to further understand the needs of those customers seeking to make energy savings across their businesses."

Henry Garthwaite, Head of Business Development, Carbon Trust Certification, said: "We are delighted to recertify RS Components as a result of the company's ongoing commitment to carbon reduction. The company's ability to seek out new areas to improve energy efficiency proves that, with the right level of skills, tenacity, and support, it's possible to improve carbon efficiency year-on-year - which has a hugely positive effect on the business."

Visit rs-components.com for more information on all RS Components electronics and maintenance products; from electrical components and batteries to .

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About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products. Through operations in 32 countries and 17 warehouses, the Group serves 1.6 million customers worldwide and distributes 550,000 products ranging from semiconductors and optoelectronics to power tools and protective clothing. The product and service portfolio supports the entire product lifecycle from R&D through pre-production to maintenance and repair. The Group ships more than 46,000 parcels on the same day the orders are received.

Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year to 31 March 2011 had revenues of £1.18bn.

About The Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company with the mission to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy, providing specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies.

The Carbon Trust Standard

• Over 600 organisations have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard since it was launched in June 2008
• Collectively, the 600+ Carbon Trust Standard holders have cut their emissions by over 3.6m tonnes of CO2e, as well as cutting their gas, electricity and fuel bills by over £165m
• To date, the total carbon footprint certified by the Carbon Trust Standard is over 43 million tonnes of CO2e; equivalent to over 18% of the total carbon footprint of UK businesses and transport
• All businesses and organisations, both in the UK and internationally, are eligible to apply for the Carbon Trust Standard including FTSEs, mid caps, SMEs and public sector organisations. Organisations that are awarded the Carbon Trust Standard hold it for a two year period and to maintain the certification they must reapply and demonstrate that they have continued to make year-on-year reductions in their carbon emissions
• Organisations that are certified with the Carbon Trust Standard are listed at

Editorial contact
Amy Hayward-Paine
UK PR Manager
[e-mail]
01536 405156 / 07796 275472

For further information or interviews on the Carbon Trust Standard, please contact Oliver Stewart on 020 7592 1200 or [e-mail]