Cutting down Carbon – Net Zero by 2040​

We’re used to delivering our products nationwide in under four hours, so you won’t be surprised to hear that we’re the first in UK hire to have science-based Net Zero targets validated to the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi (‘Science Based Target initiative’).​

We have also committed to deliver Net Zero by 2040, ten years earlier than the government's 2050 target. Accelerating our timeline means we can move with speed and confidence towards achieving our own and our customers' Net Zero goals.  ​

Our science-based targets are ambitious. By aligning to a 1.5°C pathway in line with the Paris Agreement, we are prioritising ‘deep decarbonisation’ of our direct emissions, with only our residual emissions being ‘neutralised’ in line with the SBTi criteria to reach Net Zero emissions by 2040.​

Low-carbon delivery vehicles​

We were the first in UK hire to replace our diesel commercial vehicles with ‘HVO D+’, a sustainable fuel that cuts carbon emissions by up to 90%, as well as reducing nasty air pollutants such as nitrous oxide (NOx) by 11% and particulate matter (PM) by 20%.

While we’ve been busy delivering our products to our customers using sustainable fuels, we’ve also been busy rolling out our largest electric vehicle fleet with our First 27T Electra powered access beavertail and over 150 Ford E-Transits. With the largest electric fleet in UK hire, we are moving fast on reducing the carbon emissions from our deliveries and helping to improve the air quality of our local communities.

We have also replaced most of our company cars with hybrid/electric vehicles, reducing the carbon emissions from our business travel. ​

 

Low-carbon property estate​

We continue to consolidate our property estate and invest in new sustainable buildings, incorporating energy-efficient measures such as LED lighting, Building Management Systems (‘BMS’) to control heating and cooling, smart working bays and renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaics (‘solar PV’). Our Milton Keynes Innovation Centre has a rare EPC rating of A+ and is a Net Zero carbon building.​

 

Low carbon kit  ​

We continue to invest in innovative low emissions technologies across our hire fleet such as solar, battery, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels (HVO D+) to support our customers in reducing their carbon emissions and achieve their Net Zero goals.​

We are also collaborating with suppliers to align our supply chain to the ISO20400 sustainable procurement standard. We have undertaken 1-1 engagement to understand their Net Zero maturity to reduce emissions across our key hotspots such as the kit we hire, the fuel we sell to our customers, and the goods and services we offer. All our key suppliers are now required to commit to SBTs (Science Based Targets) by 2025 helping us deliver Net Zero together. ​

To see more details of our Climate Solutions progress check out our 2024 Sustainability Report.