Northampton 13 February 2023: Travis Perkins Group, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, is accelerating its decarbonisation plan by switching out its diesel forklift trucks - up to 1,100 - with electrics by mid 2024.
This multi-million pound investment, which the Group refers to as ‘Project Switch', is one of the largest forklift truck change programmes of its kind, and involves the diesel powered forklift trucks being replaced with electric alternatives up to eight years ahead of schedule.
Once the new forklift trucks have been rolled out across the Group’s branch network, it is estimated Project Switch will reduce the Travis Perkins plc scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum - equivalent to the carbon emissions of nearly 4,000 cars¹.
Project Switch is just one of the actions implemented by the Group to achieve 27% reduction in vehicle and plant fleet emissions by 2027. Other steps include trialling alternative fuels and providing training for drivers to ensure they operate the machinery and trucks in the most energy efficient way. Decarbonising its fleet is an integrated part of the Group’s decarbonisation roadmaps, which set out in detail how the Group plans to meet its ambitious 1.5°-aligned carbon reduction targets, which were announced by the Group in 2021 and accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative (‘SBTi’)².
Briggs Equipment will be the provider of the new forklifts, which will also feature the latest technology including; upgraded safety systems, an improved turning circle to improve site safety whilst also lessening stock and racking damage. These improvements will help reduce running costs of the machines, reduce downtime and ensure easier management of compliance.
Alan Williams, CFO of the Travis Perkins Group and the Group’s decarbonisation sponsor, commented: “Construction has a key role to play in decarbonising the built environment and we are committed to lead on this in our own business, our supply chain and in the wider industry.
“This forklift truck investment demonstrates our ambitious decarbonisation strategy in action across our operations. Project Switch will also positively impact our customers’ carbon footprint by reducing their Scope 3 emissions which remains a top priority for the Group.”
As part of the programme, the Group’s newly formed Forklift Truck Champion network will take part in training to increase knowledge and awareness of its decarbonisation plans, so they can support their local forklift operators to improve skills and drive positive change throughout the business.
The 18-month forklift truck electrification switchover will commence this Summer and is estimated to be completed by mid-2024.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
References:
Project Switch will reduce the Travis Perkins plc scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum - equivalent to the carbon emissions of nearly 4,000 cars. This calculation is based on 2020 figures, and an average car that drives 7,600 miles per year in the UK, and releases 1,682,383 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. For more information, click here
Travis Perkins Group’s Commitment to Decarbonisation: Travis Perkins Group is committed to lead the decarbonisation of the construction industry and built environment. In 2021 the Group announced targets - which were formally recognised by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) - to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% before 2035 from a 2020 base year, and reduce total scope 3 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. In 2023, the Group announced its interim carbon targets related to its own buildings, fleet and scope 3 engagement. To ensure all areas of the business are aligned with the strategy, the Group has published roadmaps for each business to help them achieve reduced emissions. Further the Group is deeply invested in developing the skills needed for the new construction methods, machinery and technology part of the low-carbon future, through internal training and its leading Apprenticeship program. For more information, click here
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Travis Perkins plc
[email protected]
Tel: 01604 592307
Photographs:
High resolution images are available here
About Travis Perkins plc
Travis Perkins plc is a leading partner to the construction industry and the UK's leading distributor of building materials to trade customers. The Group operates market leading businesses, including Travis Perkins Builders’ Merchants, Toolstation and a number of specialists in the civils market (Keyline), heating and ventilation (BSS) and drylining and insulation (CCF), and many more. With annual revenues of £4.6bn, the Group employs nearly 20,000 colleagues across the UK, but also in France and Benelux through Toolstation. The company has a proud heritage that spans over 200 years. For more information, please visit www.travisperkinsplc.co.uk
