Food and packaging storage and distribution specialists Bretts Transport has slashed its carbon output, posting a 27 percent reduction in emissions since 2022.
The logistics provider has made big strides in recent years to reduce its carbon footprint, despite the challenges of operating in a carbon-rich sector.
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), HGVs account for six percent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. With the industry under pressure to find ways to reduce its impact on the environment, many are struggling to meet carbon reduction goals.
Last year, 515 decision makers in the transport and logistics sector were surveyed to discover how they planned to cut emissions and meet the UK’s 2050 net-zero deadline. 54 percent of respondents believed they would struggle to meet this target.
Despite the obvious headwinds, Bretts has successfully reduced its Scope 1 emissions, which include fuel consumption from its fleet of HGVs, from 7,391,260 kg of CO₂e in 2022 to 5,763,177 kg of CO₂e in 2023 and further to 5,417,922 kg of CO₂e in 2024.
Scope 2 emissions, which cover electricity use in their warehousing operations, have remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 126,310 kg of CO₂e in 2022 to 132,629 kg in 2023, and 144,849 kg in 2024, reflecting increased electrification of operations.
Much of its progress has been achieved through significant investment into less carbon-heavy equipment and technology as well as implementing sustainable initiatives across the business.
Bretts operates over 80 trucks and manages 260,000 square feet of warehousing space at its Guyhirn site in Cambridgeshire.
In 2023, the company invested in ten 500 S Super 13-litre trucks as a part of an ongoing fleet replacement programme. Equipped with Euro 6-compliant engines, producing significantly lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions compared to older models, the new trucks are more fuel efficient, reducing overall CO₂ per mile.
The forklift fleet was also refreshed with 13 all-electric Cat® Lift Trucks counterbalance forklifts. Bretts’ new fleet is tipped to reduce its carbon footprint by 139,266kg of CO₂ per annum and 765,908kg of CO₂ over the term of the contract.
Plus, the new HSEQ Manager has been charged with driving continuous improvement in the company’s green initiatives.
Underpinning its sustainability journey is the company’s new modelling strategy, launched in early 2023.
Initially built upon streamlining its consolidation process, increasing the quantity of pallets delivered to each destination, and in turn reducing unnecessary deliveries and cutting overall mileage, Bretts’ new model has delivered emission reductions of six per cent, with the company believing that it will see a further decrease of three per cent in 2025.
Managing director Simon Brett said; “It’s no secret that the logistics industry faces a significant uphill battle in its attempt to reduce its impact on the environment and meet the country’s ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2050.
“The reality is there for all to see. Large fleets, high fuel consumption and energy-intensive warehousing facilities have been the norm for decades and like it or not that has to change if we as an industry are serious about mitigating the impact of climate change and reducing the negative contribution we make to the environment.
“Despite the obvious obstacles, we have looked closely at every aspect of our operation over the past 3-4 years to establish where realistic and tangible reductions can be made.
“Continuing our fleet replacement strategy where the business runs on a five-year cycle to ensure our vehicles are modern and remain efficient was crucial to cutting emissions on the haulage side of the business. To drive further efficiencies from our fleet the modelling strategy will become central to us to meet our sustainability goals by essentially making every mile count.
“Switching our propane-powered forklift fleet over to all-electric alternatives paid significant dividends in reducing our overall carbon footprint from the warehousing side. In the coming year we are also looking at investing into solar panels throughout our site which will drive further reductions.”
With further investments pencilled in for 2025, Simon Brett is confident that his haulage and distribution company can continue on its journey towards net zero.
He said: “We couldn’t be more delighted with our progress so far in reducing emissions and improving our carbon footprint. However, we can’t rest on our laurels as despite the headway made so far, there’s still a long way to go on our sustainability journey.
“Sustainability isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for us; it’s a core element of our business strategy and a responsibility that we take extremely seriously. Over the coming years we’re committed to demonstrate that meaningful change is achievable by investing in further technologies and initiatives that will not only help to continue building on the foundations laid so far but will also enable us to set an example to others in the industry that meaningful change is achievable.”
