Carbon reduction at VolkerFitzpatrick
We are committed to taking positive action to reduce or, wherever possible, eliminate our adverse impacts on climate change, both on-site and through individual actions.
We recognise that our on-site activities have a carbon impact, and we embrace the opportunity to work with our clients collaboratively to reduce operational carbon. We adhere to the VolkerWessels UK Carbon Reduction Strategy that sets out our target of being Net Zero by 2035 for all Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and for those Scope 3 emissions which are under our direct control, and Net Zero for all emissions by 2050.
Reducing our emissions year on year
Efforts to minimise our carbon footprint impact remain a focus area. Recent initiatives include optimising power systems through the use of energy management systems in temporary welfare and hybrid-solar generators, upgrading to energy-saving appliances, and adopting certified renewable energy through our energy broker. Since our 2019 baseline year, we are proud to have exceeded our targets and have achieved a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions.
Renewable energy and carbon reduction on site
We have adopted an approach to low carbon welfare and site set-ups, including regular use of hybrid generator solutions using solar power and battery storage. Our use of diesel alternatives, such as hydrogen and Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), has increased significantly reduced our emissions from fuel generators. Switching to biofuels can reduce our emissions by over 80 percent compared to standard diesel. In March 2023, we started testing Hydrogen/HVO generators, which will be used across the business if successful.
Increasing the number of electric and hybrid vehicles
Transport plays a significant role in our carbon footprint. We continue to encourage the use of public transportation and investment in electric vehicle charging stations.
It is our aim to increase the percentage of electric and hybrid company cars in our fleet every year. Currently, 84% of VolkerWessels UK company car fleet and 90% of new company car orders are electric or hybrid. This is industry leading.
Looking ahead
Sustainability is a journey, and we are proud of the strides we have taken so far to become leaders in this field. Looking ahead, we have set ambitious targets to further our sustainability efforts. We are committed to achieving Net Zero of our operational emissions by 2035.
This includes working with our supply chain and embracing emerging technologies that align with our sustainability goals. We will continue to explore opportunities to enhance our environmental, social, and governance practices, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of our business strategies.