As part of its commitment to ensuring that its products are delivered to its customers in an efficient, secure, safe and sustainable way, British Gypsum has invested £7 million in its HGV fleet to significantly reduce the impact on the environment whilst improving driver comfort and safety at the same time.
The latest fleet of vehicles is described an industry first by the supplier, signifying further progress as it continues on its journey to being net carbon zero by 2050 whilst also highlighting the company’s continued commitment to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) status.
Fueled by a combination of sustainable fuels, 53 of the HGVs will be powered by HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), and the remaining 23 will be fueled by Bio-LNG (liquified natural gas). Expected to cover approximately 150,000km each year, the sustainable fuel will provide a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases when compared to the outgoing fleet, and a 30% overall reduction across the total network.
In addition to the reduction of greenhouse gases to help improve the impact on the environment, the space within the cabs has also been improved to help provide a higher level of comfort, safety and productivity. To improve the welfare experience of its drivers, each cab also provides an adjustable steering wheel with neck-tilt, a fully electronic air conditioning system with sun and air quality sensors, as well as a fridge and a microwave.
Safety has also been prioritised, with each HGV benefiting from an extended catwalk behind the cab to give the driver a safer place to operate, and each is equipped with an Electronically-controlled Brake System (EBS). In addition, the trucks are fitted with blind spot detection sensors, audible alarms for reversing and turning left, 360-degree CCTV cameras, ‘RollGuard’ technology to eliminate the risk of trailer roll-away, and a solution called CoupleSafe, that alerts the driver if the trailer is not connected correctly.
Brian Fisher, Head of Distribution at British Gypsum, said: “Our new fleet of vehicles underlines our commitment to ensuring that our products are delivered to customers in an efficient, secure, safe and sustainable way, whilst further improving welfare standards for our drivers. The latest investment signifies yet more progress as we continue on our journey to being net carbon zero by 2050 and highlights our continued commitment to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) status.”
British Gypsum has also opened the doors to a newly refurbished training academy at its Head Office in East Leake, Leicestershire, following a substantial investment in its training facilities, courses and personnel. Designed to provide an enhanced practical training environment for those already in the industry as well as the next generation of installers, the company has increased its current course offering from 12 to 34 courses, developed new training pathways, and launched an interactive and immersive training prospectus and e-learning platform.
To find out more about British Gypsum’s training academies or courses, including sessions for merchant staff, visit: www.british-gypsum.com/skills-development/upskilling-courses.
