Travis Perkins plc has been formally accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in recognition of its commitments to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions.
The SBTi has formally recognised the merchant Group’s plans to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% before 2035 from a 2020 base year. The SBTi have also accredited the Group’s plans to reduce its total scope 3 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. This means SBTi has determined that all targets are in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.
Travis Perkins reports that it has committed to investing in its buildings to continually improve energy efficiency, using low carbon, renewable energy systems where possible, while also installing energy saving solutions such as utilising LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the Group’s estate. Measures have also been put in place to optimise the Group’s 4,000-strong transport fleet by utilising fleet management systems, transitioning to alternative fuels and adopting low carbon technology.
The company says it will also work with suppliers and customers to reduce supply chain emissions, in particular in-use emissions from products sold and the embodied carbon in products, as part of the broader Scope 3 emissions commitment.
Alongside this SBTi accreditation, the Group has also announced it has moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff for all of its UK based operations. The tariff, supplied by Drax, will see all TP businesses supplied with 100% renewable source electricity across the total UK portfolio of almost 1,700 stores, branches and offices nationwide. The renewable sources used to generate this electricity would typically consist of a mixture of biomass, wind and solar power, and over the four-year duration of the contract, this would save an estimated 54,600 tonnes of carbon compared to current levels; enough to power 80,000 homes.**
Travis Perkins plc CEO Nick Roberts said: “Achieving SBTi recognition for our emissions targets is an important step forwards as part of our broader sustainability plans. This adds great endorsement and credibility to the work we will lead with both suppliers and customers to decarbonise our industry.
“The measures we have put in place with regards to our fleet, the use of low-carbon technologies and our estate are already having a tangible impact on our emissions, and I look forward to building on this positive momentum. As such, I am delighted to announce that we have moved to a 100% renewable energy tariff for all of our UK operations, another key step forward as part of our long-term sustainability plans.”
Paul Sheffield, Drax Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Climate Change is the biggest challenge the world faces and it’s essential that businesses play their part in addressing this crisis. Drax has a world-leading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030 using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“Drax supplies 100% renewable electricity and the contract with Travis Perkins is testament to the high level of service we provide, supporting businesses to reach their sustainability goals. We work in partnership with our customers, creating tailored solutions that meet their sustainability needs. As we look towards a post-Covid, green recovery, it’s more important than ever for businesses to build back better, helping the UK reach its net zero by 2050 goal. We can’t wait to start working with Travis Perkins.”
Travis Perkins plc has been “selected to take a leading role at COP26”, where CEO Nick Roberts will chair a Construction Leadership Council panel debate on 11th November at 9.30am on Construction: The Built Environment. Also taking part in the panel to discuss the industry’s Construct Zero change programme will be the CEOs and / or Sustainability leaders from Atkins, Costain, Mace and Keltbray. For more information, see The Green Zone of events.
There is also the opportunity to watch the event live here.
Travis Perkins is set to relocate to a new branch in Cheltenham after 50+ years, just next door to its current location. The new branch is set to open its doors on the 29th November, while its heavy goods yard will be complete in March 2022. The existing 18 strong team will transfer to the new site, and the merchant has recruited an extra two staff for full-time positions.
The new 2.5 acre depot will be a low-carbon branch and will boast solar panels, electric charging points, electric forklift trucks and a heat source pump, helping to deliver the firm’s ambition of decarbonising its fleet and becoming a net-zero carbon producer.
In addition to a full range of building materials, the branch will include a Benchmarx kitchen showroom, a new plumbing, heating and bathroom range, a tool hire service and a hard landscaping display.
Branch Manager Sean Watson said: “We’re looking forward to opening the doors of our brand-new branch at the end of November. After occupying the previous site for over 50 years, this relocation means we can upgrade and accommodate more customers, better serve the local community and offer a modern working environment for our colleagues. The fact that this is a low-carbon branch is something I’m really proud of – we want to support anything that is beneficial to the community and the environment.”
