Discovering Sustainable and Practical Tool Hire and Plant Hire Opportunities

Scientific Speedy

8 November 2021

Scientific Speedy

Speedy believes it is the first UK hire company to publicly commit to adopting science-based targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions before 2050. 

Science-based targets (SBT) provide a clearly defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping prevent the worst impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable business growth.

An emissions target is considered ‘science-based’ if it is in line with the reductions needed to meet the global commitment under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. 

Reducing the carbon output of Speedy’s hire and vehicle fleet through the use of solar, hybrid, electric and hydrogen technology will help achieve this goal. 

Speedy’s targets will be verified by the Science Based Targets initiative and published, alongside the first year’s progress, over the coming financial year. Chief executive Russell Down says this will enable the business to challenge itself in a transparent and measurable way.

Alongside the SBT commitment, Speedy will also be joining the We Mean Business coalition and the United Nations Global Compact principles to accelerate an inclusive transition to a net zero economy. 

Steps that the company has already taken on its path to net zero include: trialling electric delivery vehicles, including two converted electric London taxis; a company car list that now consists almost entirely of hybrid and electric vehicles; launching the first 7-tonne Electra eStar rear-steer beavertail body truck in the UK (pictured above); switching to fuelling powered access machinery exclusively with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and working closely with customers and suppliers to adopt its use to reduce carbon emissions.

“As a key enabler within the supply chain, our aim is to inspire confidence in our people, customers and supply chain partners by reducing the carbon output of our hire and vehicle fleet through the use of new technologies,” added Russell Down. “We will be working collaboratively with all our stakeholders to deliver net-zero carbon within the industry.” 

As previously reported on Site-Eco, Speedy’s green initiatives are co-ordinated under its sustainability programme, called Energise. This is part of the company’s ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategy. 

The company has a planned procurement strategy for sustainable products. 22% of its asset fleet is already deemed ‘eco’, or consuming less energy than a standard equivalent. This figure will increase to over 65% by December 2024. 

● Read my earlier interview with Speedy's Group Product Innovation & Supply Chain Director, Andy Connor, about sustainability here.   

 


Subscribe

I am constantly adding new content. If you subscribe FREE using the form below, I'll send you my weekly bulletin summarising the latest hire industry stories - and I'll also send you a PDF of 10 fascinating interviews with national and independent hirers, giving their views about business and their secrets of success!