British Gypsum converts HGVs from diesel to HVO to power net zero journey

British Gypsum has taken another step towards becoming carbon neutral by 2050, by introducing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuelled vehicles to its UK fleet.

The company said this week that the additional investment in low-emission vehicles reflects British Gypsum’s ongoing commitment to significantly reducing its impact on the environment, putting it on course to achieving its pledge of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

British Gypsum has already started to convert its HGV fleet from diesel to HVO and is expected to use approximately 75,000 litres of fuel per week.

This has resulted in around 40% of the company’s UK fleet operating HVO fuel, so far, with a further 10% using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The use of multi-fuelled vehicles at this scale is expected to reduce British Gypsum’s carbon emissions by approximately 70%, year on year, the company claims.

To support the introduction of HVO vehicles, British Gypsum has upgraded site infrastructure, installing an HVO refuelling point in Robertsbridge and a new fuel island capable of delivering 110,000 litres a week at its distribution centre in Gotham.

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HVO is manufactured at refineries from waste materials such as cooking oils. The British Gypsum vehicles are using Green D+ HVO, which is an EN15940 fuel – which leaves no carbon deposits and has a cleaning effect on engines.

Research has shown it can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.

To reach net zero in 2050, global net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide need to fall by about 45% from 2010 levels by 2030. In October 2021, more than a third of businesses across all industries reported taking at least one action to reduce emissions.

Jag Gill, British Gypsum supply chain director, said: “As a business we are keen to do all we can to contribute positively towards the environment, and the introduction of HVO and LNG-fuelled vehicles is just one way in which we are making a difference.

“Leaving a positive legacy and building better for future generations is a core component of British Gypsum’s company ethos, reflected in our pledge to achieve net zero carbon by 2050.

“As well as investing in low-emission alternative fuels, British Gypsum is also focused on reducing the carbon footprint of our buildings at each site.

“By working towards net zero buildings, evaluating the energy renovations of existing buildings, and incorporating greater use of in-situ renewables, together we can reduce our environmental impact and journey towards a greener future.”