Gregory Distribution has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 4.2% every year and transitioning at least 5% of its fleet each year to alternative fuels including biogas, battery electric, HVO and hydrogen powered trucks, when they become available.
The company’s pledge comes as the UK government announced plans last week to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles by 2040.
The pledge sees Gregory sign a letter of commitment to pursue reductions in greenhouse gases in line with the Paris Agreement and set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The initiative is run by the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and has so far signed up over 1,000 companies worldwide.
Its aim is to drive ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement.
Paul Jefferson, Gregory Group legal, risk and sustainability director, said the company is committed to embracing change that reduces its impact on the planet.
He added: “We have been exploring the many ways that we can do so including procuring alternative fuel vehicles and even installing our own gas fuelling facility at out Cullompton depot. Our first all-electric 19t rigid truck enters service this month.
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“Our determination to pursue a sustainability agenda has led us to sign this commitment with SBTi who will help us to set clear targets that align with their world-wide objectives and help us to focus on a sustainable plan of action.
“We will be working closely with our customers and suppliers to ensure we are able to achieve the science-based targets.
“More and more businesses are recognising their environmental obligations and we hope that many more will join us and plan for a better, carbon-free future.
“Under STBi’s leadership the transformation to a net-zero economy is achievable and has already begun and Gregory is very proud to be playing a part in it.”
The group’s fleet, which includes Hayton Coulthard Transport, ARR Craib and Pollock (Scotrans) numbers 1227 trucks and over 2,000 trailers, operating from 46 depots from Devon and Cornwall to the north of Scotland.
It currently operates 20 gas powered trucks with a further 17 on order. In addition, the group’s first fully electric vehicle, a 19t refrigerated rigid, hits the road for the first time this week.
