Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit out company, has partnered with construction services provider Speedy, to help cut its projects’ CO2e emissions by up to 90% using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
The company has switched to using HVO from red diesel to fuel generators and machinery on its projects UK wide. The partners expect the switch to save 2,500 tonnes of CO2e per year*, a similar impact to taking 1,800 cars off the road**.
Tilbury Douglas counts NHS Trusts, the Department for Education and private sector organisations among its clients. Current projects include the construction of Walsall Healthcare Trust’s new £40 million emergency department and a new 80-place Discovery Academy in Sheffield, which will both benefit from the HVO switch.
Speedy, the contractor’s longstanding fuel provider, supplies Green D+ enhanced HVO as its preferred low emission fuel, which can be used in pre-existing engines to reduce CO2e. Use of the fuel also aims to improve local air quality to protect workers and projects’ neighbouring communities.
Bernadette Jackson, procurement and supply chain manager, said: “We’re committed to delivering important buildings, such as schools and hospitals, as well as the infrastructure that can deliver a brighter future in the areas we work in. But to truly achieve this, we need to ensure that we build in a sustainable way that minimises our environmental impact, which is why we have launched our new sustainability strategy called People, Planet and Performance (PPP).
“As part of PPP, we have worked with Speedy, and its UK-wide fuel distribution network, to make the significant switch to HVO from red diesel. It’s a move that puts our responsibility towards communities and the environment first.”
Sarah Burki, Sustainability Lead at Tilbury Douglas, commented: “The switch from red diesel to HVO will have a great impact on our carbon emissions, moving us closer to our commitment to be net zero in our own operations and reducing our relative carbon emissions, as set out in our new PPP strategy. With the ability to slash carbon emissions and associated air pollution, it’s important that we capitalise on these opportunities that help us reduce our impact on the environment and the communities in which we work.”
Mark Johnson, major account director at Speedy, added: “One tonne of CO2 is saved for every 350 litres of Green D+ HVO fuel used, when compared to fossil fuels, meaning national contractors like Tilbury Douglas can make an extraordinary difference by switching.
“Tilbury Douglas are among the pioneers in construction that are taking up green fuel and electric-powered equipment well-ahead of the 2050 net-zero emissions target for the benefit of the communities and clients they serve. We look forward to supporting Tilbury Douglas as the leading provider of hire equipment and services in the industry.”
HVO fuel can be used in any diesel engine without the need for retrofit parts, modification or tank cleaning. Green D+ HVO, provided by Speedy, complies with ASTM D975 and EN 15940, making it approved for use in the vast majority of engines without invalidating warranties.
Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland.
