Carbon reduction at VolkerHighways
We are committed to taking positive action to reduce or, wherever possible, eliminating our adverse impacts on climate change. We recognise that our on-site activities have a carbon impact, and, we have the opportunity to work with our clients and supply chain to reduce operational carbon.
Reducing our emissions year on year
As part of our commitment to long-term protection of the natural environment, we initially aim to be Net Zero by 2035 for all Scope 1 and 2 emissions and for those Scope 3 emissions that are under our direct control, and ultimately Net Zero for all emissions by 2050 in line with UK Government strategy. Progress towards this carbon reduction target will be externally verified to ensure credibility and transparency.
To support this, we are a signatory of the Science Based Targets Initiative ‘Business Ambition to 1.5°C’, confirming that we have committed to setting a science-based target that is in line with a 1.5°C future.
Renewable energy and carbon reduction at depot
We are proud to operate from an almost carbon-neutral depot in Clutton, Somerset, which serves as a base for our Bath & North East Somerset HTMC and client.
The depot benefits from 136 solar panels with battery storage, providing a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 12.6t per annum, along with an energy management system, managing the energy load across the depot and diverting energy to the areas which need it most.
Electric MEWP
Exploring ways of reducing carbon emissions in works activity, our Oxfordshire LTMC trialled the use of a 100% Electric Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP). The MEWP was used on site for 5 days for 5-6 hours per day. The MEWP has a potential lifetime saving of 73,032kg of CO2.
Trialling and adopting alternatively powered plant and equipment
We trial and aim to use alternatively powered plant and equipment where this meets our operational needs.
Electric gritter
A 19-tonne versatile electric gritter was used on three grit runs on Wokingham's longest grit run of 66 miles. With temperatures between 3 and -1 degrees Celsius, each run lasted around two hours, and achieved 287.90kg CO2e savings.
Asphalt preservation
Across all our highways maintenance contracts, we are using asphalt preservation, a sustainable and cost-effective solution to improve our ageing roads. Read more.
Adopting low carbon materials in our operations
We are continuously working with our supply chain to source, trial and implement lower carbon materials on our schemes.
20% RAP
In West Berkshire, we used a 20% Recycled Asphalt Product (RAP) wearing course on a scheme along the A4. This achieved a significant saving of 26,223kg co2e. Read more.
Thermal sensors
In partnership with West Berkshire Council, we installed thermal sensors on street lighting columns, along winter maintenance routes and on gritting vehicles. The data will be integrated into the council’s winter forecast process allowing more informed decisions to be made on when roads should be treated. Read more.
Innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions
By using innovative solutions in a collaborative effort with our clients, we can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Advanced Task Order Management (ATOM)
The deployment of our works order management system, ATOM, across our highway maintenance contracts will reduce carbon through route optimisation, reducing excessive travel to efficiently delivery our works. ATOM enhances our material management, optimising processes related to the sourcing, handling, storage, and distribution of materials.
