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BSW Group, which has is committed to becoming Net Zero, has taken significant steps in the last six months to reduce its reliance and usage of fossil fuels through the increased use of more energy-efficient solutions.

The business has made strides to reduce its carbon footprint by increasing its use of PHEV and electric vehicles and installing LED lighting at a number of its locations.

Its processing and manufacturing sites, such as Bayram Timber in East Yorkshire, have made noteworthy progress in this area. Following a £1m investment by BSW Group, a member of Binderholz, Bayram has replaced its six diesel generators – which powered the site and used in excess of 950,000 litres of generator fuel a year – with electric models. Doing so has realised several benefits, including using cleaner energy, reducing the carbon footprint, and reducing transportation usage.

As transport is responsible for 25% of European emissions, this area – and the use of company vehicles across BSW Group – has also been a focus for the business. Over the last 18 months, BSW has increased the percentage of PHEV and electric vehicles within its fleet from 5% to 17.6%.

This an important milestone in BSW’s journey to becoming Net Zero, despite the announcement of an extended 2035 deadline to move to PHEV and electric.

Gavin McLaughlin, Environmental Manager at BSW Group, said: “Operating in a sector like ours means we have a significant role to play in moving to Net Zero.

“BSW Group covers multiple prominent sectors within the forestry and timber industries and it is important we do our part within our own operations to champion sustainable practices and reduce our carbon emissions.”

   

BSW has also conducted a multitude of other carbon reduction projects across its subsidiaries recently, including the installation of LED lighting at Bayram Timber and BSW Timber Solutions.

LED retrofits have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption, as well as operational and maintenance cost benefits. Over 1,150 old lights were changed to LED lighting, which has reduced the annual carbon footprint by 125.76 tCo2e. This is equivalent to 314,400 miles driven in an average family car*, which would allow you to travel around the world 12 times*.

Gavin added: “While the company will continue to invest heavily in its sustainability performance over the coming months and years, these two notable examples highlight  the investment and steps BSW Group is taking to lead the forestry and timber sectors to a Net Zero future.”