Travis Perkins moves to 100% renewable electricity tariff

Travis Perkins has moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff for all of its UK-based operations and formally been accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The tariff, supplied by Drax, will see all Travis Perkins businesses in the UK supplied with 100% renewable source electricity across the total UK portfolio of almost 1,700 stores, branches and offices nationwide.

The renewable sources used to generate this electricity would typically consist of a mixture of biomass, wind and solar power, and over the four-year duration of the contract, this would save an estimated 54,600 tonnes of carbon compared to current levels; enough to power 80,000 homes.

Drax Chief Commercial Officer Paul Sheffield added climate change is the biggest challenge the world faces and it is essential that businesses play their part in addressing this crisis. Drax has an ambition to be carbon negative by 2030 using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

"Drax supplies 100% renewable electricity and the contract with Travis Perkins is testament to the high level of service we provide, supporting businesses to reach their sustainability goals," he said. "We work in partnership with our customers, creating tailored solutions that meet their sustainability needs. As we look towards a post-Covid, green recovery, it’s more important than ever for businesses to build back better, helping the UK reach its net zero by 2050 goal."

The SBTi has formally recognised Travis Perkins' plans to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% before 2035 from a 2020 base year. The SBTi have also accredited the Group’s plans to reduce its total scope 3 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. This means SBTi has determined that all targets are in line with a 1.5°C trajectory. 

Travis Perkins has committed to investing in its buildings to continually improve energy efficiency, using low carbon, renewable energy systems where possible, while also installing energy saving solutions such as utilising LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the Group’s estate. Measures have also been put in place to optimise the Group’s 4,000-strong transport fleet by utilising fleet management systems, transitioning to alternative fuels and adopting low carbon technology. 

Travis Perkins will also work with suppliers and customers to reduce supply chain emissions, in particular in-use emissions from products sold and the embodied carbon in products, as part of the broader Scope 3 emissions commitment. 

CEO Nick Roberts said achieving SBTi recognition for its emissions targets is an important step forwards as part of our broader sustainability plans.

"This adds great endorsement and credibility to the work we will lead with both suppliers and customers to decarbonise our industry," he said. "The measures we have put in place with regards to our fleet, the use of low-carbon technologies and our estate are already having a tangible impact on our emissions, and I look forward to building on this positive momentum. As such, I am delighted to announce that we have moved to a 100% renewable energy tariff for all of our UK operations, another key step forward as part of our long-term sustainability plans."

Travis Perkins has been selected to take a leading role at COP26, where the Group’s CEO Nick Roberts will chair a Construction Leadership Council panel debate on November 11 at 9.30am (Construction: The Built Environment). Also taking part in the panel to discuss the industry’s Construct Zero change programme will be the CEOs and / or Sustainability leaders from Atkins, Costain, Mace and Keltbray. For more information, see The Green Zone of events There is also the opportunity to watch the event live here.