An 18-month forklift truck electrification switchover will commence this Summer and is estimated to be completed by mid-2024.

Travis Perkins Group, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, is accelerating its decarbonisation plan by switching out its diesel forklift trucks - up to 1,100 - with electrics by mid 2024. 

The multi-million pound investment, which the Group refers to as ‘Project Switch', is one of the largest forklift truck change programmes of its kind, and involves the diesel powered forklift trucks being replaced with electric alternatives up to eight years ahead of schedule. 

Once the new forklift trucks have been rolled out across the Group’s branch network, it is estimated Project Switch will reduce the Travis Perkins plc scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum - equivalent to the carbon emissions of nearly 4,000 cars.

Project Switch is just one of the actions implemented by the Group to achieve 27% reduction in vehicle and plant fleet emissions by 2027. Other steps include trialling alternative fuels and providing training for drivers to ensure they operate the machinery and trucks in the most energy efficient way.

Decarbonising its fleet is an integrated part of the Group’s decarbonisation roadmaps, which set out in detail how the Group plans to meet its ambitious 1.5°-aligned carbon reduction targets, which were announced by the Group in 2021 and accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative. 

Briggs Equipment will be the provider of the new forklifts, which will also feature the latest technology including; upgraded safety systems, an improved turning circle to improve site safety whilst also lessening stock and racking damage. These improvements will help reduce running costs of the machines, reduce downtime and ensure easier management of compliance.

Alan Williams, CFO of the Travis Perkins Group and the Group’s decarbonisation sponsor, said: “Construction has a key role to play in decarbonising the built environment and we are committed to lead on this in our own business, our supply chain and in the wider industry.

“This forklift truck  investment demonstrates our ambitious decarbonisation strategy in action across our operations. Project Switch will also positively impact our customers’ carbon footprint by reducing their Scope 3 emissions which remains a top priority for the Group.”

As part of the programme, the Group’s newly formed Forklift Truck Champion network will take part in training to increase knowledge and awareness of its decarbonisation plans, so they can support their local forklift operators to improve skills and drive positive change throughout the business.  

The 18-month forklift truck electrification switchover will commence this Summer and is estimated to be completed by mid-2024.