Sustainability isn’t always about doing something new. Sometimes it’s about finding a better way to do what you already do.
As Net Zero Week shines a spotlight on environmental ambition, we’re marking the occasion by sharing a project that’s been almost two years in the making.
Rather than searching for a single solution, we’ve invested in practical changes that reduce operational carbon while improving day-to-day efficiency, demonstrating that meaningful progress towards net zero is built on thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.
As the business with the largest proportion of the RE:GEN Group fleet, and colleagues travelling thousands of miles every week, RE:GEN Solutions represented the greatest opportunity to make a measurable impact. The challenge was to identify solutions that could reduce emissions without compromising the service customers rely on every day.
One of the biggest opportunities lay at our depot in Durham.
Traditionally, the depot has been where operatives arrive each morning to collect materials, equipment and everything they need before heading out to sites. However, vehicles would still need to refuel elsewhere, adding additional journeys and time to the working day.
Following almost two years of planning and investment, that’s about to change.
The installation of a new Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuelling station means colleagues can now collect materials, prepare for the day and refuel at the same location before setting off. By bringing these activities together into one operational hub, we’ll reduce unnecessary journeys while creating a more efficient way of working.
The move to HVO also represents an important step in reducing operational carbon emissions. As a practical short- to medium-term solution, it enables much of the existing fleet to transition away from traditional diesel while the business continues its longer-term journey towards electric vehicles.
Alongside this, the Durham depot now operates on a 100% renewable electricity tariff, further reducing the carbon impact of the site’s day-to-day operations.
Together, these changes represent a significant milestone in RE:GEN Group’s Scope 1 and 2 carbon reduction ambitions. More importantly, they reflect the business’s belief that there is no one-size-fits-all route to net zero.
We remain focused on making practical, evidence-based decisions that work for our people, customers and operations. It’s an approach built on progress, not perfection.
The project has taken almost two years to bring to life, involving collaboration across multiple teams to research, test and implement solutions that deliver genuine operational benefits. It also reflects RE:GEN Group’s culture of empowering colleagues to challenge the norm, think differently and turn ideas into action.
“This project perfectly reflects how we approach sustainability. It’s not about chasing headlines or claiming to have all the answers. It’s about understanding our operations, exploring the options available and investing in solutions that make a genuine difference.” said Group Environmental Manager, Asimina Cole.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but even more proud of the culture behind it. Across every region and subsidiary, our teams have embraced this challenge with a shared purpose and a genuine commitment to making a difference. We approach Net Zero as one tribe, working together, sharing ideas and supporting one another to deliver meaningful progress.
“Personally, I’d rather see imperfect action towards Net Zero than perfect inaction. Too often, organisations focus on finding the perfect solution, when the reality is that this is a journey of continuous learning, adaptation and innovation. We won’t get everything right first time, but we’re committed to taking action, learning from every step and continually improving.
“HVO is one part of that journey, renewable energy is another, and we’ll continue exploring new technologies and opportunities as we work towards our long-term Net Zero ambitions.”
