Gregory Group has announced its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2038. This ambitious target reflects the company’s long-standing dedication to sustainability and its recognition of the significant environmental impact of the transport sector.
“The transport sector is the highest contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 26%, with both heavy and light goods vehicles alone contributing to over 10% of the total. We firmly believe that it is our responsibility to lead the way in changing this statistic,” said Paul Jefferson, Group Legal, Fleet & Sustainability Director. ”Many of our customers have set Net Zero targets for 2040 so, by setting our target two years prior, we will be in a solid position to be able to help our customers deliver on their ambitions.
”At the end of 2038, the Group will be entering its 120th anniversary, so it feels like a poignant line to draw. From our origins transporting coal by horse and cart, we have grown to deliver a huge array of goods for well-known brands across the UK. At any given time, we have over 1,200 Gregory Group trucks on the UK roads. We know that the logistics industry has one of the biggest battles to achieve carbon net zero, but we are not willing to sit back and wait until that journey is easier. We want to, and already are, making changes today.”
The decision to set the net zero target for 2038 aligns with the evolving sustainability agendas of many of Gregory Group’s customers, who have set similar targets for 2040. By committing to an earlier deadline, the company aims to position itself as a proactive partner in helping its customers achieve their own sustainability goals.
2038 holds particular significance for Gregory Group as it marks the company’s 120th anniversary. Reflecting on its humble beginnings of transporting coal by horse and cart to its current operation with over 1,200 trucks on UK roads, the company sees this milestone as an opportune moment to reaffirm its commitment to environmental stewardship.
To achieve its net zero target, Gregory Group has outlined a comprehensive strategy that encompasses Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. In the short term, the company aims to reduce its carbon emissions by over 40% by 2030. This effort will be supported by aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global organisation that assists businesses in setting ambitious emissions reduction targets.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, including the need for sustainable fleet and infrastructure solutions, Gregory Group is actively collaborating with stakeholders across the industry and government to drive meaningful change. Together, they aim to pave the way for a more sustainable future in heavy-duty haulage, leveraging evolving technologies such as HVO, Bio-LNG, Bio-CNG, BEV, and Hydrogen to achieve their collective goals.
