M&S Adds 85 Lower-Emission Vehicles To Fleet For Net Zero

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has made a significant step in its Plan A Net Zero by 2040 strategy by launching 85 lower-emission vehicles into its logistics fleet. The retailer is indeed committed to carbon emissions reduction and aligning its operations with sustainable and innovative practices. The updated fleet comprises five zero-emission electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 80 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks running on biomethane. This major step will cut CO2 emissions by as much as 85% from the conventional diesel-powered vehicles.

Electric new HGVs will operate on the routes of Welham Green Clothing & Home distribution center with 30 main stores across London and the South East under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme, initiated by the UK Government. The new electric trucks replace 42-tonne Renault units and replace M&S' traditional diesel counterparts with environmental improvements on the transport side. The ZEHID initiative is to reduce carbon emissions from road freight by adopting zero-emission vehicles and the required charging infrastructure, where M&S would lead the way in implementing this program.

Julian Bailey, head of group transport at M&S, stressed that the company was committed to innovation and sustainability and needed to change its logistics network to reach its net-zero ambitions. He mentioned that carbon emissions reduction, energy saving, and driving operational efficiencies were part of M&S' Plan A strategy and that there was a need for collaboration to achieve meaningful progress in sustainable logistics.

In addition to the electric HGVs, M&S has launched 30 new 6×2 CNG trucks in partnership with IVECO, which are the first of their kind to be used in the UK retail sector. The trucks run on biomethane, a renewable fuel produced from waste products like food waste and animal manure, thus providing a greener alternative to traditional fuels. Biomethane-powered trucks produce up to 85% less CO2 than diesel, so M&S feels that using trucks in this way will deliver a considerable reduction in the carbon footprint it needs to address through its supply chain. This step expands on the successful deployment of 50 4×2 CNG trucks across Gist Food logistics operations for M&S.

The UK Government has expressed strong support for M&S’ initiative, with Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood praising the retailer’s leadership in adopting innovative zero-emission vehicles. Greenwood highlighted the government’s £200 million investment in large zero-emission trucks, the largest initiative of its kind globally, as a driving force behind such advancements. She praised M&S for committing to adding five zero-emission electric lorries to its fleet, which is a major step in the road freight decarbonization journey.

When fully operational, nearly 10% of M&S' transport fleet will be zero or lower emission vehicles, a very good achievement and one that highlights the company's leadership in sustainable operations. This year, M&S has announced new investments through its Plan A Accelerator Fund. The company plans to test green hydrogen production using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. This experiment is meant to prove the viability of replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen, further showcasing M&S's proactive innovation and environmental responsibility.

This investment in low-carbon logistics will support the governmental and societal ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions while promoting a clean energy transition. In this manner, M&S is not only reducing its carbon footprint but is also setting benchmarks for other companies to follow through in their journeys towards sustainability by integrating zero and low-emission vehicles into their supply chains.

M&S does not stop there with its upgrades in the fleet but goes far in ensuring all-around sustainability of the company for achieving its objectives of Plan A Net Zero 2040. With strategic investment, innovative collaboration with governments, M&S continues driving meaningful change and cements itself as a pioneer in sustainable retail practices. As demand for environmentally friendly solutions increases, M&S' pioneering efforts in low-carbon logistics are an inspiring example of how businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future.