Rye Group hits carbon neutral target

The entire fleet of Rye Group vehicles is now powered by HVO. (Photo: Rye Group)

According to Rye Group, which offset its residual emissions via two VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) schemes, it achieved carbon neutrality following its decision to switch from standard red diesel to HVO [Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil] Green D+ fuel.

Working with New Era Fuels, a commercial fuel and domestic heating oil supplier which delivered the first tank of HVO in August 2021, Rye Group implemented the fuel in all its site plant and machinery as well as its fleet of vehicles.

By doing so, the company say it has reduced its annual carbon emissions figure from 3,065 t to 135 t.

HVO, which is made of used cooking oil, is said to reduce carbon emissions by 90% and NOx emissions by 30% when compared to diesel. Rye Group say the company is the first in the demolition sector to implement HVO into all of its vehicles.

Commenting on the achievement, Simon Barlow, managing director of Rye Group, said: “When we launched our Sustainable Standard framework in 2020, we set out a clear vision to build on our existing recycling and reuse rates and to lead the demolition industry by example.

“The results of our latest carbon audit are just excellent and showcase what can be achieved with decisive and impactful changes, like the replacement of diesel with HVO fuel.

“We are delighted to have exceeded our initial emissions reduction timeframe by 12 months and to have already reached a carbon neutral status. We will now work hard to maintain this and hope to inspire other industry representatives to make this much needed and positive change.”

The company first announced the decision to go carbon neutral in late 2021. The latest announcement means it has achieved its goal ahead of schedule, which was initally set to December this year.