Howard Tenens Logistics’ Andover fleet switches to HVO giving net zero ambitions a boost

Howard Tenens Logistics is proud to announce that its key Andover depot in Hampshire has switched its fuel from diesel to the low carbon alternative, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This change came into effect on 14/01/22 and has been implemented across all HGV vehicles.

The move to HVO is part of Howard Tenens Logistics’ strategy to work with its customers to drive down carbon emissions and help speed up the journey to net zero. Having reviewed all available fuel and technology options, HVO was the clear choice due to its impressive carbon savings and the fact that it is a ‘drop in’ fuel, requiring no vehicle modifications.

One of its key customers involved, Mole Valley Farmers, is taking action across its business as it seeks to reduce its environmental impact and meet its aim to be carbon net zero by 2040. The agricultural supply business and rural retailer has developed a roadmap and identified the four priority areas of transport, energy use, packaging and feed material sourcing to meet its environmental commitments.

Andy Taplin, Head of Retail Supply Chain at Mole Valley Farmers, is proud of their commitment to reducing emissions in one of their priority areas:

“Together, with our warehousing and distribution partner, Howard Tenens Logistics, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions associated with our transport and warehousing. It is really positive that the transport fleet distributing to our retail stores have migrated from diesel to  HVO. This forms just one part of the ongoing work to reduce the overall carbon footprint and Mole Valley Farmers’ close relationship with Tenens enables us to work together to achieve this.”

Green Biofuels Ltd (GBF), is the supplier of GD+ HVO and will be delivering one million litres of 100% GD⁺HVO a year, sourced entirely from waste oils and fats. As GBF is certified by the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification ) and is accredited under the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme,  Howard Tenens Logistics are confident the fuel is sustainably sourced and that the supply chain is regularly audited. By switching to HVO, the Andover HGVs will emit 92% less carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions than when running on retail diesel (calculated on a well to wheel basis), which equates to a saving of 2,873 tonnes of CO2e a year.  

These emission savings will result in cutting the company’s scope 1 carbon footprint emissions by 17% and will be the single biggest carbon reduction initiative introduced to date. Howard Tenens Logistics is now planning to look at other depots where a similar partnership approach can be adopted to roll out HVO.

Jamie Hartles, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Tenens Logistics is understandably delighted by this latest initiative:

“Delivering mutual value is what we strive for as a business. With strong environmental credentials and a long track record of delivering environmental solutions for our customers, HVO is yet another positive step forward on our sustainability journey. As carbon reduction is a priority for our customers as well as ourselves, we took the initiative to act now in switching to a sustainable fuel that would create an immediate positive impact for both parties, rather than wait until electric and fuel cell vehicle technologies become available.

The move to HVO as the sole fuel source in Andover could not have happened without the support of our key clients Abel & Cole, Mole Valley Farmers and Williams & Co. It is this collaborative approach that has allowed us to create a blueprint that we are optimistic can be rolled out across other depots in the very near future.”

Gloria Esposito, Head of Sustainability at Zemo Partnership commented:

“We’re very pleased that Howard Tenens Logistics is taking this step and that it has chosen to use product accredited through the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme which verifies the GHG emission savings and other aspects of its sustainability performance.

“Renewable fuels like HVO can play an important role in decarbonising UK transport by providing emissions savings that can be achieved right now.”

Magnus Hammick, COO of GBF, added: “Driving down carbon emissions across entire supply chains and client networks is an extremely important, yet often overlooked part of the climate fight. We’re proud to be supporting Howard Tenens Logistics to make a difference today and to prove they are climate conscious industry leaders. Between now and net zero, incremental actions to reduce carbon footprints will be vital for the future of the planet”.