Dunelm has recently made a substantial investment in 10 new delivery vehicles with the aim of significantly reducing its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.
The Home Delivery Network (HDN) fleet, responsible for over 50% of Dunelm’s own operations’ carbon emissions (Scope 1), was identified as a major contributor to the issue. To address this concern, the company has introduced nine new tractor units powered by compressed natural gas (BIO-CNG) and an additional electric vehicle (EV) to support store deliveries.
Compressed natural gas (BIO-CNG) is a renewable energy source derived from the decomposition of food and animal waste, providing a 100% renewable fuel option. The nine new vehicles running on BIO-CNG are expected to emit approximately 85% fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel diesel alternatives. Additionally, they are up to 50% quieter, helping to reduce noise pollution.
With the transition to BIO-CNG, the vehicles’ emissions will be significantly reduced, estimated at around 314 tCO2. This move marks a significant step toward Dunelm’s goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, based on a 2019 baseline.
Furthermore, Dunelm has secured a lease on a 100% electric Volvo tractor unit, one of the few of its kind in the UK. This electric vehicle will be stationed at the Stoke 2 Distribution Center and used for store deliveries. Since the center operates on renewable electricity, the electric vehicle won’t emit any CO2 during its operational use.
Christina Downend, head of climate change at Dunelm, emphasized the company’s commitment to implementing sustainable initiatives and reducing its environmental impact. The investment in low-carbon vehicles demonstrates their dedication to providing more responsible and less impactful transportation solutions for their Home Delivery Network.
By investing in cleaner vehicles and transitioning to BIO-CNG, Dunelm estimates it will save approximately 1780 tCO2, representing an 85% reduction in emissions compared to diesel. This shift will significantly reduce the carbon emissions of their 44-tonne fleet to a projected 314 tCO2.
