Severfield's drive to utilise hybrid and electric technology

In the fast-evolving world of construction and engineering, it’s not just the skyline that’s transforming; the machinery and vehicles powering these developments are undergoing a revolution of their own. At Severfield, we are at the forefront of this change, leading towards a more sustainable future. As part of our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we have a dedicated transition plan on reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

Building the Future with Sustainable Practices 

As the industry advances, we recognise that the path to sustainability is not only about the materials we use but also about how we move them. The shift towards hybrid and electric vehicle technology is a crucial element in our strategy to meet our SBTi commitments and reduce our carbon footprint. 

Ten years ago, all plant was run on gas, oil, and diesel. The only conversations we had were around how to get the most efficiency out of those vehicles. Today, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with electric technology advancing to a point where it’s now useful for everyday operations. This transition is central to our efforts in minimising Scope 1 emissions, which include all direct emissions from our operations. 

The evolution of our fleet 

As we strive to lead the way in net-zero initiatives, we’re undergoing an overhaul of our fleet. To ensure we are making the most informed decisions, we have conducted an in-depth inventory of our current fleet. This includes understanding where vehicles are located, how much they are used, and assessing the feasibility of transitioning to electric or hybrid models. This approach not only addresses logistical challenges but also aligns with our goal to reduce Scope 1 emissions, which include the indirect emissions from the electricity we consume. 

Plugging into the future 

The move towards a more electrified fleet means a greater reliance on the power grid - a challenging task within factory settings but far more difficult on remote construction sites. This is where hybrid technologies play an important role, allowing us to continue operations in less accessible areas without compromising on our sustainability goals. 

Leading the industry towards a greener tomorrow 

Our commitment to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions is already underway. For example: 

• In Dalton, we’re using an electric forklift truck on line 10 and an electric side loader in the main factory. We’ve also successfully integrated new electric multi-directional combilifts into operations, marking just the beginning of our broader transition. Plans are in place for another three electric sideloaders to be delivered to Dalton by April 2025. 

• In Lostock, we are successfully using two electric forklift trucks and one electric Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). 

Looking ahead, the next decade will see us prioritise the replacement of plant equipment with hybrid and electric models wherever possible. We aim to keep up with technology advancement, as some of our products are too heavy to use hybrid or electric models in the current market. In the interim, we are also currently exploring an option of using alternative fuels with our third-party haulier.  

We remain dedicated to achieving our SBTi targets - we have reported 9% reduction in the last reporting year (compared to our FY23 baseline) in Scope 1 & 2, driving innovation, and setting new standards in our industry.