Carbon focus drives energy reduction for NWH

We are delighted to announce a 63.7% (year-on-year) reduction in energy consumption in the latest release of our carbon report.

While vehicle fuel usage is a major contributing factor to the carbon footprint at NWH, accounting for 98% of our emissions, we have already taken several significant steps towards climate action. The first being the transition of our car fleet to electric, which has made a significant impact, resulting in a 63% reduction in carbon footprint for car usage.

Tackling the use of diesel in the HGV fleet is challenging, with many system barriers to change, including the cost and effectiveness of alternatives. However, we have already taken significant steps, such as trialling an electric skip vehicle, and currently have an electric artic vehicle in our fleet while also researching alternative fuels. This is where efforts will continue to be focused.

During the detailed analysis, we identified that 14% of our emissions were being generated by electric vehicles, so the business has embarked on the next phase of our sustainability journey by initiating the transition of its HGVs to alternative fuels. The acquisition of a Volvo Artic lorry, announced in February 2024, marks the first step in this transformative process and reinforces our unwavering dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

Aside from vehicle usage, further steps have been taken to reduce energy consumption at the site level, and the business is planning its transition to alternative sources.

Alison Wood, the Climate Springboard Programme Manager at The University of Edinburgh’s Climate Change Institute, said: “NWH has worked really hard to tackle its emissions. I’m impressed by its early actions, making changes where feasible. The business is now up for the difficult challenge that Scotland faces in tackling the decarbonisation of HGVs.”

Nicola Williams, Director at NWH Group, said: “We’re wholly committed to achieving our carbon-neutral goals and have a clear strategy and plan in place to do so. This means we are constantly reviewing new technologies and looking at ways to deliver operational efficiencies in our business processes, such as minimising unnecessary travel and looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption even further.

“We recognise the urgent need to address environmental challenges and uphold social and governance standards for the betterment of our planet and communities. To further strengthen our position on this agenda, we’re in the process of recruiting for the newly created role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Lead. This pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping and executing our ESG strategy, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of our operations.”

The ESG Lead at NWH will spearhead efforts to initiate, develop, and implement the company's ESG strategy, driving sustainability and responsible practices across all facets of the business, including the provision of expert guidance and insights to the operations board, advocating for sustainable decisions, and collaborating with senior leaders to integrate ESG principles throughout all business operations to ensure NWH is at the forefront of driving positive change.

*The NWH Group has assessed its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the UK Government's ‘Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting Guidance’.

The GHG emissions have been assessed following the Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Carbon Reporting Guide 2022-2023. It uses the Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Carbon Accounting, and the conversion factors are from the UK in 2023.