Business

JP Corry charging the way to net zero carbon

JP Corry's financial controller Declan McErlean (left) and head of operations Chris Collins
JP Corry's financial controller Declan McErlean (left) and head of operations Chris Collins JP Corry's financial controller Declan McErlean (left) and head of operations Chris Collins

BUILDING materials and timber products chain JP Corry is planning to move its entire car fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles by the end of 2023 to support the Saint-Gobain Net-Zero Carbon commitment.

The business aims to eliminate the need for employees to make a business journey in a petrol or diesel fuelled car, with its entire fleet moving across to electric or ultra low-emission hybrid vehicles.

And to support this commitment, the business is rolling out an electrical charging point infrastructure across its 17-branch estate, with the first already installed and operational at its Springfield Road head office site.

To further support this drive towards lower emissions, JP Corry is in the process of moving the entire forklift fleet from diesel supply to a more environmentally friendly LPG or electric alternative.

By the first quarter of next year, three quarters of its entire forklift fleet will be powered by these more environmentally friendly sources. These changes signal JP Corry’s dedication to facilitate a safe, healthy and environmentally responsible workplace.

In addition to the change in fleet and to support the cycle to work scheme already available to colleagues, bicycle racks have been installed across the business at various branch locations.

Chris Collins, head of operations at JP Corry said: “We're very enthusiastic about these investments, which reflect our commitment to making our workplaces and wider environment as healthy and environmentally sound as possible.

“We have been on a journey in recent years to ensure that we are as environmentally responsible as we can, and this is further evidence of our drive towards reducing our emissions and showing environmental leadership.”

The firm's financial controller Declan McErlean added: “By investing now, we are on target to deliver our commitment to zero and ultra-low-emission cars by 2023 and Net Carbon Zero by 2050.

“Not only is this helping to reduce our carbon footprint but we are also benefiting from lower running and maintenance costs in comparison to vehicles with internal combustion engines.”