Screwfix Drives Green Logistics with Electric HGV Investment

As stakeholder and consumer expectations demand greater transparency around sustainability, organisations are increasingly embracing renewable practices to drive real change.

Screwfix, the UK's leading hardware retailer, has demonstrated its commitment to the cause by strategically investing in electric heavy goods vehicles for its logistics operations. 

Introducing electric HGVs for the first time is set to ensure optimal productivity as they boast an impressive range of 200 miles per charge (depending on weather, driving style and road conditions) and can be used twice within a 24-hour period. 

The move supports the organisation’s wider sustainability efforts as it strives to achieve net zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040. 

Emma Ross, Director of Logistics Operations at Screwfix, explains: “At Screwfix, we are committed to driving positive change and leading the way in sustainable logistics. The addition of electric HGVs to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to reducing our environmental impact, while still delivering the exceptional service our customers expect. 

“The addition of these electric vehicles to our existing HVO-fuelled fleet is another step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Screwfix’s sustainability commitments

Screwfix has continued to showcase its commitment to sustainability through its Let’s Fix Tomorrow, Today strategy.

Since 2021, the organisation has halved its direct carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2), replaced fossil fuels heating in more than 639 stores with air source heat pumps and transitioned 85% of its delivery fleet to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). 

Screwfix has also partnered with the Woodland Trust to help enhance UK resilience to climate change and improve biodiversity. 

Between 2022 and 2023, 81% of its waste was recycled into new materials, with the remaining 19% being incinerated. Screwfix ensures heat waste is captured and used to create electricity when waste is incinerated. 

Matt Compton, Screwfix Commercial Director, explains: “Our colleagues tell us that working for a responsible retailer is really important to them and we have achieved some phenomenal milestones that we’re really proud of. 

“We know there is much more to do and we’re committed to going even further to reduce our impact on the environment and make it even easier for our customers to shop more sustainably.”

Screwfix has installed charging stations at its Lichfield Distribution Centre (DC) to support the growth of electric HGVs. 

The vehicles will service Screwfix stores across the Midlands and West Midlands region on shorter-range routes and deliver to Birmingham. 

The impact on green logistics

The introduction of electric HGVs stands to broaden Screwfix’s commitment to sustainability and shift its logistics operations.

They will be charged using electricity sourced from renewable energy, including power from the Lichfield DC’s large solar panel installation. 

These green initiatives will enhance Screwfix’s green logistics and minimise its reliance on fossil fuels to continue to drive efficiency and cut CO2 emissions.

Overall, this will secure a sustainable strategy towards a cleaner and more sustainable supply chain. 

Driving strategic purchasing

Screwfix’s adoption of electric HGVs serves as a driver of strategic purchasing, requiring procurement teams to assess its suppliers based on technical and sustainability specifications to ensure contracts meet the company’s wider sustainability targets.

The electric HGVs form part of a wider investment in renewable energy infrastructure and help ensure that all future purchase align with Screwfix’s net-zero goals.

Clearly, Screwfix's procurement team must coordinate effectively with sustainability and logistics departments to ensure all teams can adopt new technologies with ease.

These new initiatives will promote operational performance and long-term cost efficiency.

As Screwfix continues to make impressive progress on its net-zero journey, its introduction of electric HGVs will secure an effective approach to both responsible sourcing and green logistics. 

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