UK construction firm Kier partners with Sunbelt Rentals for renewable diesel supply

Photo: Kier Group

Kier, a U.K.-based construction and engineering firm, announced Nov. 19 the appointment of Sunbelt Rentals as its official supplier of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel for its operations. 

This strategic partnership will play a crucial role in helping Kier meet its ambitious carbon-reduction targets and further its commitment to sustainable practices. 

Over the next 12 months, it is expected that the group will use around 3 million liters (nearly 800,000 gallons) of HVO fuel, replacing diesel use in its fleet vehicles and equipment, delivering a reduction in scope 1 carbon emissions of more than 6,000 metric tons, as well as helping to improve local air quality.

When produced sustainably, HVO fuel, a renewable diesel produced from waste feedstocks, can deliver significant environmental benefits, including up to 90 percent reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. 

“This partnership is a major milestone in our sustainability ambitions,” said Louisa Finlay, Kier’s chief people officer. “The use of HVO fuel will serve as a transition fuel while developments continue in electrified solutions and other zero-carbon fuels. Working with Sunbelt Rentals, an industry leader with a proven track record, will support our near- and long-term carbon-reduction targets, recently validated by the United Nations-backed organization, Science Based Targets initiative.”

The “Responsible Sourcing of HVO—A Comprehensive Guide,” released in the summer, established guidelines to be environmentally responsible in the procurement of HVO.

Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Kier and Sunbelt Rentals were part of 12 SCSS partners to support this guidance to address the sustainability challenges associated with HVO fuel. 

“Our collaboration on the HVO project highlights our dedication to our sustainability strategy, Our Planet,” said Mark Keily, Sunbelt Rentals’ health, safety and sustainability director. “By partnering with industry leaders like Kier Group, we’re taking significant steps towards decarbonizing the construction sector and actively contributing on the path towards a greener future.”

Carley Hutcheon, the head of fuel at Sunbelt Rentals, added, “Our partnership with Kier to supply them with HVO fuel as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel highlights our commitment to advancing sustainability practices in the industry. Together, we’re dedicated to achieving significant reductions in Kier’s scope 1 carbon emissions, demonstrating that, with joint efforts, we can lead the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to fuel consumption.”

This is the latest action from Kier to support its sustainability ambitions, as set out in its “Building for a Sustainable World” framework.

Since 2019, the group’s efforts have resulted in a 70 percent scope 1 and 2 reduction.