Astley Hire has announced that it is one of the first industrial equipment hire companies to achieve carbon neutral status for December 2020 – November 2021 under PAS 2060 framework
In 2021 Astley Hire embarked on a 12-month long project to address how they could make their business more environmentally friendly.
The firm had already held the ISO 14001 environmental standard for years – but the firm wanted to do more. It was inspired by the UK’s target to become carbon neutral by 2050. It sets its sights on carbon neutrality.
Astley Hire cooperated with consultancy service Charis Ventures Ltd in its venture to achieve carbon neutral status. Together, the companies implemented a comprehensive carbon scheme.
Astley Hire and Charis Ventures were able to reduce a potential carbon footprint of 142.08 tonnes down to a residual value of 48.24 tonnes, which has been offset via the government approved Carbon Footprint scheme.
A significant milestone
Astley Hire’s general manager Martin Doran commented:
“We have always been aware of the impact of our business activities on the outside world. I am pleased to have reached this significant milestone of zero-carbon neutrality and be one of the first hire companies in the UK to have achieved this status.
“Our customers who prioritise their green credentials can benefit greatly from knowing they are hiring equipment from a carbon-neutral provider.”
Company directors Stephen and Michael Dorricott echoed Doran’s thoughts:
“This is probably one of the biggest milestones we have reached as a business in our 56 years of existence. We, as directors, have always been passionate about reducing the environmental impact of the business we own. We are aware that this is only one step in our journey and there is still work to do.”
Looking to the future
Next for Astley Hire is to get the PAS 2060 result certified by an external body – the goal being to target every aspect of the business as advances are made in green technology.
In 2022, Astley Hire’s aim is to reduce carbon offset by a further 10%, with similar targets for future years. Betond this year, Astley Hire will examine business processes in order to improve areas such as: vehicle fleet efficiency, fuel for hire equipment, employee commuting, and the digitalisation of processes.
