Net Zero Roadmap Statement 2024

At Barrett Steel we are excited to release our updated Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, marking a pivotal step forward in our journey towards a greener future for steel stockholding and supply. 
Our commitment remains steadfast as we pledge to accelerate companywide strategies aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions, with the goal of achieving net zero for all global Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions targets by 2035. 

Sustainability has always been at the forefront of our operations. We have a proud history of investing in state-of-the-art equipment and systems that not only mark us as the market leaders in stockholding but have positive environmental implications such as increased efficiencies and reduced energy consumption.

Since 2021 we have reduced our Carbon Footprint by 1,336 tonnes to date, an achievement we are incredibly proud of, especially considering our depot network has increased in size during this time. 

In line with our dedication to environmental stewardship, we make conscientious decisions regarding the procurement of new equipment, always considering our carbon footprint. Our HGV Road fleet is on target to be 100% Euro VI compliant by the end of this year, and we are being proactive in implementing new AI driven telematics systems. These new AI driven systems will help improve MPG by reducing idling, harsh braking or accelerating and over speeding. During 2023, we held an initial trial of a fully electric HGV and are constantly monitoring the latest technological advancements, with our own HVO fuel trial expected in Q3 of this year.

In addition to our HGV fleet, our Materials Handling fleet has undergone a huge transition from diesel to electric powered models in recent years. 61% of our Forklifts and Side Loaders are already Electric or Battery Powered putting us ahead of our end of 2025 target of 50%. As a business we have invested heavily to date as we push towards our ambitious 100% conversion target by 2030. 

Another transition we have made as a business is to shift to a Hybrid or Electric Company car policy across the group. We have electric chargers installed at all our locations with over 80% of all company cars now fully Electric or Hybrid in type. Once all current contracts have elapsed, our company cars will be full transitioned by the end of 2027. 

Although we have made significant investments in our fleets, we have invested in our depots as well, and have upgraded sites to LED lighting systems. We currently have transitioned all External and Office lighting to LED across the group with one final warehouse project scheduled for completion in 2024, ensuring we hit our next way marker. 

At Barrett Steel we believe that our people are out greatest asset, in addition to our investments in fleet and infrastructure we have also invested in training for our colleagues. The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount. We now have 46 fully trained and accredited Mental Health First Aiders, with at least one at each of our sites. Our internal mental health steering group drives our activities in this area which include awareness, training, newsletters, guidance and signposting to help and support. We have an EAP scheme which enables colleagues to talk confidentially to people outside of our business at any time.

Our pursuit of net zero carbon emissions aligns seamlessly with our ISO 14001 and BES 6001 certifications, emphasising our dedication to quality and sustainable sourcing practices across the business. Additionally, as pioneers in the industry, Barrett Steel was the first UK stockholder to commit to The Climate Group #SteelZero initiative, demonstrating our leadership and commitment to influencing global standards for net zero steel production. As the UK's largest steel stockholder and processor, our participation in the #SteelZero project positions us as drivers of change within the industry. We are dedicated to sharing best practices and collaborating with industry stakeholders to achieve the highest standards of sustainability.

At Barrett Steel, our material is ordered to our own stringent in-house specifications and sourced from preapproved audited suppliers, utilising framework standard BES 6001 for responsible sourcing, and where possible, we limit to those who have committed to SBTi of Responsible Steel. We support continuous improvement of the carbon footprint across our full supply chain, with the focus both on the steel products themselves AND their route to market.
Our Barrett Green Solutions initiative not only allows us to report on the carbon footprint of each item supplied but even allows us to predict project embodied carbon at enquiry stage, offering solutions to minimise the project carbon footprint. Whilst we are only currently required to report on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions via the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements, we are already developing methodologies to monitor our wider Scope 3 emissions. 

Our commitment to sustainability is not new; it is ingrained in our DNA. For years, we have been setting and achieving goals to reduce GHG emissions and minimize waste throughout our operations. Whether it's through the installation of solar panels, waste segregation initiatives, or investments in greener fleet and infrastructure, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a sustainable future for all.

We are proud of the progress we have already made, but our journey is far from over. By working closely with our customers, suppliers, and colleagues, we aim to be a catalyst for change in our sector. Together, we can create ripples of positive environmental evolution, shaping a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Download our updated Road Map HERE