Logistics group Howard Tenens, which has major operations in Swindon, has reinforced its commitment to cutting carbon emissions and operating in a sustainable way by buying 36 dual-fuel trucks this year.
The vehicles, which use compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel, are among 42 new trucks bought this year by the group. Their arrival means that by the end of 2013 some 88% of Howard Tenens’ heavy goods vehicles over 18 tonnes will be running on dual fuel.
When operating on diesel and CNG, the dual-fuel vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% compared to just diesel. However, when using biomethane instead of CNG the savings increase to 60%. Emissions of other pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particles are also reduced, which benefit air quality. 
The firm was one of the earliest pioneers of dual-fuel vehicles in the logistics sector, holding its first trials in 2009.
Howard Tenens’ dual-fuel vehicles fleet operates across three depots following installation of refuelling stations at Andover, Aveley and Boston which are also open to third parties.
A new gas station under constructed at its 25-acre Swindon depot – the largest in the group – to meet the needs of the new dual fuel fleet as well as those of customers’ vehicles.
Corporate responsibility and sustainability director Catherine Crouch said of the new vehicles: “This is a fantastic achievement as it will mean we will have the highest proportion of dual fuel vehicles of any large UK fleet and we will have taken another major step forward in cutting our carbon emissions.”
As part of its commitment to developing and improving the technology, Howard Tenens is involved in three projects funded by the Department for Transport and the Swindon-based Technology Strategy Board which will monitor the operational and environmental performance of dual-fuel technology.
A large proportion of the vehicles purchased this year will be involved in the trials, and other low-carbon initiatives such as low weight and aerodynamic trailers will also be evaluated. Howard Tenens is partnering with John Lewis Partnership on two of these projects.
John Lewis fleet manager Justin Laney added: “We are committed to reducing transport carbon emissions and expect gas dual-fuel trucks to play a large role. We are very pleased to be collaborating with Howard Tenens on these projects, sharing knowledge and experience to ensure we make it a success.”
Through its Low Carbon Truck Demonstration Trial, the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport (DfT) will invest more than £11m to encourage and assist UK road-haulage operators to buy and use low carbon medium and heavy-goods vehicles.
The aim is to encourage the widespread introduction of low-carbon vehicles to UK fleets, helping the UK to meet its targets on CO2 reduction and reducing fleet operating costs. Demonstration trial fleets will be run for two years, during which time usage data will be gathered and analysed by the DfT.
Stroud-based Howard Tenens, a £58m turnover business, operates all over the UK from 15 depots and employs around 500 people.
