Welcome & About Whistl
Carrier partner emissions In total, 69% of our 2023 Scope 3 emissions are directly associated with our carrier partners. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that we collaborate with our suppliers to reduce their emissions. Throughout 2023, we worked with our carriers to understand their emissions reduction plans and the associated measures designed to see these come to fruition. To further support our carriers, we held a ‘Net-Zero Webinar’ to provide information about the importance of emissions reductions and to strengthen our communication with them on this topic. This was followed by a net-zero questionnaire for our carriers. In 2024, we aim to analyse the responses to identify emissions hotspots and support our carriers in decarbonising further. Targets: 90% of domestic carriers to set a science-based net-zero target by 2025
Facilities Having committed to procuring 100% renewable electricity across all sites by the end of 2025, we are well within reach of our target. In 2023, 91% of consumed electricity was from renewable sources, which was a 6% increase from 2022. Our approach to energy efficiency and reduction is driven through the operation of our Energy Management System, which is certified to ISO 50001. To further reduce our GHG emissions and our reliance on the grid, we aim to install on-site renewable energy in several locations across the Whistl Group. In 2023, we carried out research into the most suitable locations to install solar panels, and in 2024, we intend to hold discussions with our landlords with the hope of establishing an instalment strategy. This will support us in fulfilling our strategic ambition to achieve, by 2026, the target of 20% of our energy consumption from on-site renewable energy sources at key sites. During 2023, we also continued our strategic approach to improving the energy efficiency of our sites, making significant progress. Currently, if a building update is needed, we make a conscious effort to opt for sustainable choices during the upgrades. By the end of 2024, we aim to operate a minimum energy efficiency standard of a ‘C’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating across all buildings on our sites. Our efforts in 2023 included the following. • We replaced the Glasgow gas boiler, used for hot water, with an electric water heater which had a significant impact on the site. • We made adjustments to light sensors across our sites to reduce the use of lights when rooms are not in operation. • Our Belfast site switched to renewable energy sources as of October 2023. • In Northampton and Bedford, we began trialling energy consumption monitoring systems installed to identify any anomalies in energy consumption and where we can make improvements. • We initiated asset surveys across our sites, which will be used to replace inefficient assets to reduce energy consumption.
Our strategy to transition our small vehicle fleet (SVF) to electric vehicles (EVs) remains a dynamic process. In 2023, we operated 13 EVs within our van fleet. This enabled us to begin our vehicle transition and understand first-hand the benefits and challenges that EVs bring. Over the course of the year, we experienced challenges with the low mileage associated with our EV van fleet, but we have been agile in our approach and utilised these vehicles in higher-density areas so that we can deliver more packages over fewer miles. We are constantly evaluating the evolving EV offerings on the market; this will enable us to make strategic decisions when our leases are due for renewal. Going forward, and with Government support, we aim to lease EV vans with larger batteries, which will allow us to cover a greater number of miles with our EVs. We have, therefore, achieved 10% of our target of 100% zero and ultra-low emission small vehicles by 2030. An integral part of our fleet transition strategy was the update we made to our commercial car fleet policy to incentivise the selection of electric or low-emission cars. We now have 36 electric cars in our fleet and a further 12 cars on order, making 65% of our car fleet electric or low emission. To support the electrification of vans and our car fleet, we have now successfully installed EV charging infrastructure across seven of our sites. In 2024, we aim to establish charging infrastructure at our sites in Belfast, Glasgow, Colwick Quays and Fulfilment (South West). Furthermore, in 2023, we used our transport management software to reduce vehicle mileage by planning efficient routes and optimising load across each vehicle. In doing so, we increased our volume per route by 10%. In 2024, we will continue to use this software to enhance efficiencies. Our SAFED driver training also contributes to reducing the emissions generated across our fleet, as it encourages behavioural changes such as reducing vehicle idling; this is detailed further on page 18. Currently, the short-term options for zero and ultra-low emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that meet operational requirements and are commercially viable for Whistl remain limited. In 2024, we will be investing in higher-efficiency internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to reduce the emissions generated by our HGVs. Our focus will be on increased miles per gallon (MPG), driving fuel reduction and subsequent emissions reductions.
Whistl’s ESG strategy
Valuing colleagues
Fulfilling opportunities
100% of domestic carriers to provide primary carbon data by 2024
Preserving our natural environment
Fleet Given the nature of our business, fleet decarbonisation is a critical part of our net-zero strategy. While we are firm in our commitment to transitioning to zero and ultra-low emission vehicles, there are real challenges to achieving this in full within the short term.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
Appendices
30
2023 ESG Report
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