In its drive to reduce its emissions to Net Zero by 2040, Dorset-based stone experts Suttle Stone Quarries has invested over £290,000 in 2 new Volvo lorries for the delivery of its loose stone products. The new lorries are replacing older models, and are known to be more efficient, reducing the carbon impact on the environment by around 20 tCO2eq per year.

The lorries were supplied by MC Truck and Bus, a commercial transport group in the South East, who were able to assist with calculating the carbon reduction benefit of replacing the lorries via Volvo’s web-based footprint calculator tool. The new energy-efficient Volvo lorries deliver Suttles’ crushed limestone and aggregate supplies to businesses and residents across Dorset, which are widely used for landscaping and civil engineering projects. These lorries are not only helping to lower greenhouse gases compared to the previous models; they also help to keep Suttles’ prices lower for its customers by managing fuel costs. In addition, Suttle Projects, part of the Suttles group, has invested in 2 additional hybrid cars, bringing the total number of electric and hybrid vehicles and plant within Suttles to 19. Suttles plans to invest in 6 further electric cars over the rest of the year to replace petrol or diesel versions, as part of its decarbonisation strategy. 

Suttles’ Director, John Suttle, said “We take our commitment to the environment seriously and are on our way to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040. Since 2018, we have reduced our carbon footprint by almost 400 tCO2e and are continuing to make improvements. We painstakingly reviewed the whole of our business to see where we can make CO2 savings. So far, we have installed 120 solar panels at our Worth Matravers quarry site, as well as upgrading our equipment and processes, which have led to savings of nearly 100 tCO2e throughout 2021 alone. Future plans include using HVO instead of diesel, which can result in 90% less emissions. As HVO prices have spiked even higher than conventional diesel, we are assessing the best time to enter the market so that we can offer an even more sustainably hauled product whilst keeping our prices manageable for our customers.”

John goes on to say “With our Swanworth Quarry reserves coming to an end, we need to protect the future of our business, the people we employ, as well as the future of local businesses who rely on our service. Since 2012, we have been working closely with Dorset Council to extend the area we quarry and provide a package of nature and climate benefits. If the application is approved, the 2 new lorries will play an important role in the extension of the quarry. Keeping deliveries local will save thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions per year – the newer lorries will boost that figure even more.”

Suttles is a family-run ethical business with sustainability at the core of its values, employing over 100 staff in Dorset. Suttles comprises a group of companies including Suttle Stone Quarries and Suttle Projects, with 4 sites based across Dorset, including two in the Isle of Purbeck, and sites at Mannings Heath and Hamworthy, Poole. Suttle Stone Quarries offers the sale and delivery of crushed limestone and aggregates for architectural, landscaping, and civil engineering applications; gabion and rock armour, used in coastal and waterways protections schemes; earthworks collection services; and an inert waste recycling facility. Its quarry, Swanworth Quarry at Worth Matravers, is currently celebrating its 100^th anniversary. Suttle Projects offers national civil engineering, earthworks, piling and marine solutions. Suttle Projects works closely with the national rail network to provide civil engineering and is also working with BPC Council to replace its beach timber groynes to renew coastal defences.

For further information about Suttles, go to www.suttles.co.uk