Solar Lights the Way to Sustainability for Construction Manufacturer

BUILDING PRODUCTS manufacturer, Forterra are working towards a sustainable future after signing a 50 GWh solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

From 2025, the Northampton headquartered brick, block and concrete producer will source 70% of its electricity needs from a solar farm in central England, replacing its current mains electricity supply.

Sustainability Benefits

Stephen Harrison, Forterra’s Chief Executive, said, “This agreement will provide us with price security and stability alongside the clear sustainability benefits.

“It sees us make tangible progress in the race to net zero. Rather than relying on green energy generated by others, we are actually investing in a dedicated source of renewable energy generation, helping to decarbonise the grid, something that is critical to the UK’s net zero journey. We also aim to generate another 10% of our electricity requirement from our own on-site solar and wind renewables by 2025.

“Overall, we have implemented ambitious ESG targets. Between 2010-19 we reduced our carbon emissions by 22% and have pledged to reduce them by a further 32% by 2030.”

The investment follows a series of other important measures announced by Forterra as it looks to reduce its carbon footprint, including a reduction in single use plastic used to wrap its products, the use of HVO (bio diesel) fuel to power all its mobile machinery at its Measham facility, the switch to electric and hybrid vehicles in its car fleet and a £21 million investment in its haulage fleet further advancing towards becoming entirely Euro 6 compliant.

Forterra is also currently developing the largest and most efficient brick factory in Europe at its Desford plant in Leicestershire.

>> Read more about Forterra’s involvement in a collaborative project to reduce single use plastic packaging.