Schüco is aiming to save over 380 tonnes of carbon emissions in the next 12 months alone after converting its entire fleet of diesel-powered haulage vehicles to operate on sustainably sourced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel.
The company has also incorporated a Tecalemit fuel management system to allow an auditable trace of fuel drawn from the tank, for precise tracking of HVO fuel usage.
HVO is compatible with existing diesel engines, allowing for an easy and immediate switch without the need for additional infrastructure or engine modifications. It has a high cetane number, which can lead to better engine performance, improved combustion, and increased efficiency. It often burns cleaner than regular diesel, potentially leading to reduced engine maintenance and longer engine life due to fewer deposits and cleaner combustion.
Schüco researched various fuel options, deciding on HVO with its good storage stability for extended periods without degradation, unlike some other biofuels. Despite the higher cost of HVO compared to regular diesel, Schüco anticipates that as HVO becomes more widely available across the country, prices will decrease.
By integrating HVO into its operations, Schüco not only enhances its own sustainability goals but also helps to set a precedent in the industry for responsible and eco-friendly practices.
Schüco began tracking the carbon emissions associated with its energy use and business travel in 2021. Since then, the initiatives it has implemented enabled it to reduce its total emissions by 28%.
