Travis Perkins Group, the UK's largest distributor of building materials, is accelerating its decarbonisation plan by switching out over 1,000 diesel forklifts with electrics by mid-2024.

The multi-million pound investment, which the group refers to as 'Project Switch', is one of the largest forklift change programs of its kind, and involves the diesel-powered forklifts being replaced with electric alternatives up to eight years ahead of schedule.

Once the new forklift trucks have been rolled out across the Group's branch network, it is estimated Project Switch will reduce the Travis Perkins plc Scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum - equivalent to the carbon emissions of nearly 4,000 cars.

The new forklifts will be supplied by Briggs Equipment and will feature the latest technology including upgraded safety systems and an improved turning circle to improve site safety while also lessening stock and racking damage. These improvements will help reduce running costs of the machines, reduce downtime and ensure easier management of compliance.

Alan Williams, CFO of the Travis Perkins Group and the group's decarbonisation sponsor, says: "This forklift truck investment demonstrates our ambitious decarbonisation strategy in action across our operations. Project Switch will also positively impact our customers' carbon footprint by reducing their Scope 3 emissions which remains a top priority for the Group."

The 18-month forklift electrification switchover is estimated to be completed by mid-2024.