A QUARRYING business has invested £290,000 in two lorries in a bid to reduce its emissions to net zero by 2040.

Suttle Stone Quarries spent the money on two Volvo vehicles, which it says are more energy efficient, for delivering loose stone.

They are replacing older models and are predicted to reduce the company’s carbon impact by around 20 tCO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalence) a year.

The lorries are delivering crushed limestone and aggregate across Dorset for use in landscaping and civil engineering projects.

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 (hydrotreated vegetable oil) instead of diesel, which can result in 90 per cent 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.”

The lorries were supplied by MC Truck and Bus, which helped calculate the carbon reduction benefit of replacing the old lorries using Volvo’s web-based footprint calculator tool.

As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared with previous models, they will help keep Suttles’ prices lower by managing fuel costs.

Suttle Projects, part of the Suttles group, has also invested in two more hybrid cars, bringing the total number of electric and hybrid vehicles and plant at Suttles to 19. Suttles plans to invest in six further electric cars over the rest of the year to replace petrol or diesel versions.

Mr Suttle added: “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 two 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 employs more than 100 people in across its group of companies, with two sites in the Isle of Purbeck as well as sites at Mannings Heath and Hamworthy.

Swanworth Quarry at Worth Matravers is marking its 100th anniversary this year.

Suttle Stone Quarries sells and delivers crushed limestone and aggregates for architectural, landscaping, and civil engineering applications, and gabion and rock armour, used in coastal and waterways protections schemes. It also offers earthworks collection services and an inert waste recycling facility.