Sustainability isn’t always about doing something new. Sometimes it’s about finding a better way to do what you already do.
As Net Zero Week shines a spotlight on environmental ambition, we’re sharing a project that’s been almost two years in the making—one that’s changing the way RE:GEN Solutions operates.
Rather than searching for a single solution, we’ve invested in practical changes that reduce operational carbon while improving day-to-day efficiency, demonstrating that meaningful progress towards net zero is built on thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.
With the largest fleet across the RE:GEN Group, and colleagues travelling thousands of miles every week, RE:GEN Solutions presented the greatest opportunity to make a measurable impact. The challenge was to identify solutions that could reduce emissions without compromising the service our customers rely on every day.
One of the biggest opportunities lay at our Peterlee depot.
Traditionally, the depot has been where operatives arrive each morning to collect materials, equipment and everything they need before heading out to site. However, vehicles would still need to refuel elsewhere, adding additional journeys and time to the working day.
Following almost two years of planning, research and investment, that has now changed.
The installation of a new 9,000-litre Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuelling station means colleagues can now collect materials, prepare for the day and refuel at the same location before setting off. Holding around a month’s worth of fuel for the Solutions fleet, the new facility has the potential to transform the depot into a true operational hub, reducing unnecessary journeys while creating a smarter, more efficient way of working.
The move to HVO also represents an important step in reducing operational carbon emissions. As a practical short- to medium-term solution, it enables much of our existing fleet to transition away from traditional diesel while we continue our longer-term journey towards electric vehicles.
The improvements don’t stop there. Our Peterlee depot now operates on a 100% renewable electricity tariff, further reducing the carbon impact of the site’s day-to-day operations.
Together, these changes represent a significant milestone in reducing the operational carbon footprint of RE:GEN Solutions while supporting the wider RE:GEN Group’s Scope 1 and 2 carbon reduction ambitions.
More importantly, they reflect our belief that there is no one-size-fits-all route to net zero.
The project has taken almost two years to bring to life, involving collaboration across multiple teams to research, test and implement solutions that deliver genuine operational benefits. It also reflects RE:GEN Group’s culture of empowering colleagues to challenge the norm, think differently and turn ideas into action.
RE:GEN Group Environmental Manager, Asimina Cole, said:
“I’d rather see imperfect action towards net zero than perfect inaction.
“This project perfectly reflects how we approach sustainability. It’s not about chasing headlines or claiming to have all the answers. It’s about understanding our operations, exploring the options available and investing in solutions that make a genuine difference.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but even more proud of the culture behind it. Across every region and subsidiary, our teams have embraced this challenge with a shared purpose and a genuine commitment to making a difference. We approach net zero as one tribe, working together, sharing ideas and supporting one another to deliver meaningful progress.
“HVO is one part of that journey, renewable electricity is another, and we’ll continue exploring new technologies and opportunities as we work towards our long-term net zero ambitions.”
While this marks an important operational milestone, it is by no means the finish line.
Achieving net zero isn’t about one announcement or one week in the calendar. It’s about continuously finding better ways to operate, making informed decisions and building momentum through practical improvements.
