Milbank Concrete Products: Leading the Way to Sustainable Excellence

At Milbank Concrete Products, we are always striving to be ahead of the curve when it comes to best practice in sustainability. Historically the construction industry, and specifically the concrete manufacturing sector, hasn’t always been the most environmentally friendly. However, over the past few years the industry has had to take steps to turn this around and we are proud to be at the forefront of this change.

As a business, we recognise that true environmental stewardship goes beyond our operations. It encompasses our entire supply chain, from the materials we source to the partners we collaborate with, ensuring that every step of our process aligns with our commitment to a sustainable future.

Since 2018, we have successfully reduced our CO2 emissions by over 69%, and we have big plans to become net-zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of government targets. We’re proud to be a force for change within our industry, and as we sharpen our focus on Scope 3 emissions, we’re hoping to influence, inspire and encourage our suppliers and partners to follow suit. In fact, one of the ways we measure our success is how we influence those who we work with.

We have recently welcomed the news that one of our crane partners, Bronzeshield Lifting, is making the move to 100% HVO fuel across their cranes and vehicles. This follows suit of our other lifting partner, Cadman Cranes, who made the switch to 100% HVO fuel earlier this year. Furthermore, our supplier of raw materials, Agri-Mix, has agreed to switch the lorries dedicated to transporting our own materials for our concrete production to HVO fuel, demonstrating the broader impact of our environmental initiatives.

But how can we ensure that all our partners and suppliers embrace Scope 3 Emissions Regulations?

Scope 3 emissions represent the indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. These include all sources not directly owned or controlled by Milbank Concrete Products but related to our activities, such as the production and transportation of purchased goods and services. Meeting Scope 3 emissions regulations is a complex challenge, but one we are fully committed to addressing.

We believe that our responsibility extends beyond our facility walls. By working closely with our suppliers and partners who share our vision for sustainability, we can drive significant environmental improvements across our entire value chain.

Partnering with Sustainable Leaders

A critical aspect of our strategy is to partner with organisations that uphold the highest sustainability standards. From the materials we use in our concrete products to the logistics and crane services that support our operations, we meticulously select partners who are equally committed to reducing their environmental impact.

Two of our key partners in this journey are Bronzeshield Lifting and Agri-Mix.  Thanks to our collaborative efforts, shared vision, and ongoing support, Bronzeshield Lifting is in the process of transitioning their entire fleet to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, whilst Agri-Mix is transitioning all lorries used for our materials to this sustainable fuel alternative. These significant moves mark major milestones in our collective efforts to minimise carbon emissions and highlights the influence our business is having on the industry as a whole.

Logistics and transportation play a crucial role in our sustainability strategy. By only collaborating with logistics partners who prioritise eco-friendly practices, we are able to further reduce the environmental impact of our product distribution.

Our supplier’s and crane operators’ recent commitment to moving vehicles, machinery and lorries over to HVO fuel further ‘cements’ our commitment to sustainable sourcing.

The Impact of HVO Fuel Transition

From June 2024, Bronzeshield Lifting switched their entire fleet of cranes, HGVs, and vans to HVO fuel, initially reducing their CO2 emissions by 655.00 tonnes a year. Moving forward, by the end of 2025, Bronzeshield hopes to double this reduction to 1,330.00 tonnes annually

This transition not only reflects Bronzeshield’s dedication to sustainability but also strengthens our overall environmental strategy by ensuring that our main crane providers are now operating on HVO fuel. This includes Cadman Cranes, another key partner who has already made the switch to HVO and now Agri-Mix.

HVO fuel is a renewable diesel alternative produced from sustainable sources, such as waste fats and vegetable oils. It offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel, making it a critical component of our efforts to meet Scope 3 emissions targets.

By encouraging and supporting our partners to adopt HVO fuel, we are driving a ripple effect of positive environmental change throughout our supply chain.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Our journey towards meeting Scope 3 emissions regulations is a holistic one. It involves not only adopting sustainable practices within our own operations but also fostering a culture of sustainability throughout our supply chain. By partnering with like-minded organisations and encouraging them to make environmentally conscious choices, we are amplifying the impact of our efforts.

As we move forward, Milbank Concrete Products remains committed to sustainability. We will continue to seek out innovative solutions, invest in green technologies, and collaborate with partners who share our vision for a cleaner, greener future. Our efforts to meet Scope 3 emissions regulations are just one part of our broader strategy to lead the industry in environmental stewardship.

Find out more about our products and our commitment to sustainable practices by getting in touch with our experts today by emailing [email protected] or giving us a call on 01787 223931.