Dunelm invests in bio-CNG fuelled delivery vehicles

Homeware retailer Dunelm has invested in 10 new bio-CNG fuelled delivery vehicles, as well as an electric truck to support store deliveries.

More than 50% of Dunelm’s own operations (Scope 1) carbon emissions are attributable to the Home Delivery Network (HDN) fleet. The new vehicles will help reduce this, as they are powered by compressed natural gas (BIO-CNG), which is a renewable energy source derived from the decomposition of food and animal waste.

The nine new vehicles that run on BIO-CNG will emit approximately 85% fewer emissions when compared to traditional fossil fuel diesel alternatives and have the added bonus of being up to 50% quieter, meaning noise pollution is reduced as well.

With the transition to BIO-CNG, these vehicles will now emit a much reduced 314 tCO2. The introduction of the vehicles is a landmark moment for Dunelm and marks a significant step towards the retailer’s goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 (against a 2019 baseline).

Additionally, Dunelm has secured a lease on a 100% electric Volvo tractor unit, one of only a few in the UK. This electric vehicle will be stationed at the Stoke 2 Distribution Center and used for store deliveries. It will be charged at the centre using renewable electricity.

After the investment in the cleaner vehicles and by transitioning to BIO-CNG, Dunelm estimates it will save approximately 1780 tCO2 - an 85% reduction in emissions compared to diesel. Furthermore, the 44-tonne fleet's carbon emissions will be significantly reduced to a projected 314 tCO2.

Christina Downend, Head of Climate Change for Dunelm said: “At Dunelm, we are committed to implementing new sustainable initiatives and reducing our environmental impact. This investment in low-carbon vehicles showcases our dedication to providing less impactful and more responsible transportation solutions for our Home Delivery Network and provides a significant step towards reducing our own operations carbon emissions by 50%.”