SWA helps to develop HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland

The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), together with other senior leaders from Scotland’s HGV industry, has developed a suite of actions to help the sector transition to net zero.

The HGV Decarbonisation Pathway – https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/hgv-decarbonisation-pathway-for-scotland-zero-emission-truck-taskforce/ – is the result of 18 months’ work by the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce. SWA has been a member of the taskforce, chaired by Transport Scotland, along with organisations from the haulage and logistics sector; energy sector (both hydrogen and electricity); truck manufacturing; government; unions; and commercial financiers.

This pathway sets out the four key challenges posed by a move to zero emission trucks – and how to address these:

• energy infrastructure
• financial models
• confidence in technological and commercial change
• workforce skills

The SWA has ambitious plans to reach net zero by 2040, aligning with the UK target for the sector and in time for Scotland’s net-zero target of 2045.

Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “SWA is delighted to have been part of this important taskforce, supported by some of our members, and to have contributed to the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway.

“Our recent report, ‘Decarbonising the Scottish Wholesale Sector’, explores our sector’s carbon emissions and attitudes to climate action, and shows that the majority of Scope 1 emissions for Scottish wholesalers are from vehicle fleets – in fact, HGV fuel use makes up an estimated 63.7% of operational carbon emissions in the Scottish wholesale sector.

“Our report further shows that there are differences in emissions for different sizes of wholesalers, with vehicle emissions accounting for a higher proportion of emissions from SMEs.”

Smith added: “It is clear to us that it is imperative to address logistics emissions to reach net zero, and that investment in infrastructure – plus confidence through help and advice to businesses – is needed to overcome the significant costs of installation of equipment and acquiring of zero-emission HGVs.

“The Pathway is an important step in industry working with the Scottish Government, its agencies and the technology developers, to identify and address what is required ensure a just transition, and to keep businesses on track to meet Scotland’s net zero ambitions.”