Tesco distribution fleet going greener

Supermarket giant Tesco today said it would run three-quarters of its distribution fleet on biodiesel from next month.

Tesco estimated that by using the B50 blend – 50% ordinary diesel mixed with bio fuel – it would cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70,000 tonnes a year, equivalent to filling 15,000 swimming pools or 400 Royal Albert Halls.

Biofuels are renewable fuels made from agricultural crops and blended with standard diesel or petrol to deliver a reduction in emissions.

It said it had already ensured biofuel blends were stocked on its petrol forecourts, resulting in the reduction of a similar level of carbon dioxide emissions to the distribution initiative.

The retailer has 2,000 lorries responsible for transporting goods to 754 stores and 716 smaller Express outlets.

Chief executive Sir Terry Leahy described the move as an “extraordinary change” for the retailer.

In the Sunday Times, he denied Tesco was responding to external pressure to improve its public image.

Sir Terry said: “My aim has always been to be number one in the eyes of customers, not in anyone else’s eyes. This issue is growing in importance for customers and we have got to respond.”

Tesco fuels are supplied by Greenergy Fuels, which supplies more than 50% of the UK biofuels market.

The retailer has also partnered with Greenergy in the construction of a new multi-feed biodiesel plant at Immingham on the Humber, which will take feedstock from UK farmers.

The first phase of the plant, with a production capacity of more than 100,000 tonnes of biodiesel per year, will come on line in January.

Tesco recently opened a new supermarket featuring wind turbines to power the checkouts and rainwater to wash the home delivery vans.

The 50,000 sq ft store in Wick, north Scotland, is expected to cut by 50% the carbon footprint left by other supermarkets of a similar size.