Forterra invest in new solar farm in central England

Company to generate 80% of electricity requirement from solar and wind renewables by 2025

FROM 2025, Forterra will source 70% of their electricity needs from a solar farm in central England, replacing their current mainstream electricity supply.

Chief executive Stephen Harrison said the move would provide Forterra with price security and stability, alongside clear sustainability benefits, and see the company make tangible progress in the race to net zero.

‘Rather than relying on green energy generated by others, we are investing in a dedicated source of renewable energy generation, helping to decarbonize the grid, something that is critical to the UK’s net-zero journey,' he explained. 'We also aim to generate another 10% of our electricity requirement from our own on-site solar and wind renewables by 2025.

‘Overall, we have implemented ambitious ESG targets. Between 2010 and 2019 we reduced our carbon emissions by 22% and have pledged to reduce them by a further 32% by 2030.’

The solar farm investment follows a series of other measures Forterra have announced to reduce their carbon footprint, including a reduction in single-use plastic to wrap products, the use of HVO (biodiesel) fuel to power all mobile machinery at Measham brickworks, a switch to electric and hybrid vehicles in the company’s car fleet, and a £21-million investment in the haulage fleet, further advancing towards becoming entirely Euro 6 compliant.