Howard Tenens halves carbon footprint in five years
A family-owned UK logistics company has shown how alternative fuels and onsite renewable power can deliver major carbon cuts in a sector where full electrification remains years away. Howard Tenens, which operates warehouses and road freight services across the country, reports it has reduced average fleet emissions per kilometre by 55% since its 2019/20 baseline. The company says the figure beats its original 2030 target by five years.
The reduction matters because road freight is one of the harder parts of the economy to decarbonise quickly. Battery electric trucks are entering the market, but range, payload, and charging infrastructure still limit their suitability for long-haul or heavy-duty work. That leaves many hauliers looking for interim solutions that cut emissions now while the technology matures.
Howard Tenens has approached this by blending several technologies rather than waiting for a single answer. Its strategy combines hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a diesel replacement, biomethane trucks for specific routes, solar power at warehouse sites, and energy efficiency across its estate. The results show how a portfolio approach can work in practice.
This example is particularly relevant for SMEs in logistics, warehousing, and distribution. Many smaller operators face pressure from large corporate customers to reduce supply chain emissions but lack the capital or certainty to invest in unproven technology. Howard Tenens demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible with commercially available alternatives.
HVO and biomethane account for majority of fuel use
During the 2024/25 reporting year, Howard Tenens replaced 3.3 million litres of diesel with HVO. The renewable fuel is chemically similar to diesel and works in existing engines without modification. It is made from waste fats, vegetable oils, and other feedstocks, and suppliers claim it reduces lifecycle emissions by up to 90% compared with fossil diesel.
HVO now accounts for more than half the total fuel used across the company's fleet. This shift alone has driven much of the reported emissions reduction. In 2022, when the company first switched its Andover depot to HVO, it said the move would cut emissions from those vehicles by 92% and reduce overall Scope 1 emissions by 17%.
The company has also expanded its biomethane fleet to seven vehicles. Biomethane is produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion and can be used in gas-powered trucks. While the upfront cost of biomethane trucks is higher than diesel equivalents, fuel costs are typically lower and emissions are significantly reduced.
Renewable fuels have allowed Howard Tenens to cut emissions without retiring serviceable vehicles or waiting for electric alternatives to become viable for all routes. Consequently, the business has continued to grow while emissions have fallen. This combination of operational expansion and reduced carbon intensity is what many logistics operators are looking to achieve.
Solar generation now meets 29% of electricity demand
Beyond fuel switching, Howard Tenens has invested in solar capacity across seven warehouse sites. Total installed capacity has reached over 6 megawatts peak (MWp), which now meets 29% of the company's electricity needs. The remainder comes from renewable electricity purchased through the grid.
Onsite solar reduces both emissions and exposure to volatile energy costs. For warehouse operators with large roof areas and daytime electricity demand, solar can offer a payback period of several years. Howard Tenens says its solar installations save around 200 tonnes of CO2 annually, a modest but consistent contribution to the overall reduction.
The company has also implemented energy efficiency measures at owned sites, though specific details of those projects have not been disclosed. Efficiency work typically includes lighting upgrades, insulation, and heating controls. These measures often deliver quick returns and reduce both emissions and operating costs.
In total, the company's carbon footprint fell by 34% in the latest reporting year. That represents a reduction of more than 3,600 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Emissions per £1 million turnover are down 72% against the baseline, indicating that growth has been decoupled from carbon output.
Logistics sector faces growing decarbonisation pressure
Howard Tenens was among the first companies to sign the Route to Net Zero pledge from Logistics UK, the trade body representing freight operators. The pledge commits signatories to measure and report emissions, set reduction targets, and work towards net zero. It reflects wider industry recognition that logistics must decarbonise to remain competitive.
Pressure is coming from multiple directions. Large corporate buyers increasingly include carbon performance in supplier selection. Public sector procurement frameworks such as PPN 06/21 require suppliers to publish carbon reduction plans and demonstrate progress. Meanwhile, regulatory tightening is expected as the UK works towards its legally binding 2050 net zero target.
Transport emissions remain stubbornly high. Road freight accounts for a significant share of the UK's total transport emissions, and heavy goods vehicles are harder to electrify than cars or vans. Battery weight limits payload, charging infrastructure is still patchy, and the cost premium for electric trucks is substantial.
As a result, many operators are turning to drop-in renewable fuels as a near-term solution. HVO is widely available in the UK and can be used in existing diesel engines without warranty concerns. Biomethane requires dedicated vehicles but offers lower fuel costs and strong emissions reductions. Both options allow businesses to cut emissions today rather than waiting for electric or hydrogen trucks to mature.
This pragmatic approach is gaining traction. Howard Tenens is not alone in pursuing fuel switching and onsite renewables. However, the company's reported 55% reduction in fleet emissions per kilometre is a substantial figure and suggests the strategy is working at scale.
What this means for distribution and warehousing businesses
The significance for other logistics operators is that deep carbon cuts are achievable without a wholesale fleet replacement. Howard Tenens has used commercially available fuels, proven solar technology, and incremental efficiency improvements to halve its footprint in five years. The approach does not require waiting for emerging technologies or gambling on unproven solutions.
However, costs are not negligible. HVO typically costs more per litre than fossil diesel, though the price gap varies with commodity markets. Solar installations require upfront capital, and biomethane trucks carry a cost premium. Businesses need to weigh these investments against the commercial risks of not acting, including lost tender opportunities and customer attrition.
For SMEs, the business case often hinges on supply chain access. Companies that serve large corporate customers or bid for public contracts increasingly need to demonstrate carbon performance. PPN 06/21 requires suppliers bidding for central government contracts above £5 million to publish a carbon reduction plan. Many private sector buyers are adopting similar requirements.
Supply chain emissions (Scope 3) are the largest part of most companies' carbon footprints. As a result, manufacturers, retailers, and other large businesses are pushing decarbonisation requirements down the chain. Logistics providers that cannot show credible progress risk losing business, regardless of price or service quality.
There are also opportunities. Some businesses are winning new contracts on the strength of their carbon performance. As sustainability becomes a standard tender criterion, early movers can differentiate themselves. Howard Tenens positions its environmental work as part of long-term resilience and growth, not just compliance.
From a practical standpoint, businesses considering similar steps need to start with a baseline. You cannot measure progress without knowing where you are. Carbon footprinting across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 provides the foundation for target-setting and investment decisions. Carbon reporting support helps businesses gather data, calculate emissions, and identify reduction priorities.
Five key facts about Howard Tenens' carbon reduction
- Average fleet carbon emissions per kilometre have fallen 55% since the 2019/20 baseline, exceeding the company's original 2030 target five years early.
- During 2024/25, the company replaced 3.3 million litres of diesel with HVO renewable fuel, which now accounts for more than half of all fuel used across its fleet.
- Solar generation capacity has grown to over 6 MWp, meeting 29% of electricity demand and saving approximately 200 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Total carbon emissions fell 34% in the latest reporting year, equivalent to a reduction of more than 3,600 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
- Emissions per £1 million turnover are down 72% compared with the baseline year, showing that the business has grown while reducing carbon intensity.
Practical steps for logistics operators reviewing fuel and energy
Businesses looking at their own decarbonisation options should begin with measurement. Accurate emissions data across fuel use, electricity, and supply chain activities provides the basis for sensible decision-making. Without it, you are guessing which interventions will deliver the best return.
Fuel switching is the most immediate lever for most road freight operators. HVO is available from major fuel suppliers and requires no vehicle modification. Prices fluctuate, but the fuel offers a clear emissions reduction without operational disruption. For urban or regional routes, biomethane may be viable if refuelling infrastructure is accessible.
Solar investment makes sense for businesses with suitable roof space and daytime electricity demand. Warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing sites are often good candidates. Payback periods depend on installation costs, electricity prices, and available incentives, but many projects recover capital within five to seven years.
Energy efficiency work is typically cheaper and faster to implement than generation projects. Lighting, heating, and insulation upgrades often pay back quickly through reduced bills. These measures also reduce the size of any solar or renewable electricity contract needed.
Fleet optimisation through telemetry and route planning can cut fuel use without capital investment. Modern telematics systems track driver behaviour, idling time, and route efficiency. Small percentage gains across a large fleet add up quickly in both fuel costs and emissions.
However, technology is only part of the answer. Businesses also need to embed carbon performance in commercial decisions. That means tracking emissions per kilometre, per tonne delivered, or per £1 of turnover. It means setting targets and reviewing progress regularly. It also means training staff and making carbon part of day-to-day operations, not a separate initiative.
For companies in supply chains governed by PPN 06/21 or corporate supplier standards, a carbon reduction plan is now a basic requirement. The plan must include a baseline, near-term targets, and specific actions. It must also be published and updated annually. Net zero program support can help businesses meet these requirements and build credible plans that stand up to customer scrutiny.
Finally, businesses should be realistic about timescales. Howard Tenens has taken five years to achieve its reported reductions, building on earlier environmental investment dating back to 2013. Quick wins are possible, but deep decarbonisation takes sustained effort, capital, and operational change.
Where to find guidance on transport emissions and renewable fuels
For authoritative information on transport decarbonisation, the Department for Transport publishes policy updates, funding schemes, and emissions statistics. Its net zero strategy outlines expected pathways for road freight, including zero-emission vehicles and alternative fuels.
Logistics UK provides sector-specific guidance through its Route to Net Zero initiative, including tools for emissions measurement and reduction planning. The trade body also offers training and benchmarking resources for member companies.
The PPN 06/21 guidance on gov.uk sets out carbon reduction plan requirements for government suppliers. Although it applies directly to public contracts, many private sector buyers are adopting similar standards.
For technical information on renewable fuels, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership publishes research on HVO, biomethane, and other diesel alternatives. Its reports include emissions data, cost comparisons, and supplier information.
Businesses considering solar investment should consult the Solar Trade Association, which provides guidance on system design, financing, and regulatory requirements. The association also maintains a directory of accredited installers.