B&Q: Driving Innovation with Electric Delivery Fleet

As the UK’s leading home improvement retailer, B&Q is making bold moves toward reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing customer delivery options by integrating EVs and pioneering eco-friendly delivery solutions.

This commitment to sustainability reflects B&Q’s strategic focus on reducing emissions, minimising environmental impact and modernising its logistics approach.

EV integration

B&Q is actively transforming its delivery fleet with EVs, highlighting a wider commitment to sustainable transport:

• New electric HGVs: B&Q has introduced two electric HGVs into its fleet, with plans to add a third in early 2025. These vehicles will cover the Home Delivery Network and support B&Q’s extensive Showroom network.
• Local delivery vans on the horizon: Next year, B&Q aims to expand its EV offerings with smaller electric vans for local deliveries, bringing sustainability closer to customers’ doorsteps.

The shift, B&Q says, aligns with customer expectations and the need for greener logistics.

Amélie Gallichan-Todd, B&Q’s Supply & Logistics Director, emphasises the importance of this transition: “We’re working hard to improve our fulfilment services to give our customers more choice of when and how their B&Q purchases are delivered.

"Our aim is to give customers more choice of speed and location, while, at the same time, fulfilling our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment. The introduction of these electric trucks into our fleet is another step towards our transition to alternative fuels.”

Expanding a sustainable fleet

Beyond EVs, B&Q’s fleet already includes extensive low-emission options, further establishing the company as a leader in sustainable logistics:

• Liquified natural gas (LNG) Vehicles: B&Q operates one of the largest LNG fleets in the UK, helping reduce carbon emissions from its logistics operations.
• Future EV additions: The company’s plan for 2025 includes expanding its fleet with additional EVs to support the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

These efforts reflect B&Q’s commitment to achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, aligning with government targets and evolving consumer values around environmental responsibility.

Exploring innovative delivery solutions

B&Q is experimenting with cutting-edge delivery solutions that aim to improve both environmental impact and convenience for customers:

• Autonomous robot deliveries: In partnership with DPD UK, B&Q is trialling autonomous delivery robots in Milton Keynes to handle smaller parcels, reducing the need for conventional vehicle trips and lowering last-mile emissions.
• Rapid on-demand deliveries: Through a partnership with Deliveroo, B&Q offers on-demand delivery of more than 600 items from nine B&Q Local stores in London. This service gives customers in urban areas faster access to essential home improvement products.

Environmental goals and achievements

B&Q’s transition to electric and autonomous delivery methods is a critical component of its broader sustainability vision:

• Significant emissions reduction: Since 2016, B&Q has achieved a 63.5% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, highlighting ongoing progress toward its environmental targets.
• Commitment to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV): Adding electric vehicles aligns with the UK government’s ZEV mandate, demonstrating B&Q’s proactive role in supporting national sustainability goals.

Enhancing customer convenience

While B&Q continues to build a more sustainable fleet, customer convenience remains central to its delivery services:

• Flexible click and collect: B&Q offers nationwide one-hour and 24-hour click and collect options from 300 stores.
• Multiple home delivery options: Customers can choose home delivery from 52 B&Q stores, central distribution centres and direct shipments from drop-ship vendors.

B&Q’s commitment to sustainability is transforming the home improvement retail sector, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious logistics and customer-focused convenience.

With plans to expand its electric fleet further and explore innovative delivery technologies, B&Q demonstrates that reducing environmental impact and enhancing customer experience can go hand-in-hand.

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