Community equipment specialists Medequip have achieved a vital milestone in the company’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. With effect from 1st October 2024, all Medequip sites across the country are now powered by green sources of energy.
Medequip’s Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policy formalises the company’s longstanding commitment to a staged decarbonisation programme. All electricity used in the business moved over to renewable sources in 2023, establishing an important principle with 50% of the company’s fleet now consisting of electric vehicles carrying out day-to-day collection and delivery work.
The shift to ‘green gas’ – also known as biomethane or biogas – means Medequip has moved all gas usage to a virtually carbon neutral option, choosing a sustainable alternative to a finite resource and making a contribution towards reducing reliance on fossil fuel gas.
Green gas is the lower carbon version of natural gas, enabling homes and businesses to replace the use of natural gas derived from fossil fuels. Green gas is released during the process of anaerobic digestion, when natural waste is broken down by organic bacteria, as well as from landfill gases and biomass gasification.
“Green gas is still a slightly more expensive alternative to other gas tariffs, but increased biomethane production means making the shift is now a more affordable commercial option,” stated Mike West, Procurement Director for Medequip. “Our deal with Shell for both electricity and gas means we are now certified to claim all our energy requirements are fulfilled by green sources of energy.”
The move to green gas supports Medequip’s sustainability goals and contributes towards positive environmental effects too. The diverse ecosystems used to create the sustainable plant matter in green gas also play a part in creating new habitats and boosting soil quality.
Into the future, Medequip continues to work towards reduce Scope (greenhouse gas) emissions across the supply chain, improving green credentials through product specification, partnerships, end of life solutions and green strategies across the business.