A QUARRY operator has installed 120 solar panels as part of a drive to become carbon neutral.

Suttle Stone Quarries has cut its carbon footprint by almost 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) since 2018, with its most recent measures saving nearly 100 tCO2e in 2021.

it topped up grant funding from Low Carbon Dorset to install 120 solar panel at its Worth Matravers quarry, generating the power for its quarry workshop, security and fixed electrical systems. Solar also helps power the quarry’s 160kW stone crusher motor, which was recently upgraded form diesel to electric.

The company also reduced its use of diesel-powered equipment, upgraded from heating oil to a renewably sourced heating system at its quarry office, upgraded electrical fittings with energy-efficient alternatives and transferred to renewable electricity.

Over the past two years, the Suttles group – which also includes Suttle Projects and employs 120 people – has invested in other moves to reduce greenhouse gases. It has a fleet of 19 electric and hybrid vehicles and plant and achieved silver status in the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

Suttles director John Suttle said: “We are always striving to minimise any negative impact we may have on the environment.

“As the peak demand for our electricity is during daylight hours, it made sense for us to invest in solar power, which not only mitigates soaring energy costs, but also significantly helps us in our drive for carbon neutrality. Although we have made big changes in our business so far, we recognise that these are just our first steps en route to becoming carbon neutral.”

He added: “Suttles’ decarbonisation strategy will involve setting science-based emission reduction targets this spring, setting us further on our path towards net zero carbon.

“The next initiative that will help us achieve those goals is the continued roll-out of HVO, an extremely clean and low CO2 fuel, across our LGV and plant fleet.

“We are also keen to help the wider community in its decarbonisation process based on our experiences. For example, we provided input for Dorset LEP’s report on Dorset’s low carbon investment opportunities, which documents 10 energy investment opportunities, to help Dorset achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

Suttles has four sites in Dorset – two in Purbeck, one at Mannings Heath and one at Dawkins Road, Hamworthy. It sells and delivers crushed limestone and aggregates for architectural, landscaping and civil engineering uses.

Its Swanworth Quarry at Worth Matravers is celebrating its 100th anniversary.