Leading the Charge: How We’re Powering a More Sustainable Future for Our Franchise Network

As conversations around climate change accelerate and industries seek to reduce their environmental impact, our commitment to sustainability has never been more important. For us, becoming a net zero organisation isn’t just a long term ambition, it’s a responsibility. That responsibility sits at the core of our business: with our franchise network.

Every day, our franchisees deliver essential services to households and businesses across the UK. With vehicles in constant use and equipment operating daily, our environmental footprint is significant, but so is our opportunity for change. This year, we are accelerating that transformation through two major initiatives: the decarbonisation of our fleet and the introduction of cleaner, safer, more efficient equipment.

Thanks to pioneering partnerships with Toyota and Picote, we are taking bold, practical steps toward a greener future for our entire network.

Our Roadmap to Net Zero

As part of our wider sustainability strategy, we are working toward becoming a net zero business by 2040*. Our approach focuses on the areas where we can make the greatest impact:

• Fleet emissions
• Equipment and operational carbon

Our net zero plan sets out our intentions to significantly reduce our environmental impact while strengthening our long term business resilience. At its core, the plan focuses on cutting emissions across our operations, transitioning to lower carbon technologies, and enhancing the way we measure, report and govern our sustainability performance. Through targeted action and continuous improvement, the plan provides a structured pathway for reducing our footprint and operating more responsibly and efficiently.

Decarbonising our fleet is one of the most impactful steps we can take toward achieving our net zero goals. Our strategy focuses on progressively encouraging and transitioning to electric and ultra low emission vehicles and exploring the adoption of alternative fuels where electrification is not yet practical. Alongside upgrading our kit, these initiatives represent two of the most powerful ways we can cut emissions and pave the way toward a more sustainable future.

Partnering with Toyota: Electrifying the Future of Our Fleet

Our partnership with Toyota marks one of the most significant steps in decarbonising our operations.

At this year’s annual Dyno-Rod conference, we unveiled a fully Dyno Rod branded Toyota electric vehicle. Following the conference, our franchisees will now start trialling these EV vehicles, giving us valuable insights into real world performance, operational benefits, and customer perception. This trial will help shape our rollout strategy and inform the support we provide to franchisees as they consider transitioning to electric.

Why this matters?

Most of the vans used across the network currently rely on diesel, as does much of the traditional equipment stored inside. As a result, we have a massive opportunity to significantly reduce our operational carbon footprint.

Switching to electric vehicles provides immediate benefits:

• Reduced fuel costs - particularly when using overnight charging and taking advantage of off-peak tariffs
• Lower maintenance costs – EVs have fewer moving parts (no oil changes, exhaust systems, or clutches), which reduces servicing costs and vehicle downtime
• Lower emissions – zero tail pipe emissions help to support a reducing overall carbon footprint

Why Toyota?

Toyota’s reputation for reliability and efficiency means our franchisees can transition with confidence, supported by a brand recognised globally for its sustainability leadership.

Powered by Picote: Cleaner, Safer, Water Saving Equipment

Alongside decarbonising our fleet, we are transforming the tools our engineers rely on every day.

Traditionally, most equipment is diesel powered and uses large volumes of water to clear blockages. New Picote technology changes that.

This next generation battery powered high speed cleaning equipment:

• Requires significantly less water
• Removes the need for a diesel generator
• Runs at high efficiency (with cutters operating at up to 2,400 rpm)
• Reduces emissions and operational noise

Improving safety as well as sustainability

Traditional equipment also often requires operators to run hoses from the back of a van, across pavements or public areas, which introduces health and safety risks.

This new technology is different:

• The equipment is fully mobile, with no trailing cables.
• Smaller tools can even be used inside properties, placed directly into toilet pans to clear blockages without causing damage.
• The system removes many of the hazardous elements associated with high speed cleaning.

These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance engineer and customer safety - one of our highest priorities.

Looking Ahead Together

As we continue gathering insights across the twelve month trial — from environmental impact to operational performance — these learnings will guide how we support our network on the road ahead. We’re proud to be partnering with Toyota and Picote, standing at the forefront of sustainable innovation in our sector, and proving that meaningful environmental progress goes hand in hand with operational excellence.

This is a journey we’re taking together, and each step brings us closer to a cleaner, safer and more responsible future for our teams, our customers and the communities we serve.

*Net zero scope 1 & 2 goal as a franchisor.