We are all only too aware of the fragility of our environment and how thoughtless actions can impact on local surroundings and those in the vicinity. From our senior business managers down to site operatives, we take our responsibility of the environment and the management of any harmful materials or processes very seriously.
Our commitment to the continued reduction in our emissions is evident by our certification to the International Standard ISO50001 Energy Management System. Between the 2018-19 to 2019-20 financial year, we achieved an 8% decrease in tonnes of CO2.e against a 43% increase in turnover.
Year on year, we have also increased the emission efficiency of our fleet through continued upgrades to Euro Emission Standards, with 85% of our fleet currently at the highest Euro VI Emission Standard. Further to delivering our own carbon and energy targets, we have also brought measurable benefits to our customers in terms of achieved energy and carbon emission reductions.
Our Environmental Strategy sets the goal to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 and managing our emissions is now a major business focus where we will drive both reduced demand and improved carbon efficiency. This includes increasing our use of renewable and low carbon energy sources through switching to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and solar and battery-power alternatives, continuing to upgrade our fleet to Euro VI Emission Standards and electric and hybrid vehicles and engaging in client and industry forums to capture, share and implement new low-carbon initiatives.
Year-on-year we have also increased our data capture to improve our understanding of our carbon impact across our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and use the RSSB Rail Carbon Tool to undertake quantitative carbon impact assessments for our rail projects and plan for carbon reduction initiatives. Our total carbon emissions for the 2020-2021 financial year was 18,363tCO2e.
To assist with the execution of our environmental policy, our HSQE Director works closely with the Dyer & Butler Board, focusing on the environmental risk management of the projects we undertake. Every project has a site specific project management plan which incorporates all environmental matters including client specific, statutory and project specific requirements.
This ensures that we are fully aware of any local or specific issues that require additional planning. On-site, our project managers work closely with customers, site-teams and supply chain to enhance the environmental performance across all aspects of our construction work and waste management.
We take great care to ensure that our work and processes have no environmental impact on the local community and its wildlife; including noise, air, light, vibration, water, water run-off and soil pollution. All of our work is certified in accordance with ISO 14001, and often our people help us to exceed this regulatory standard.
All timber we purchase is sourced from sustainable and traceable sources.
All sites operate Site Waste Management Plans.
We trial the use of new technologies and solutions such as the use of solar powered welfare units as opposed to the standard diesel units.
Noise, dust and vibration monitoring and minimisation.
Pollution prevention and training for all site operatives.
Constant communication with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
Training of site operatives to minimise our interference on bats, newts, nesting birds, Japanese Knotweed etc.