We’ve spent over 50 years delivering the largest and most efficient multi-modal logistics network in the country.
We will now lever that offering to become the most sustainable and prosperous haulier in the UK, protecting the environment, our people, our partners and the communities around us.
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Our aims & commitments to sustainability
Incorporating sustainability into our overall business strategy ensures decisions are made understanding the wider impact on the environment.
Our aim is to be the most sustainable UK LSP, fully committed to SBTi targets, the first major 3PL to do this, from March 2022.
Our approach
Sustainability is at the core of our business, influencing every aspect of our organisation. Our leadership team recognises the urgency of protecting the environment and has made sustainability a fundamental part of our business. We engage and empower our employees to adopt sustainable practices, and by embodying sustainability from the top down, we inspire positive change within our industry while ensuring the long-term success of our business.
We are deeply committed to promoting sustainability in every aspect of our business. Throughout our network, we implement innovative technologies and processes to minimise waste and conserve resources, while continuously exploring renewable energy options. We actively engage with customers and industry partners, collaborating on initiatives to drive positive change and reduce environmental impact across the supply chain.
Collaboration is at the core of our approach to sustainability. We actively engage with our customers and suppliers to develop and implement sustainable initiatives that drive positive change across the supply chain. By fostering open and transparent communication, we work together to identify areas for improvement and explore innovative solutions.
Continuous improvement in relation to sustainability is a top priority for us. We recognise that the journey towards a more sustainable future is an ongoing process, and we are committed to constantly raising the bar and finding new ways to reduce our environmental impact. Through regular assessments and evaluations, we identify areas where we can enhance our sustainability practices, whether it’s in sourcing, operations, or waste management.
Transport network
We operate the UKs largest dynamic shared user transport network which achieves 85% loaded miles, versus the industry average of 72%, which means that our carbon emissions are already 10% lower than the rest of the logistics sector.
Last year we reduced our own and our customers CO2 emissions by around 40,000 Te CO2e
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85%
loaded miles
40k
less Te Carbon
10%
carbon reduction
£350k
cost saving
Road to rail
Rail reduces carbon compared to road by up to 76% which is why we are continuing to invest to maintain our position as the leader in UK Rail logistics.
We operate from 8 terminals, providing full UK coverage, carrying over 100,000 containers by rail each year – that’s on average 2,700 containers per week that are taken off the road and into our network of trains.
This reduces road miles and saves around 20,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which reduces noise and light, making less impact on the environment.
Electric road systems
As part of our sustainability strategy, we are leading the way with the development of Electric Road Systems. We are the chosen logistics operator for two of the three government competitions and are engaged currently with the third. The successful bidder for Phase 2 of the government project will be announced in early summer 2022.
Alternative fuels
‘Delivering Sustainable Solutions’ runs throughout our business, where green initiatives are investigated and delivered throughout our existing and any potential new sites.
Biodiesel Trial
We’ve undertaken a trial of Biodiesel which has successfully been completed and we’re now starting to implement this alternative fuel across our fleet, we hope eventually that this will deliver a 25% reduction in CO2.
HVO Trial
We are also partnering a trial of HVO within our group businesses along with introducing Electric Shunters at two customer operations.
Green LPG
Our latest initiative is a trial of Green LPG, a clean-burning, low carbon fossil fuel. LPG is considered a green form of energy because compared to other fuels, it produces 33% less CO2 emissions than petrol and 45% less CO2 than diesel, making it an environmentally friendly alternative. Our trial, in collaboration with our partners, will measure the impact and effectiveness of the alternative fuel and drive forward our aim to be the most sustainable logistics supply partner in the UK.
Element Energy
We are also collaborating with Element Energy on development of Battery Electric Vehicle Technology for 44Te HGVs already having a 26Te BEV on trial within our business
Hydrogen Truck
We’re one of the five companies in the UK, who, as part of the Element Energy Hydrogen project, that will be trialling the first 44 Te Hydrogen Truck, in Spring 2022.
Energy management
We’ve made investment into LED lighting systems to reduce our impact, saving 205 tonnes of CO2 per year.
We are currently working to achieve ISO14001 Accreditation across the whole Group. From the installation of solar panels, through to implementing electric tugs, the green initiatives we have introduced will reduce our carbon footprint and fulfil our commitment in being the UKs most sustainable haulier in the UK, protecting the environment, our people, our partners and the communities around us.
Colleague initiatives
Our colleagues champion being a greener organisation and we listen to their ideas and suggestions on projects and initiatives that we can implement, that will make a difference to reduce our carbon footprint and create a more sustainable environment.
Through their input, we now offer a range of electric vehicle company cars and have installed electric charging points across our sites, to actively encourage more colleagues to make the switch.
Awards
We’ve recently won the Coop Environment and Sustainability Warrior Award, in recognition for our partnership approach to reducing CO2 emissions and for our innovative approach to provide sustainable logistics.
“Through our collaboration with Co-op, we are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to delivering sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment. The ongoing roadmap that we have developed, in collaboration with Co-op, forms a key cornerstone in a cultural change in our ways of working. We are committed to driving continuous improvement and sharing of best practice amongst all of our partners.“