Sustainability is an issue that has, quite rightly, taken centre stage in recent years with experts warning the public about the bleak environmental future that awaits us should we not change our habits. As such, every professional industry has been prompted to consider their environmental impact and have been encouraged to search for ways in which they can have a more positive influence.
And it’s not just the scientists that are worried. In fact, it’s currently estimated that 27% of Brits place environmental concerns within the top three issues facing our country including the amount of waste we produce, our notable carbon emissions as well as our sourced product materials. Therefore, if we do not address these concerns, we may be isolating ourselves to a potential consumer base!
So, how can the haulage and logistics sector alter its working procedures to limit any damaging effects to the environment?
Well, an obvious and vital element of this arises in the need to reduce carbon emissions throughout the industry. The logistics sector is primarily known for its transportation services and, as such, the emissions produced on these journeys must come into consideration. To lessen the negative effects placed upon the environment, haulage providers must look towards more efficient transport planning.
Now, a major issue when deliberating sustainable action is that many industries take the viewpoint that measures will impact turnover – or at the very least, require significant investment that may not be returned. However, this isn’t strictly the case.
Adopting sustainable practices could mean that your business becomes more efficient. For instance, a viable measure that could be implemented is condensing the number of vehicles in use at any one point in time. This isn’t to say that you will transport fewer goods, but instead recommends that they are condensed into fewer vehicles. In doing so you will limit the carbon emissions produced from the transportation process, but you will also save valuable time and money when considering the number of employees you have on the road at any one time.
Forest Freight understands that the level of emissions produced by our vehicles must be measured and monitored. That is exactly why each of our vehicles is fully Euro 6 compliant, meaning that we adhere to the European Union’s requirement of low emissions. Although this is a voluntary scheme, it offers a brilliant way of motivating your business to meet pressing environmental standards.
Of course, many haulage businesses are worried about the long-term effects with many focusing on how Brexit will affect the industry. However, it’s unlikely we will see changes relating to the Euro 6 standards as the UK environmental regulations in the Climate Change Act are actually stricter than that of the European Union. So, if you had hesitations regarding whether your business should join this movement then they can be surely put to rest.
What’s more, this scheme can save you money if travelling in and out of London, as Euro 6 compliant vehicles do not have to pay the London Ultra Low Emission Zone charge. Not only does this make the vehicles more sustainable and environmentally conscious, it also makes transport access to the capital easier than ever
Although tackling the level of emissions is at the forefront of sustainable action, there are other ways in which the industry can limit its impact, varying from investigating the volume of non-recyclable waste, searching for recyclable alternatives as well as adopting a more environmentally conscientious work culture. There are no small actions when it comes to combating climate change, so any measures taken are a step in the right direction.
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Sustainability is not an issue that can be solved overnight. It will take proactive thinking, reactive measures and continuous commitment from every sector of society – whether this is as individuals, professional bodies or authoritative powers. The first step is simply acknowledging that change is necessary and imminent.
Have questions regarding the sustainable future of haulage?
