Even though the Co2 emissions from the global transport sector fell by over 10% in 2020, the global transportation sector still contributed about 27% of the 2020 greenhouse emissions. Undoubtedly, the transportation sector contributes the most significant amount of greenhouse emissions. Only when well tamed will the global push for a safe planet that we can leave for generations to cover will always be futile.
In 2020, for the first time in 30 years, the Himalayas mountain in India was visible from about 124miles away when the country came under movement restrictions. At every given opportunity, at Welch Transport, we not only believe the world deserves to be greener, but we have also strategically evolved and operated, putting the planet first over the years. As the world celebrates Plastic Free July, we are happy knowing that we are a leading company in greener logistics.
What Is Green Logistics?
Green logistics is the process of minimizing damage to the environment due to logistics operations of an organization. According to Interlake Mecalux, green logistics is also know as the set of sustainable policies and measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact caused by the activities of this business area. While traditionally most businesses are built with delivery online in mind, green logistics aims focuses on environmental sustainability at the decision-making stage.
The Importance and Urgency of Greener Logistics
At the heart of Green Logistics is the connection of the environmental concern with logistic activities. Greener Logistics ties climate change and the economic benefits of logistics to reduce the impact of the business sector on the environment in a way that does not negatively impact the global supply chain. At Welch's Transport, all haulage depots are British Assessment Bureau quality-assured to ISO-14001 and supported by quarterly meetings to drive continuous improvement.
As road transport accounts for around 20% of the UK's Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the logistics industry is critical in bringing this under control as the UK's Transport Association' longest-serving member', Welch Transport, has consistently kept its carbon-tyre print as possible by ISO 14001.
Plastic Free July: Green Awareness and Measuring Green Logistics Beyond July
As a global movement inspiring millions of people worldwide, Plastic Free July helps millions of people understand the impact of plastics on our environment and raises awareness on how to make the planet cleaner, safer and better by avoiding single-use plastics. Behind this idea is the possibility of making people live with this consciousness throughout July and, most importantly, for the rest of the year and hopefully, make it a lifelong habit.
The movement's goal is not to add another event to the world's calendar but to truly inspire individuals and organizations to keep thinking about the importance of environmental sustainability even as we do our daily activities and strive for economic growth. As an environmentally responsible organization, Welch Transport celebrates Plastic Free July with millions across the globe as the company inspires others in the industry on sustainability.
According to Gunther Hoppe, Director and Chair at the Plastic Free Foundation, "Increasingly we saw numerous businesses, industry associations and not for profits leveraging the Plastic Free July momentum to take action on plastic waste." Globally, more companies have announced initiatives to reduce waste across their supply chains, collaborated by creating webinars and discussions, and established local programs to raise awareness.
Green Logistics Ideas That Can Make a Difference
- Establishing a Fuel-Efficient Fleet: Fuel efficiency is the ability of a vehicle to obtain maximum energy from fuel. The amount of energy a car can extract in fuel directly impacts the amount of carbon emission at a given distance. Since logistics companies would have lots of vehicles, it is vital to establish a fuel-efficient fleet as this will not only help the company save money it will directly lessen carbon emissions.
- Use of Technology for Monitoring and Measuring Impact: The use of technology can help improve efficiency and processes. As a market leader, Welch Transport uses up-to-the-minute telemetric routing software and conducts ongoing training for all drivers.
- Investment in Sustainable Use of Resources: Most logistics businesses use loads of resources, and the environmental cost of this can be alarming. A great example of investing in the sustainable use of resources is the Welsh Transport's Duxford depot truck wash which integrates an underground rainwater reservoir and recycling system, reusing 85% of its water from each wash. The company's use of solar panels covering all warehouse roof space at Duxford depot helps contribute energy back into the grid.
- Consistent Training and Compliance Monitoring: Drivers are a big part of any logistics company, and investing in their efficiency will significantly impact fuel consumption. Having a team of intelligent and professional drivers can help reduce fuel consumption, which would ultimately reduce vehicle emissions and operating costs.
Interested in how the logistics side of your business can help reduce carbon emissions? Get in touch at +44 (0)1223 843011 or email us at [email protected]