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Tag: decarbonisation

Tests for Emission-free Heavy Goods Transport

Posted on by David Priestman

By 2050, Europe should be the first CO2-neutral continent – that is the goal of the “Green Deal”. In order to achieve this, there is more to be done, particularly in the transport sector. Electrification of vehicles is most likely the most important driver. The EU-funded project “ZEFES” project (Zero Emissions flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System) is researching the possibilities for long-distance heavy goods transport in order to achieve the objectives of the “Green Deal”. In a first step, the transport company Gruber Logistics, one of the project partners, is now collecting data: Under real conditions, how many stops does a vehicle make in long-distance transport today, how often does it brake or when and where does it reach which speed?

With a total budget of almost €40 million 40 partners from 14 different nations are working on the project and carrying out various tests with Battery Electric Trucks and Fuel Cell Electric Trucks.

Gruber Logistics has been collecting data for FCEVs on a defined route Verona to southern Germany via the Brenner Pass since the end of February. Initially, no FCEVs will be used here, but tests with diesel vehicles will be carried out in order to define a baseline for future tests with real FCEVs.

The tests are being carried out in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute, which has developed a device plus API for this purpose, as well as the companies RICARDO, TNO and Scania. This broad expertise makes it possible to record and analyze data with high precision and frequency using the device installed in the truck. In this case, this means in fractions of a second. In comparison to other tests that obtain data via Fleet Management Systems, for example, or where connection-susceptible mobile communications are used for data transmission, the Gruber Logistics test can be expected to produce high quality data. Efficiency improvements, mass production capabilities and the use of technologies in daily use were defined as the test criteria.

Emission-free Heavy Goods Transport

The results of the test phase will subsequently be doubly valuable: on the one hand, the suitability of FCEVs in real-life operation can be better assessed and, on the other, the acceptance of zero-emission vehicles should be brought forward. ZEFES was launched in January 2023 and is scheduled to end in 2026. Even though it will still take some time until then, the first expected results can already be recorded: For example, the use of modular vehicles will result in both cost savings and the creation of new business cases for logistics companies. In cooperation with Scania, Gruber Logistics will also use the collected data for the real prototypes that are already running and will be used in the future.

“Gruber Logistics is pursuing a sustainable, future-orientated strategy. We are convinced that the entire transport sector will and must move in this direction, and we want to help drive this development forward. ZEFES shows a new paradigm where transport companies are not just a final user but are called to be co-designers of new electric and hydrogen vehicles. To optimize such vehicles, we need new logistics models, therefore it is necessary that the vehicles are designed in relation to new utilization. We need a different kind of logistics,” says Martin Gruber, Managing Director of Gruber Logistics.

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Emission-free Truck Fleet

 

Girteka Group Launches Educational Campaign on Sustainability

Posted on by Will Priestman

Today’s main challenge in the logistics and transport sectors is decarbonisation. Electric trucks, intermodal transport, hydrogen powered vehicles, and biofuels are the most common solutions currently being discussed in terms of tackling the European Union’s (EU) ambitious emission reduction targets. However, understanding the discussion requires deep knowledge of details and technicalities and hard to understand by a non-expertise audience. Today’s available content is fragmented and lacks an overall holistic perspective on what can be achieved and how, who will stand to gain and who will end up losing in the drastic transition to Net Zero by 2050. Most importantly, what opportunities does today’s goal of decarbonisation of road transport present in terms of sustainable solutions for companies.

Exploring Pathways to Sustainability

Girteka, a road transport company, providing services in the logistics of temperature controlled (food & `beverages, pharma products) and high-value cargo in Europe, is launching an educational initiative to bring forward valuable insights and information about the decarbonization of road freight transport. The idea behind this campaign is to convey the message that the activities and direction the EU is heading toward should be practical, realistic, and beneficial for all stakeholders within the entire supply chain in the long term, as well as for the communities in which we work and live.

In the upcoming weeks, through various digital channels, Girteka will be sharing insights on battery-electric heavy-goods vehicles, their usage, drivers’ experiences, and challenges that many businesses are facing today when it comes to achieving their sustainability goals. The campaign will also explore topics related to intermodal rail transport – what is possible today and what plans have been put into place to improve the infrastructure? Later on, Girteka will analyse the possibilities of reducing emissions from existing assets through the implementation of solutions like HVO100 or HVO mass balancing. Also as final part the initiative will also focus on the new requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in terms of reporting emissions from transport, which can be easily incorporated into the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach.

“Today, everyone talks about sustainability. We all have high ambitions, yet we are still struggling to understand how we are going to achieve them. Our campaign aims to provide a  clearer and more understandable view of the current situation: what  options are available today and what would be the consequences of implementing those options for every stakeholder, starting from road transportation companies like us, through manufacturers and maintenance/infrastructure providers up to the end customers,” says Tomasz Weber, Head of Corporate Communications for Girteka Group.

Sustainability in the Digital Age

Girteka’s sustainability campaign will consist of several activities and will primarily be presented in digital channels. Starting with dedicated landing pages providing information about sustainable solutions available today, to in-depth articles and insights analysing infrastructure, networks, key roadblocks, and experiences gained so far, to discussions with experts in the form of podcasts, interviews, and video case studies.

“Our goal is to foster a common understanding before discussing specific approaches and ways to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in Europe. There is a lot of hard-to-understand information and stereotypical thinking when talking about sustainability. Yet we need to be aware that today’s decarbonization goals are not solely the responsibility of transport companies. This is a global challenge, where cooperation is needed to achieve those very ambitious goals,” emphasizes Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

As today’s discussions on this topic mainly occurs online and through social networks, Girteka’s campaign on sustainability will present all the relevant information, latest insights as well as expert discussions in the digital landscape. This includes LinkedIn, Facebook and X fan pages, where users will be able to follow and stay updated, as well as be properly informed about sustainable transport solutions.

The goal is not only to provide information, but to cultivate a common understanding and a platform for discussion where every stakeholder is involved. Central to this campaign is the idea that sustainability in logistics is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a holistic, informed approach. This campaign will serve as an open invitation for all players in the logistics field to embrace sustainability not just as a corporate responsibility, but as a shared mindset among businesses,  customers, producers, service providers, and individuals alike.

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CMA CGM and Maersk Pledge Shipping Decarbonization

Methanol-Powered Vessels

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Unifeeder Group has successfully completed a long-term charter agreement for two additional methanol-capable container feeder vessels. This follows the agreement for two initial vessels announced in October 2023, underscoring the group’s commitment to greener shipping solutions.

The latest agreement is in partnership with German-based ship owning group Elbdeich Reederei and Norwegian shipowner MPC Container Ships (MPCC), who are responsible for one vessel each. The 1250 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be deployed on Unifeeder’s European network. The addition of these new vessels reinforces the group’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions across its network. Simultaneously, Unifeeder is enhancing fuel efficiency throughout the fleet while increasing the utilisation of biofuels in its conventional vessels.

In alignment with its parent company, DP World, Unifeeder collaborates with industry partners to address the challenge of renewable methanol supply. This requires off-take commitments to establish production at the scale needed to replace conventional fossil fuels within the industry.

Methanol-Power

Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Unifeeder Group, said: “Building upon our commitment to methanol-powered vessels last year, this marks another significant stride towards the green transformation of our fleet and operations. We anticipate the vessels to enter into operation in the next two years, advancing our steadfast commitment to sustainable solutions. We offer our customers alternatives that align with their sustainability journeys while making meaningful progress towards our own ambitious decarbonisation goals.”

The investment in the two new additional ships further supports Unifeeder Group’s ambitious decarbonisation plan. Surpassing the industry average, Unifeeder has committed to a 25 per cent reduction of emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050 with no new fossil greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to achieve this by emphasising fuel-efficient practices, regular maintenance and refitting processes of the existing fleet and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, sharing best practices across markets to drive effective carbon reduction strategies.

Unifeeder Group is part of DP World Marine Services, which announced in December 2023 it had reduced its carbon footprint by more than 16% in 2023 from its 2019 baseline of 2,118 ktCO2e by creating efficiencies across its operations. DP World also joined the First Movers Coalition, setting a target for 5% of its marine power to come from zero-emissions fuels by 2030, marking its commitment to decarbonisation – a sentiment echoed by the Unifeeder Group.

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Unifeeder Invests in Methanol-Powered Vessels

Pathway for Reducing Vehicle Emissions

Posted on by David Priestman

Geodis has pledged to reduce its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% and reduce the carbon intensity of subcontracted transport (scope 3) by 30% by 2030 compared to 2022.

Confronted with the climate emergency, GEODIS is committed to a process of reducing its carbon emissions through the application of a science-based approach (the Science Based Targets initiative, or SBTi), in compliance with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5° C. This commitment concerns both direct and indirect emissions.

GEODIS has set targets of 42% for the reduction of the GHG emissions generated by its fleets of vehicles and its buildings (scopes 1 and 2) and 30% for the carbon intensity of subcontracted transport (scope 3) by 2030, by comparison with the base year 2022. These targets have been submitted to the SBTi for approval.

Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS, said: “For many years, GEODIS has been working seriously alongside its customers and partners on measuring and reducing its impact on the climate. Our new goals will further speed up the process, and they establish GEODIS as one of the most committed companies. This new phase is fully in line with the Group’s ambition to make its lines of business more sustainable and to provide our customers with innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics offerings.”

To achieve these ambitious objectives, GEODIS has defined pathways for each Line of Business and geographic region, and has taken account of all the levers necessary for decarbonization.

With regard to its own fleet, GEODIS plans to continue the transition towards alternative vehicles and modes using carbon-free or bio-sourced energies and installing suitable infrastructures for refueling and charging. Collaborative innovation is key to these transformations. As far as last-mile deliveries are concerned, GEODIS has already set a target of providing low-carbon delivery services in 40 French cities by the end of 2024.

Alongside the transition of its own fleet, GEODIS is carrying out measures to reduce GHG emissions on all forms of transport involved in its operations. Its plan entails the use of sustainable marine fuel (SMF) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), giving support to customers seeking to optimize their flows and implement appropriate modal shifts, and permanent optimization of the efficiency of the resources employed (the latest generation planes, ships and vehicles; optimized loading and itineraries). This transformation depends on selecting subcontractors on the basis of their practices and commitments, and on supporting small road transport companies to help them carry out their own technological transition.

Reducing the carbon emissions of sites assumes a 40% improvement in overall energy efficiency as well as the availability of a minimum of 90% of low-carbon energy. Projects for new sites incorporate the most stringent environmental requirements.

Measures to achieve optimization, whether they concern routing, loading or the energy efficiency of vehicles or sites, make heavy use of increasingly sophisticated digital tools that are very much part of GEODIS’s ongoing innovation projects.

This transformation relies greatly on the commitment of GEODIS teams. A vast awareness campaign has given them a thorough understanding of climate issues, the principle being the more they understand, the better they will act. Meanwhile, the Group’s senior executives already have a climate criterion incorporated into the variable portion of their remuneration. In addition, environment-related criteria are taken into account in decision-making processes associated with acquisitions and investments.

Large-scale Hydrogen HGV Deployment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Novuna Vehicle Solutions, one of the UK’s largest fleet leasing providers and a leading advocate for zero-emission vehicles, today announces it has been awarded funding of over £2.1 million as part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem (HYVE) Consortium, which will showcase the first large-scale deployment of fuel cell electric HGVs in the UK.

The £7 million project, part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub, is being funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership by Innovate UK. The programme will unlock at least £15 million of private investment. Led by project coordinator ERM, the consortium will support the rollout and maintenance of fleets of fuel cell HGVs in the Tees Valley commencing later this year, supported by the construction of a strategically located hydrogen refuelling station by Exolum at their Riverside Terminal.

The publicly accessible refuelling station, near to Middlesbrough town centre and at the intersection of the A19 and A66, will be capable of dispensing up to 1.5 tonnes of hydrogen per day.

As the selected HGV leasing partner within the consortium, Novuna Vehicle Solutions will work alongside German manufacturer Quantron AG, to build, fund and manage the in-life maintenance of more than 20 fuel cell electric HGVs ranging from 4.2 to 27 tonnes deployed in the project.

These vehicles, which will be used by some of the region’s largest vehicle operators within the logistics, infrastructure, utilities and home delivery sectors, will replace diesel vehicles, reducing local air pollution and carbon emissions. Data monitoring and performance evaluation will be provided by the School of Computer Engineering and Digital Technologies at Teesside University, who have extensive experience in the fuel cell field.

Jon Lawes, Managing Director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, said:

“This project is crucial to removing barriers and addressing the needs of operators at every stage of the ecosystem, in turn realising the commercial viability of hydrogen, at scale, and transforming the heavy transport sector which has been left behind in the road to net zero fleets. With our experience and unique capability to build, fund and manage the in-life maintenance across all vehicle types, including HGVs, we’re looking forward to collaborating with other selected participants to create a cleaner transport sector and ultimately unlock the vast potential of fuel cell hydrogen vehicles.

“Being firmly at the forefront in addressing the challenges of decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles complements our broader zero emissions strategy which is already comprehensively supporting fleets transition to Electric Vehicles.”

Novuna Vehicle Solutions, which manages over 140,000 vehicles across the UK and Europe ranging from cars and vans to HGVs and specialised assets, is also currently in discussion to support separate trials of Hydrogen vehicles for Network Rail.

Andreas Haller, CEO and Founder of Quantron AG, added:

“We are proud to be a part of this initiative. Bringing our innovative QUANTRON INSIDE technology to the UK marks a significant step forward in our global strategy and we are delighted to do this in collaboration with our partner Novuna. We are building hydrogen vehicles that reflect our commitment to sustainability to set a new environmentally friendly standard for long-haul transportation.”

Port of Sudeste to Deploy Maritime Emissions Portal

Posted on by David Priestman

RightShip, a leading environmental, social and governance (ESG) focused digital maritime platform, has today announced a partnership with Port of Sudeste, located in Itaguai, Rio de Janeiro, to start utilising RightShip’s Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP) for the first time in the Latin American region.

MEP is a unique digital solution that combines AIS vessel movement data with RightShip’s vessel insights. Its primary objective is to calculate ships’ emissions and identify areas of opportunity to reduce environmental impact. MEP provides crucial support and access to unparalleled maritime datasets. This helps ports and terminals to effectively measure and manage their emissions, thereby supporting decarbonisation strategies that align with global, regional, and national targets.

Port of Sudeste recently announced aims to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from operations by 50.4% by 2033 compared to the base year 2021. With scope 3 emissions representing one of the main challenges for the ports and terminals sector in reaching net zero, the addition of MEP now provides Porto Sudeste with a tool to monitor and reduce scope 3 emissions as part of its broader decarbonisation strategy.

Ulisses Oliveira, Sustainability Director at the Port of Sudeste, said: “Our aim at the Port of Sudeste is to maintain the highest levels of sustainability and efficiency. By teaming up with RightShip, we can obtain precise data and valuable insights to measure vessel emissions in the port and create effective strategies to reduce our environmental footprint.”

MEP employs an energy-based modelling approach based on UNEP and UNFCCC guidelines to calculate vessel-based emissions. Emissions are calculated in four separate operational modes across defined points of interest specified by the Port of Sudeste, making this platform a genuinely tailor-made solution for every port.

Commenting on the partnership, Anthony Teo, Head of the Americas Region, Vice President at RightShip, stated, “We are thrilled to announce that the Port of Sudeste is set to become the first port in Latin America to utilise our Maritime Emissions Platform. This partnership results from our years-long collaboration and signifies the port’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence. We are confident that our advanced tool will assist the Port of Sudeste in developing effective strategies for decarbonisation and improving local air quality. This marks a significant milestone in RightShip’s vision of promoting a zero harm maritime industry.”

The Future of Physical Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

Senior Executives at Samsara are forecasting trends in physical operations for next year and beyond.

Philip van der Wilt (pictured), SVP and GM EMEA of Samsara says, “physical operations will continue to be challenged by the uncertainty surrounding fleet electrification and the need to double down on fuel efficiency. Businesses are waking up to the fact that it’s not petrol, diesel or electricity that powers fleets — it’s data.

“Those who have already invested in technology and IoT platforms to manage their fleets are already better off. Fleets that have already invested in connected data platforms are better able to identify which routes, vehicles, and tasks are best suited to the electrification of their fleets.

“They’re also using these same fuel-agnostic systems to identify other technologies that will lead to fleet decarbonisation. It’s now up to the rest of the industry to play catch-up or risk being hit with a double whammy — falling behind on electrification plans while being unable to manage sprawling fuel costs.”

Stephen Franchetti, CIO, Samsara, added: “As the AI explosion continues, an organization’s ability to stay competitive and innovate will come down to their enterprise data strategy. Over the past year and a half, there’s been a significant explosion of ‘ready for prime time’ generative AI, opening opportunities for enterprises to benefit from intelligent automation. There’s no denying that AI will continue to increase efficiency, accuracy, and overall business agility in 2024.

“With this, we’ll start to see an increased need for a robust foundation of reliable and well-governed enterprise data. Utilizing the power of this data is paramount for training precise machine learning models, deriving insightful analytics, and enabling intelligent decision-making. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the quality and accessibility of enterprise data could significantly impact an organization’s ability to assess large datasets in real-time, stay competitive, eliminate bias, and free up more time for innovation.

“Expect to see an increase in vertical use cases for AI and a tight race between incumbents and emerging vendors to solve more nuanced, complex problems for these users.

“There’s already a race for incumbent players to infuse AI into every facet of their platforms. At the same time, we’re seeing several new emerging apps coming onto the scene that are purpose-built for vertical use cases within the business – like Sales, Marketing, Legal, and IT. As AI models become more robust and sophisticated, they will be able to handle the nuanced and complex tasks needed for these vertical teams. This will ultimately enable better integration between systems and processes and lead to improved operational efficiencies, as well as cost savings.

“Amidst emerging threats, increased regulation and data privacy laws, organizations will lean on technology for management and protection. With a global focus on data privacy, organizations must leverage technology to identify and mitigate risks quickly and effectively. In 2024, leaders will invest in AI-driven security to monitor network behavior, detect anomalies, and protect against potential threats – all in real time. This proactive approach will allow organizations to enhance their ability to safeguard data and operations.

“This technology, however, is only effective when coupled with a robust data strategy that leverages a zero-trust model. In the new year, more leaders will adopt this approach, which requires verification at every step of the data access and transfer process, significantly reducing the potential for breaches.”

Finally, Evan Welbourne, Head of AI and Data for Samsara, says, “explainable AI will play a key role in the broader acceptance and trust of AI systems as adoption continues to increase.

“The next frontier in AI for physical operations lies in the synergy between AI, IoT, and real-time insights across a diversity of data. In 2024, we’ll see substantial advancements in predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and workflow automation. We may also begin to see multimodal foundation models that combine not just text and images, but equipment diagnostics, sensor data, and other sources from the field. As leaders seek new ways to gain deeper insights into model predictions and modernize their tech stack, I expect organizations to become more interested in explainable AI (XAI).

“XAI is essential for earning trust among AI users – it sheds light on the black-box nature of AI systems by providing deeper insights into model predictions and it will afford users a better understanding of how their AI systems are interacting with their data. Ultimately, this will foster a greater sense of reliability and predictability. In the context of AI Assistants, XAI will reveal more of the decision-making process and empower users to better steer the Assistant toward desired behaviors. In the new year, I anticipate XAI will advance both the functionality of AI Assistant and the trust of AI systems.

“The evolution of generative AI across industries will focus on advancements in domain-specific knowledge and expertise, making specialized talent increasingly competitive.

“The advent of ChatGPT this past year showcased the potency of large language models (LLMs) in understanding and generating human-like text, which has accelerated investments and innovations in generative AI. Moving into 2024, I anticipate a continuous maturation of generative AI technologies, particularly emphasizing domain-specific knowledge and real-time adaptation to evolving scenarios. This convergence of generative AI with domain expertise will facilitate more nuanced and valuable insights, making AI a quintessential partner in decision-making processes across industries.

“With this, the demand for AI and machine learning talent will continue to surge in 2024, as businesses increasingly integrate AI not just into their products, but into their operational frameworks. Apart from foundational skills in machine learning, statistics, and programming, I expect to see an increased demand for expertise in domain-specific AI applications and AI governance.”

DHL Transitions Fuelling from Diesel to HVO

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has announced the acceleration of its UK road transport decarbonisation strategy. In addition to investments already made in deploying vehicles running on biogas and electric vehicles, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel is now actively being rolled out across the majority of its on-site fuelling stations throughout the UK, enabling DHL to assess operational processes and the performance of the fuel. With installation scheduled for completion by the end of the year, transitioning to HVO fuel will deliver 80-90% carbon savings compared to diesel; with an estimated total of 15,000 tonnes of CO2e savings being expected to be delivered.

Produced from biomass such as used cooking oils and waste from food manufacture, HVO is a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be used within existing vehicles without compromising operational performance; removing the need for new infrastructure or fleet.

Saul Resnick, CEO, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland said, “The installation of HVO fuel across our bunkered sites represents a critical moment in our multi-fuel decarbonisation strategy. HVO improves our service to customers by introducing a low-carbon renewable alternative fuel with minimal disruption. As an industry leader, we are rolling out HVO at scale and with impressive pace, to deliver immediate and substantial carbon savings while we continue to work towards viable zero-emission alternatives. We are extending an invitation to our customers to join us on this transformative journey, and actively collaborate with us in adopting these greener alternatives, we can provide them with a powerful tool to make their supply chains greener.”

More than six million litres of HVO fuel will be rolled out within DHL’s on-site fuelling stations this year, replacing diesel in 20 locations across the UK. In 2024, the business plans to install additional fuel bunkers across its network, increasing its use of HVO fuel to over 24 million litres, and with the effect of a full year, the carbon savings impact will be even greater.

The roll-out of HVO fuel in the UK brings to life DHL’s recently announced Green Transport Policy, a global standard on the most suitable green alternative per market. The Policy comes with an investment of around 200 million euros in alternative technologies and fuels to reduce close to 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions in the next three years in partnership with customers.

Biggest Mass Timber Logistics Centre

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Global fashion company Bestseller and architecture studio Henning Larsen have unveiled the concept design for a new ground-breaking logistics centre to be built in the Netherlands. The centre will be the biggest of its kind in Europe made with mass timber, and the companies aim for the building to reach ambitious standards for design and sustainability.

Located in Lelystad, 60 km east of Amsterdam, the 155,000 m2 logistics centre will be built over the coming years. Logistics Centre West (LCW) as the building is known, is being built by the fashion company BESTSELLER, and it was designed by the architecture firm Henning Larsen. When completed in 2026, it is expected to be the largest logistics centre built using mass timber in Europe.

“We are happy to be able to unveil the design of our new logistics centre, for which we have very big ambitions. Not only because it strengthens our opportunities for future growth, but also because it was designed to excel in sustainable construction through, not least, the choice of mass timber in the construction. We wanted the building to demonstrate our desire for aesthetic design, and we are very proud of what we have succeeded in jointly with Henning Larsen,” said Allan Kyhe Kjærgaard, Logistics Director at BESTSELLER.

In addition to the striking mass timber construction, the building will also be equipped with 23,000 square meters of solar panels.

Aesthetics and excellence

An important part of the design process was creating a workplace that is both visually appealing and healthy for the almost 600 colleagues who are expected to be work at the centre. The team from Henning Larsen has, among other things, prioritised daylight and green areas as well as harmonising indoor and outdoor elements to promote employee well-being.

“The design of Logistics Centre West represents a fundamental change to the way we imagine how a logistics centre should look. It’s a result of a united client and consultancy team committed to creating a design that is visually stunning, carbon efficient and has a positive biodiverse impact,” says Eva Ravnborg, Country Market Director, Partner, Henning Larsen.

Promoting biodiversity

More than half of the total site is dedicated to its landscape. The majority of the area will thus be dedicated to wetlands and forest to protect biodiversity and help absorb CO2.

In order to preserve and protect the area’s animal and plant life, the construction will be surrounded by a constructed wetland, which will contribute to promoting microhabitats for native species. The centre will also have an optimised rainwater system that, among other things, protects against flooding and recycles rainwater from the roof.

“We are very aware that constructing new buildings affects the environment, the climate and the local community. Therefore, a very thorough process has taken place before we can now present the plans for our new logistics centre. There have been many ambitions which had to be united in one building, but we believe that we have succeeded – not least thanks to a good and close collaboration with Henning Larsen. We look forward to putting the logistics centre into use in 2026, says Allan Kyhe Kjærgaard.

 

Top 100 UK Supply Chains Emit 3 billion tonnes of CO2

Posted on by David Priestman

The supply chains of FTSE 100 companies emitted 3 billion tons of CO2 last year, shows research by supply chain experts INVERTO, a subsidiary of Boston Consulting Group.

These latest figures show just how far the UK’s biggest businesses still have to go in achieving Net Zero in their supply chains (i.e. the raw materials, goods and services that FTSE 100 companies use).

The Top 5 emitters alone accounted for 86% of the FTSE 100 total (2.56bn tonnes of CO2), while the Top 10 accounted for 93% (2.79bn tonnes of CO2). The Top 10 was dominated by oil & gas, mining and engineering firms. Supply chain emissions – also known as Scope 3 emissions – include all indirect emissions occurring in the upstream and downstream activities of an organisation, e.g. from the goods and services it purchases.

Sushank Agarwal, Managing Director at INVERTO, argues that though much work remains, progress is being made towards Net Zero emissions in FTSE 100 supply chains. “Even though there’s still a long way to go, we’re in a much better place than we were on supply chain decarbonisation just a couple of years ago. There’s now a lot of awareness and strong senior sponsorship, but many are still in the process of turning that into concrete action.

“Those businesses that have started their journey are mainly focusing on reducing their Scope 3 emissions through embedding sustainability measures into their sourcing processes and working directly with key suppliers to reduce emissions throughout the value chain. The bulk of supply chain emissions reductions are relatively achievable in the medium term, with only a minority requiring further technological advancement or very large-scale investment. That’s what businesses should be focusing on today – the low-hanging fruit in their supply chains.”

Still too few FTSE 100 companies setting Net Zero targets

There is concern that not enough FTSE 100 companies have made explicit commitments for when they will achieve Net Zero. INVERTO’s research shows that so far, only 53 FTSE 100 companies have set a clear target date for fully decarbonising their supply chains. With an average target date of 2043 (see table below), INVERTO says that more FTSE 100 companies should be setting challenging targets for faster supply chain decarbonisation.

Agarwal says there is also a lack of FTSE 100 companies setting interim targets on their roadmap to Net Zero. This tactic means companies are more likely to commit resources to decarbonisation today, rather than hoping to catch up in 10 or 20 years’ time. “All companies should have a clear deadline for achieving Net Zero and milestones in place to get there. If they are targeting 2050 for complete decarbonisation of their supply chains, they should make clear where they will reach by 2030 and 2040 too. While some sectors will of course take much longer to get there, their progress will undoubtedly quicken over time.”

Far more reporting needed from the UK’s biggest listed companies

INVERTO says there is also a lack of regular and precise reporting on progress in reducing supply chain emissions by FTSE 100 companies. Overall, 57 FTSE 100 companies report their progress to shareholders, although the quality of the reporting varies significantly. While 57 companies have reporting in place, only 44 are reporting by using a clear metric – most often a percentage change on the year before. This is a sign that improvement is necessary, says Agarwal.

Highest-emitting sectors account for lion’s share of overall supply chain emissions

Despite the FTSE 100 as a whole emitting some 3 billion tonnes of CO2, just two sectors accounted for five sixths of the total: oil & gas with 49.6% and mining with 34.3%. Between them both, oil & gas and mining amount to just eight FTSE 100 companies.

Agarwal concludes: “All companies have a responsibility to bring down their supply chain emissions, but some more so than others. It’s expected that oil & gas and mining account for the lion’s share of emissions, so these sectors have the most to contribute to decarbonisation. Their efforts will automatically have a huge effect on other companies Scope 3 emissions as well.”

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