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Tag: net zero

Untangling Practical and Legal Hurdles to Sustainable Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and easing highways laws could help logistics providers to innovate and decarbonise their operations, write Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPD, and Ben Standing, partner in planning and environment at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson.

The UK’s logistics industry stands at the heart of the nation’s net zero ambitions, moving everything from manufacturing components to finished goods across complex supply chains that underpin the economy. As the government pursues its 2050 net zero targets, the role of logistics has never been more critical.

However, the environmental gains achieved in production risk being undermined if the carbon footprint is simply transferred to the delivery process – known as Scope 3 emissions, which are embedded in supply chains and account for the vast majority of a company’s carbon footprint. This interconnectedness means logistics companies are not merely participants in the green transition, but enablers of broader economic decarbonisation across multiple industries.

Management consultancy McKinsey & Company estimates the global logistics industry accounts for about 7% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with 80% of these emissions related to transportation. While there are already some exciting advances in the green logistics revolution, a number of practical, legal and regulatory hurdles remain.

Innovation driving change

A successful sustainability transition requires more than simply swapping diesel vehicles for electric alternatives. Innovation must address practical challenges including payload considerations, driver route optimisation, vehicle range limitations, and the development of both on-site and public charging infrastructure.

As part of its commitment to net zero by 2040, DPD has developed smart charging systems that allow drivers to book charging slots and join virtual queues, reducing anxiety about charger availability. It is also trialling fully-electric, autonomous robot deliveries in Milton Keynes, navigating the city’s traffic-free Redway network to access nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Practical and legal hurdles slowing progress

Despite technological advances, significant practical obstacles remain. Effective government support for a green transition within the logistics industry is therefore required via co-ordinated action across multiple policy areas. There are now about 80,000 charging points in the UK, but there is some way to go for the Department for Transport to meet its target of at least 300,000 points by 2030. A Public Accounts Committee report published in March 2025 found the government has been slow to address gaps in charge point provision, with regional divides and inequalities across the rollout.

The legal landscape surrounding emerging logistics technologies presents a complex web of regulatory requirements that are still evolving. The deployment of autonomous delivery robots on public highways raises novel legal questions about liability, insurance requirements, safety standards, and the interaction between automated systems and existing traffic regulations.

Current legislation was not designed to accommodate delivery robots, drones and other autonomous systems operating in shared public spaces. This creates uncertainty for logistics companies seeking to invest in these technologies while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations. Establishing regulatory sandboxes would allow for safe testing and deployment of innovative technologies.

Insurance and liability frameworks require careful consideration when deploying new technologies. Questions arise about responsibility in the event of accidents involving autonomous systems, the adequacy of existing insurance products and the development of new risk assessment methodologies for novel technologies.

Collaborative pathways forward

McKinsey estimates worldwide demand for green logistics will reach £350bn by 2030, comprising 15% of total global logistics spend. This shows the prize for success is substantial: a logistics industry that not only reduces its own environmental impact, but enables broader economic decarbonisation while maintaining the efficient goods movement that underpins modern life.
The green logistics transformation, however, requires collaboration between industry, government and other stakeholders to untangle the various practical and legal challenges.

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Customer Focus is missing piece in Sustainability

Posted on by David Priestman

Customer focus obsession drives business growth, writes Erik Stadigh, co-founder and CEO of climate impact company, Lune. Businesses exist to solve their customers’ problems and, by doing so better than their competition, they win. We build a deep understanding of our customers, their behaviours, their needs, and their pain points. And we get out of bed in the morning to solve these pain points through innovative products and services.

Yet, when it comes to sustainability, we immediately turn inward. The focus becomes all about internal metrics: our own carbon footprint, our own net zero targets, our own ESG scores. While these are of course crucial, they’re one component of a much bigger equation. We are staring at the forest so intently, that we are completely blind to the trees.

Here’s why: the most powerful climate actions aren’t found by looking inward – they’re found by looking outward, at your customers.

Harnessing The Multiplier Effect

When a business helps its customers reduce their carbon footprint, the impact multiplies exponentially. A single logistics company might help thousands of businesses optimise their supply chains to drastically reduce emissions. A business spend management platform might help thousands of businesses optimise procurement and business spend to slash emissions.

This is the multiplier effect in action. Instead of focusing solely on reducing your own emissions – which might be in the thousands of tonnes CO2 – you can help reduce millions of tonnes CO2 by enabling your customers’ climate journey.

From Net Zero to Net Positive

Our goal is to reach global net zero (and eventually go beyond). There are many paths to get there but for companies to only focus on internal net zero targets is definitely not the fastest path.

The math is simple but powerful. Let’s say your business emits 50,000 tCO2 annually. You could spend years trying to reduce this to 25,000 tCO2 or potentially even to 10,000 tCO2. Or, you could do both: work on your internal reductions while helping your customers avoid or reduce hundreds of thousands tCO2, potentially even millions tCO2!

This isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about recognising where your impact can be greatest.
The Business Case is Clear

As with solving any customer problems better than your competition, it’s just good business. Companies that help their customers achieve their sustainability goals aren’t just doing good – they’re building competitive advantages:

– New revenue streams emerge from sustainability-focused products and services
– Customer loyalty increases when you help solve their sustainability challenges
– Brand value grows as you become known as a sustainability leader
– Market share expands as sustainability becomes a key differentiator

This is not some fairy tale, it’s already a reality. JAS Worldwide, a leading freight forwarder, has won several large RFPs thanks to their Green Solutions. They help their customers reduce their carbon footprint through consulting, monitoring, and implementing emission reduction solutions.

By taking a consultative approach and tailoring sustainability to their customers needs, the sustainable choice becomes the easy choice. For example, JAS Worldwide chose Lune as their carbon offsetting partner so their customers could fund the projects that aligned the most with their business goals, without compromising on quality. They can be confident their sustainable choices are having a positive impact on the planet.

How to put your customers at the centre of your sustainability strategy

Innovators know progress is never a straightforward process. But we can begin with a map:

1. Understand your customers’ pain points
Start by truly understanding your customers’ sustainability pain points. What are their emissions sources? What are their reduction targets? What’s holding them back? How much are they spending on expensive consultants today?

2. Innovate for impact
Develop products and services that directly address these challenges. This could mean adding carbon footprint insights to your existing products, helping your customers to make carbon-based decisions, or giving green rewards to customers.

3. Make sustainability the default
Use technology and automation to make sustainable choices easier, accessible, and the default. To maximise the positive impact, and allow them to “opt-out” if they don’t want it.

4. Measure and celebrate customer impact
Track not just your own emissions, but the emissions you help your customers avoid or reduce. This is your true climate impact and should be celebrated!

The Road after COP29

As we come out of COP29, it’s clear that business as usual won’t get us to global net zero. We need a fundamental shift in how we think about corporate climate action. The companies that lead this new era aren’t just those with the smallest carbon footprints. They’re the ones that help their entire ecosystem – customers, suppliers, and communities – accelerate toward a sustainable future.

The future of corporate sustainability isn’t about just getting to net zero individually – it’s about solving problems to get to a global net zero. By looking beyond our own operations and enabling our customers’ climate journey, we create the exponential change our planet needs. And capture the business benefits while we do so. Obsess about your customers and the planet will thank you!

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Shipping Finance Closer to Net Zero Alignment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Continued growth of climate transparency from financial institutions show that the global finance portfolio for shipping has moved closer to alignment with ambitious decarbonisation trajectories set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aiming to remove emissions from international shipping by 2050.

The new insights are revealed in The Poseidon Principles’ fifth Annual Disclosure Report, which showcases the climate alignment of 35 major financial institutions across 13 countries, representing nearly 80% of the global ship finance portfolio. The Poseidon Principles are a global framework for financial institutions to assess and disclose the climate alignment of their shipping portfolios, aiming to promote decarbonisation in the maritime industry.

This year’s report, which also marks the fifth anniversary of the Poseidon Principles, highlights the transformative progress achieved since its launch in 2019, when it became the world’s first sector-specific framework for measuring and reporting climate alignment in shipping finance. What began as a conversation in 2017 and was introduced as a concept under development at the first Global Maritime Forum Annual Summit in Hong Kong in 2018 has since evolved into a celebrated model for industry-specific, transparent climate disclosure in shipping — one that has inspired similar initiatives in sectors like steel, aluminium, and aviation.

Key findings from the 2024 Annual Disclosure Report include:

• Transparency on the rise: An average of 93.3% of signatories’ portfolio activity was reported, with all signatories reporting ship emissions data from at least 70% of their portfolio, 28 signatories achieving a reporting rate of 90% or above, and eight achieving 100%.
• Climate alignment performance: The average climate alignment scores showed a noticeable progression from last year, with portfolios’ alignment to the IMO’s ‘minimum’ and ‘striving’ decarbonisation trajectories improving.
• Increased collaboration: Collaboration and engagement are increasing between financial institutions and their shipping clients, demonstrating the initiative’s pivotal role in guiding the industry toward achieving net zero emissions by 2050 in line with the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy.

“The Poseidon Principles have redefined what is possible in transparent climate reporting for the shipping industry,” said Michael Parker, Poseidon Principles Chair and Chairman of Global Shipping & Logistics, Citi. “As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of this initiative, we recognise both the progress made and the opportunities ahead – this milestone shows how far we have come in five years, but also serves as a reminder that we are now five years closer to critical decarbonisation targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050. We must accelerate efforts, addressing key areas of misalignment and ensuring collective ambition turns into transformative action.”

By integrating real emissions data into financial decision-making, the framework has also enabled signatories to use climate alignment scores to shape financing decisions, guide sustainability-linked lending, and support investment in green technologies such as biofuels and alternative propulsion systems. Increased transparency has also fostered closer collaboration between financial institutions and shipowners, reinforcing a shared commitment to decarbonisation.

While celebrating significant progress, the report also acknowledges the challenges of aligning with IMO’s ambitious roadmap.

“We have much to celebrate in this annual disclosure report, especially in terms of increasing levels of transparency” said Paul Taylor, Vice Chair of the Poseidon Principles and Global Head of Maritime Industries, Societe Generale. “However, alignment with 2050 net zero goals remains a challenge, in particular for certain vessel types that are facing operational complexities. Now, the Poseidon Principles’ adoption of well-to-wake emissions reporting offers a robust foundation for addressing these challenges head on. The Poseidon Principles will continue to evolve, setting new benchmarks for transparency and commitment to a sustainable future.”

In 2023 the Poseidon Principles adopted well-to-wake emissions reporting, encompassing full lifecycle emissions of fuels and setting a new benchmark for climate reporting in line with the latest climate science and supporting the IMO’s latest ambition.

In just five years, the Poseidon Principles have set the global standard for climate transparency in ship finance and inspired other financial disclosure initiatives like the Sustainable STEEL Principles for steel financing, the Sustainable Aluminium Finance Framework for aluminium financing, and the Pegasus Guidelines for aviation financing. Climate disclosure reporting plays a crucial role in enhancing the transparency and accountability of climate and environmental impact, risk management, and strategic planning of participating organisations and their clients.

As the Poseidon Principles enter their sixth year, the Association celebrates the transformative power of collective action, and the tangible progress made toward decarbonising global shipping. While challenges remain, the shared commitment of signatories, shipping clients, and stakeholders is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and transparency.

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Asda Invests in new Bio-LNG Refuelling Stations

Posted on by David Priestman

Asda is investing in two new Bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) refuelling facilities, as the retailer continues to make progress towards reducing overall carbon emissions.

Working closely with Gasrec – a major fuel provider for commercial vehicles in the UK – the new refuelling facilities in Warrington and Dartford now mean Asda has thirteen fully operational Bio-LNG stations strategically located across the UK.

With over 780 vehicles, Asda operates the largest fleet of LNG fuelled trucks in the UK, with this type of fuel a leading, lower carbon alternative to diesel. Through the new infrastructure, Asda will continue its efforts to decarbonise its operations, aiming to achieve net zero operations by 2040.

Earlier this year, Asda revealed in its annual ESG report it had reduced operational carbon emissions (scope 1 & 2) in 2023 by 41% since 2015, with a target to achieve a 50% reduction by 2025.

John Rogerson, Central Fleet Operations Manager at Asda, said: “LNG trucks are currently the leading alternative fuel option for operators like ourselves and with over 780 LNG vehicles, we operate the largest fleet of LNG fuelled trucks in the UK. Our continued investment in a UK-wide LNG distribution network forms an essential part of our objective to reduce overall carbon emissions across our operations, and towards building a sustainable business for the future.”

James Westcott, Chief Commercial Officer of Gasrec, says: “We have forged a strong relationship with Asda and it’s a real pleasure to be able to deliver these two latest facilities for them, as they continue to expand their growing gas fleet and invest in a cleaner and greener fuel source.

“As one of the UK’s largest retailers, Asda understands the urgency in the need to cut emissions from its fleet as we all work towards a more sustainable transport sector. Bio-LNG remains a leading alternative to diesel for long-haul operations and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.”

This investment comes after Asda recently launched a new sustainability-linked enhancement to its Supply Chain Finance scheme in partnership with HSBC UK. Launching in January 2025, the facility will see the retailer use financial incentives to encourage better sustainability practices within its supply chain.

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Importance of Sustainability in Warehousing

Posted on by David Priestman

Russell Hutchinson, business development manager at Daifuku’s UK branch, considers the growing importance of sustainability within warehousing.

It’s hard not to notice that the whole world is trying to be more sustainable. Going green is the mantra that is being adopted by consumer products from the humble loo roll to complex electrical goods. This trend is now firmly a part of the warehouse automation decision-making process. But is the materials handling sector stepping up to the plate when it comes to sustainability, or are there systems providers out there that are ticking the environmental box, without a genuine commitment to the planet?

Here are a few questions to ask potential automation providers next time you are involved in the specification of a new handling solution or upgrading an existing system.

Commitment from the Top

Any organisation that is serious about change is generally led from the top. Look at the amount of senior management effort that is devoted to sustainability before taking a view on the business’s genuine commitment to its ESG (environmental, social, governance) efforts. Looking through corporate websites, annual accounts and brochures usually gives a good feel for a company’s attitude to these issues. Is sustainability part of the organisation’s DNA or just a convenient add-on, led by the marketing team?
At Daifuku, our president and CEO Hiroshi Geshiro, chairs our sustainability committee. This senior level group facilitates discussions on social issues related to the environment, human rights and other topics with the aim of resolving these issues throughout the entire supply chain. As part of these efforts, the committee revised the Daifuku Environmental Vision 2050 in May 2023 to expand our focus areas and raise our environmental targets for 2030.

Independent Assessment

It’s all very well setting up sustainability committees or steering groups, but without some form of external measurement, they can become meaningless. At Daifuku, we actively seek external verification of our work towards carbon neutrality and our objective to remain an employer of choice. While our Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are verified by auditors from SGS, our ESG performance is evaluated by MSCI, FTSE and CPD respectively, each highly regarded, independent organisations.

As of February 2024, Daifuku received an ESG Risk Rating of just 18.0 from Morningstar Sustainalytics and was assessed to be at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors – making it one of the best performers in the sector.

As the old management saying goes, ‘What gets measured gets done’. And this is certainly the case with automation providers claiming sustainable credentials. In short, remain sceptical of those that shout about their environmental commitment without any third-party endorsement or verification. Our most recent results confirmed that we achieved a 34% reduction in overall CO2 emissions compared to 2018.

Environmental Vision

Through our Daifuku Environmental Vision 2050, we strive to realise a world where material handling systems operate with zero environmental impact. To this end, we are engaged in initiatives that reduce our CO2 emissions from our business activities to zero throughout the supply chain. This is achieved by developing and providing products and services that contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society, using energy efficiently at group sites and suppliers, and introducing renewable energy.

This effort has seen some notable developments. For example, the electricity used at Shiga Works near Kyoto, the company’s largest domestic manufacturing plant in Japan, has been switched to renewable energy sources. This transition is equal to an annual reduction of about 6,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
This has also seen our production sites in China, Korea, and elsewhere adopt solar panels. The solar power system on the roof of our newest facility in China generates approximately 1.5 million kWh per year, which is about 76% of the plant’s overall consumed power (when operating 12 hours a day). This system is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 758 tonnes per year.

Resource Recycling

A major part of being a responsible manufacturer involves minimising the use of valuable materials and reducing waste. Once again, it’s important to see that any prospective automation partner is serious about its use of scarce resources – and is happy to publish its progress in this area.

At Shiga Works, we installed meters on hydraulic equipment to monitor peak water consumption, to measure how much was being consumed. Hydraulic equipment uses water for cooling, but we found that much more was being utilised, even when the equipment was not in operation. As a result, we installed a temperature sensor in the piping of the hydraulic tank which only pulled off water when required. Furthermore, a separate system was installed to reduce oil temperatures, thus minimising the need for coolant. This initiative is expected to reduce the annual water consumption of the facility by approximately 75%.

Co-existing with Nature

Increasingly, responsible companies are thinking about the locations in which they operate and the impact they have on the nearby wildlife. While not strictly part of the sustainable agenda, it’s still important to see that potential automation suppliers are making efforts to protect nature wherever they can.

At Shiga Works, we undertook a comprehensive survey of ecosystems around the manufacturing, warehousing and office facilities which identified approximately 1,000 species, 70 of which are endangered. To preserve this precious natural environment for future generations, we are pursuing various conservation initiatives through the Yui Project, which promotes communication both within and outside the company.

One of our biodiversity initiatives is dedicated to the preservation of dragonflies, which are seeing declining populations across Japan. For the 50 dragonfly species identified at Shiga Works, Daifuku is actively monitoring populations and managing the area’s green spaces for biodiversity. In 2023, we created new wetlands using mountain spring water, silver grass, and sedges, and we transferred eggs, larvae, and adult insects to the new area along with plants and topsoil from their existing habitat. We have set up a net around one meter tall so that the dragonflies can settle, and we will continue to monitor their progress.

Further, having replanted forest woodlands and created a pond on the site, we are now delighted to see that rare Yamato Salamanders are now once again breeding.

We do not claim to have reached our ultimate sustainable goal. We’re on a journey where the final destination may well continue to change. More important is our business’s senior level commitment to the environmental cause, which filters down to every level of the organisation.

The areas listed above are not exhaustive, but hopefully give those involved in the automation selection process some insight to make an accurate assessment of a supplier’s sustainable credentials.

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Biomethane Lorries for DHL’s Tesco Ireland Network

Posted on by David Priestman

As part of its ongoing partnership with DHL Supply Chain, Tesco Ireland has taken delivery of 50 state-of-the-art biomethane fuelled trucks which will operate across its country-wide distribution network.

The trucks will immediately replace 50 diesel units, cutting down tailpipe carbon emissions by up to 90%. The biomethane fleet will be operated by DHL and used to transport produce to stores from Tesco’s distribution centres in Dublin. The new biomethane trucks are being introduced as part of Tesco’s comprehensive strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the environmental sustainability of its operations, while aligning with DHL’s own overarching strategy to reduce carbon emissions across its supply chains.

The renewable fuel for the trucks will come from Irish and European anaerobic digestion plants, and the trucks will refuel at the newly opened BioCNG refuelling station operated by Flogas at nearby St Margaret’s in north Dublin.

Each truck has a range capacity of 700 kms on a full tank of Biomethane Gas, which allows the Tesco business to reach any of its 177 stores and return without refuelling. Each tractor unit will complete an average of 15 to 20 truckloads of store deliveries across the country each week from Letterkenny to Kerry to Dublin.

DHL Supply Chain’s David O’Neill said: “This is such an important project to demonstrate the role biomethane can play in Irish commercial transport and a significant step towards decarbonising Tesco’s fleet. Our partnership with Tesco shows what can be achieved through a shared commitment to sustainability and we’re looking forward to continuing this journey together. DHL is fundamentally decarbonising a significant proportion of the retail transport sector in Ireland, and this partnership with Tesco Ireland is a big part of that story. This project is a great example of our Green Transport Policy, guiding the transition of 30% of our own fleet to a green alternative by the end of 2026, an important enabler in achieving our sustainability goals.”

Speaking about the switch to biomethane, Tesco Ireland Retail & Distribution Director Ger Counihan said: “Our network is one of the most sophisticated distribution networks in the country. More than 1,800 journeys are made from our distribution centres every week to our 177 stores. We have worked hard with DHL to prepare for the switch from diesel to biomethane trucks, and this move to cleaner energy will reduce the carbon emissions created by this fleet considerably.”

Tesco Ireland, Head of Sustainability Andy McGregor said: “This is a significant moment in our journey towards decarbonising our business. Transitioning to biomethane from diesel will significantly reduce our transport emissions and is an important step towards reaching our goal of net zero emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050.”

Speaking from Tesco’s Distribution Centre in Donabate, Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage said: “The commitment by Tesco to introduce 50 biomethane trucks into their national fleet is very welcome news. Ireland’s road haulage sector makes up 20% of the total road transport emissions in Ireland, so it is incumbent on companies like Tesco with their partners DHL, to play their part in helping to drive down our overall carbon emissions.”

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Empowering BEV Driving Trainers

Posted on by David Priestman

Today, the quality of road transportation services relies heavily on the skills and expertise of truck drivers. With educational programs, repeated training, and course upgrades, drivers can not only provide exceptional services to clients but also make the experience of logistics services smoother, more positive and professional. The same principle applies to sustainable transport solutions.

To equip the drivers of the largest asset-based company in Europe, Girteka, with the knowledge necessary to operate a battery-electric truck (BEV), knew that driver trainers had to be prepared first. They received individual training on BEV technology and daily utilization.

The company’s Drivers’ Academy trainers and truck drivers spoke with an expert from Volvo, and together reviewed one the manufacturer’s battery-electric trucks’ model. They also had the chance to test drive the truck and get familiar with the main differences and new features of the electric vehicle compared to a conventional diesel truck.

Comfortable Silence

“The electric truck made a huge impression. It does not feel like you are driving a truck; you almost do not hear anything,” says Singaras Čepaitis, Drivers Training Team Lead. The silence inside and outside the truck is one of the most mentioned differences between today’s battery-electric vehicles and trucks with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Trainers have concluded that BEVs provide a much better working environment, with less noise to interrupt or irritate drivers while delivering cargo.

“Driving the truck is very easy, as there are no significant differences. The control is very similar to a diesel truck, which will allow the driver to get used to the controls more quickly,” Čepaitis continues.

Continuous Learning

Maintaining a high level of proficiency among truck drivers is critical to delivering exceptional logistics services to clients. This requires not only thorough preparation and execution but also continuous collaboration with manufacturers and robust internal training programs.

“We understand that to achieve professional excellence, we must first empower our trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills. By working closely with manufacturers like Volvo, we ensure our trainers receive the most up-to-date information and hands-on experience with BEVs,” explains Andrius Žukauskas, Head of E-Mobility at Girteka.

This approach allows the trainers to effectively pass on their expertise to the rest of the company’s 12,000 drivers, ensuring they are well-prepared to operate these advanced vehicles.

Importance of Sustainable Solutions

The adoption of BEVs is a significant step towards sustainable logistics, necessitating the sector to be well-prepared for their effective use. Recognizing that the successful integration of BEVs into operations requires a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and optimal usage strategies, Girteka reflects this in advanced training programs and by providing opportunities for real-life experiences.

“These training sessions are essential as we expand our BEV fleet, ensuring we maintain our high service standards. This initiative highlights our dedication to both environmental responsibility and professional excellence,” comments Žukauskas, adding that, “Empowering our trainers with the latest knowledge ensures that we are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our logistics operations and provide the best available customer experience.”

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The Environmental Impact of Freezing Goods at -15°C

Posted on by Will Priestman

At the Multimodal 2024 conference, Dirk Hoffmann from DP World highlighted an innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions within the logistics and supply chain sector: freezing goods at -15 degrees Celsius instead of the industry standard of -18 degrees Celsius. This seemingly minor adjustment could yield significant environmental benefits, akin to removing millions of cars from the road. Echoing this sentiment, David Brown, Director at MAERSK, stated, “We need to get to net zero, and this is an easy way to help get us there.”

The Environmental Impact of Freezing Goods at -15 Degrees

Energy Consumption and Emissions

Freezing goods at -18 degrees Celsius requires substantial energy. Lowering this temperature to -15 degrees Celsius reduces the energy needed for refrigeration. Refrigeration accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption in the food supply chain, and decreasing the temperature difference by just three degrees can lead to notable energy savings. According to Hoffmann, these savings are substantial enough to be compared to the environmental impact of removing millions of cars from the road.

Quantifying the Impact

While Hoffmann did not specify exact figures at the conference, the comparison to car emissions is compelling. The transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with millions of cars emitting significant amounts of CO2 annually. By reducing the energy needed for refrigeration, the supply chain can significantly cut its carbon footprint. This change is not just about reducing electricity use but also about lowering the demand for fossil fuels used to generate this electricity.

The Technical Feasibility and Industry Implications

Product Quality and Safety

A primary concern when altering freezing temperatures is maintaining product quality and safety. However, studies and industry experience indicate that many frozen goods, particularly non-perishable items like vegetables, processed foods, and certain meats, can be safely stored at -15 degrees without compromising quality or safety. Adjusting the freezing temperature requires careful monitoring and possibly slight modifications in packaging and handling processes to ensure product integrity.

Cost Savings

Besides environmental benefits, there are economic incentives for businesses. Lower energy consumption translates to lower operational costs. This change can result in significant cost savings across the supply chain, from producers to retailers. Reduced refrigeration costs can also potentially lower prices for consumers, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits.

Broader Implications and Adoption

Industry Adoption

Widespread adoption of this practice would require a coordinated effort across the supply chain. Stakeholders, including food producers, logistics providers, and retailers, would need to align on standards and best practices. Educational initiatives and pilot programs could help demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of this approach.

Policy and Regulation

Governments and regulatory bodies could play a crucial role in facilitating this transition. By setting guidelines and providing incentives for reducing energy consumption in food storage, policymakers can accelerate the adoption of lower freezing temperatures.

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Decarbonize your Supply Chain with Easy Tool

Posted on by David Priestman

Girteka has recently launched a pioneering tool in the logistics industry known as the Battery Electric Vehicle Insight (BEVI). This tool is uniquely designed to allow businesses to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for their logistics needs without the need of purchasing additional software.

The BEVI stands as the first tool of its kind, providing the opportunity for companies to gain personalized insights into how battery electric trucks can transform their operations. By simply entering the details about their typical routes and vehicle specifications, users will receive a comprehensive report that includes total route distance, estimated energy consumption, and required charging times.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the BEVI

To access the tool, analyse its potential, and receive insights on electrifying your supply chain, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit our dedicated BEV landing page at www.girteka.eu/electric-trucks
2. Scroll down and enter your planned route information into the BEVI, including the start and end points.
3. Select the type of trailer you would utilize on that route (tilt, reefer).
4. Specify the type of terrain that characterizes your route (mountainous, flat, or a combination of the two).
5. Specify the total weight of the cargo to be transported.
6. Add any required or potential waypoints along your route.
7. Enter the expected duration of loading and unloading procedures.

Tailored Solution One Click Away

Upon completion of these steps, the BEVI will process the inputs and generate a comprehensive report detailing total route distance, estimated energy consumption, required charging times, and locations. This personalized report provides a clear snapshot of what switching to BEVs for your transport needs would look like, making your supply chain more sustainable and efficient.

“With such insights, each company, whether it operates in domestic or cross-border markets, can easily check their options if they were to utilize battery electric trucks on their routes. With support from our dedicated sustainability team, we can work on individual solutions, where we adapt drafted ideas into tangible, optimized, and environmentally sustainable solutions,” describes Remigijus Stugys, Marketing Manager at Girteka.

The transition to electric vehicles represents a significant step forward in the decarbonization of road transport. However, this shift also presents challenges such as infrastructure development, initial investment costs, and operational adjustments. Tools like the BEVI help companies navigate these complexities by demonstrating feasible scenarios and use cases of adopting BEVs, accompanied by solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs and requirements.

Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Logistics

The development and launch of the BEVI underscores a collaborative approach involving customers, manufacturers, and transport companies. “Only through shared efforts and a unified vision can we effectively decarbonize the logistics sector in a way that benefits both our planet and our economies,” states Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

This tool offers a straightforward, easily accessible way to understand the steps toward the implementation of electric vehicles in daily logistics operations. It is designed to provide businesses with practical data, helping them make informed decisions as part of a broader effort to reduce transport emissions. Together, companies and carriers can take meaningful steps towards decarbonization, recognizing that progress requires collaboration and a series of small, but impactful actions rather than a single solution.

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Carbon Reporting Technology for Greener Road Transport

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Coyote Logistics is increasing its efforts to make road transport greener by incorporating innovative carbon reporting technology from Pledge, a carbon reporting platform for freight forwarders, into its operations. This move represents another important step towards building a more environmentally friendly future for logistics.

By integrating Pledge’s GLEC-accredited and ISO 14083-aligned carbon reporting technology, Coyote Logistics will offer its customers a clear picture of the emissions produced by their supply chains. This initiative underscores Coyote’s commitment to environmental responsibility as the Amsterdam-based 3PL company is not only dedicated to providing top-quality logistics solutions; but also focused on moving the road transport industry towards a more sustainable future.

To meet the sustainability demands in this sector, they are actively working to reduce road transport emissions across Europe. This approach is consistent with Coyote’s customer values of driving more sustainable road freight by optimizing routes, implementing fuel-saving driving techniques and using zero-emission vehicles.

Carbon Reporting Technology

Environmental considerations play a key role when choosing a logistics service provider. By choosing Pledge, Coyote offers its customers a reliable foundation on which to entrust their green logistics requirements and enables them to comprehensively report emissions across their logistics operations, helping them make choices consistent with their environmental goals.

Joep Kusters, SVP Head of Europe at Coyote Logistics, emphasizes the active role in shaping a greener future: “We do more than just dream of a more sustainable future; we are actively building it. Our work with Pledge demonstrates our shared commitment to caring for the environment. This is a significant step towards creating a healthier planet for future generations.”

David de Picciotto, CEO and Co-founder of Pledge, said: “Coyote Logistics is leading the way in sustainable road freight in Europe by implementing some of the most ambitious green initiatives in the industry. Integrating our GLEC-accredited and ISO 14083-aligned carbon reporting technology will further facilitate their ambitious climate goals, offering customers a clear picture of their supply chain emissions and the insights they need to reduce them. We’re excited to witness the positive impact working together will have for sustainable logistics.”

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Companies Focused on Sustainability; Supply Chains Play Integral Role

 

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