Logistics operators set to meet carbon targets, says FTA

Date: 01/02/2012 15:10:52

Mobile workforce vehicle operators are on course to meet their voluntary greenhouse gas reduction target, according to the industry's leading body.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA), which represents logistics drivers and freight operators, has said that a wide range of efficiency improvement measures are helping the scheme stay on track.

During 2011, the number of members signed up to the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme - which is the only sector-based initiative that records, reports and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions - grew to 59 companies operating over 56,000 commercial vehicles between them.

It has received the endorsement of roads minister Mike Penning, after emissions intensity was reduced by 2.6 per cent in 2010, meaning that participants were releasing less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere even though their mileages remained the same or grew.

James Hookham, managing director of policy and communication at the FTA said that investments in the scheme are beginning to pay off, and will continue to as long as new techniques and improvement measures continue to be thought up.

"Scheme participants can be proud of their achievement so far, and the government satisfied with the vote of confidence it gave," he added.

The scheme works by collecting fuel usage date from participating companies and calculating their emissions that occur as a result of its combustion in commercial vehicles.

Data are then anonymised and aggregated to produce a series of indicators for the scheme overall, with data on vehicle mileages and company turnover also being collected to allow the intensity of emissions per kilometre and million pound turnover to be measured.

"The FTA is determined that the logistics sector takes a leading role in the economy by showing how the never-ending quest for improved efficiency is also producing environmental benefits for everybody," Mr Hookham concluded.

Carbon dioxide emissions from fuel account for 90 per cent of all greenhouse gases from commercial vehicles.