When transportation accounts for more than 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions and has represented the most polluting sector in the UK since 2016, there is much to be done to achieve truly sustainable logistics and distribution models. Given these statistics, there is a burning case for innovative new strategies to curb the worst impacts of climate breakdown and that places quality assurance and living standards right at the centre.
In fact, as industry leaders, we have a duty to drive forward sustainability and carve out a path towards net zero. This is where the transition to green logistics and distribution is key. Managed efficiently and implementing smart new technologies, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint and save money in the process.
Today, we are beginning to witness the eclipse of carbon-heavy distribution and inefficient supply chain management practices with cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions, but this is only the start as you will discover.
Why do we need environmentally responsible distribution channels?
As we have demonstrated, the impact of logistics activities can mount up quickly. At Dennis Distribution, we understand that it is in our collective best interest for everyone to do their bit to achieve a liveable future where everyone can thrive. This includes improving air quality, reducing emissions and using resources prudently. Whilst only one piece of the puzzle, environmentally responsible logistics stand to make a significant difference that will drive change in adjacent sectors.
What does it mean for supply chains to be sustainable?
The topic of sustainable distribution starts with the following questions: What does it mean for supply chains to be sustainable? What is required within a strategy to deliver sustainable logistics and distribution?
In order for the world to stay below 1.5 degrees of global warming, the transport sector is required to reduce emissions by around a quarter by 2030, and despite its growing demand.
Sustainable distribution is thus a practical response to these mounting pressures; the practice of implementing innovative strategies to transform the transport sector into an environmentally conscious industry that will meet net-zero targets laid out for 2050.
Can distribution be truly sustainable in the real world?
While it is not difficult to view the world’s current dilemma with pessimism, there is hope for the transport sector as long as carbon-neutral, environmentally responsible logistics remain the future of the industry.
The discussion regarding environmental impact has begun to receive more public traction among business owners and distributors, and it remains a pivotal concern within the marketplace of ideas. With global investment in clean energy on course to accelerate to USD 1.7 trillion this year, there is a growing appetite for supply chains powered by renewables and economical strategies.
This being said, it will take significant investment from private businesses and public infrastructure to propel us along the path to a net-zero economy. Hence, why experienced distributors must play a leadership role in driving forward positive change on a global scale.
The benefits of sustainable supply chain management
As you might expect, a sustainable supply chain brings with it untold benefits that go well beyond the reduction of CO2. These benefits include:
- Minimised emissions and energy usage
- The reduction of waste materials
- A more cost-effective supply chain
- Protection against reputation damage
- Positioning your business as a responsible and attractive alternative to competitors
- An alignment with government policy and legal commitments
Practical hurdles
While the benefits of sustainable distribution are very appealing, the transition is not without its challenges. For example, since the UK government responded to the looming threat of climate change by issuing a declaration of climate emergency, many cities have imposed access restrictions based upon emission and congestion standards.
These changes, whilst representing risks to distributors up and down the country, also provide the opportunity for continual improvement and innovation; distributors must be aware of and ahead of such measures to ensure they remain leading players in the industry.
Measures towards achieving sustainable logistics
In the journey towards ethical and environmentally conscious operations, we can break down measures into three categories: manufacturing, distribution and warehousing.
Sustainability begins at manufacturing
Undoubtedly, sustainability should begin at the manufacturing stages of any business operation. Using local suppliers to source your products, whether pharmaceuticals requiring ambient temperatures or shipping perishable foodstuffs, will simplify the logistics and reduce emissions from travel times.
Implementing a sustainable distribution strategy
To minimise environmental impact, strategies designed to improve efficiency, and reduce mileage and needless waste are fundamental requirements. To do so, consider:
- Using smart technology to monitor emissions per mile
- Upgrading to EV fleets – the capacity and size of LVCs and larger long-haul transport vehicles have improved exponentially in recent years
- Investing in improved performance with aerodynamics kits
- Enhancing driver capabilities with devoted trainers and telematic data reviews
- Switching to renewables for high-energy haulage such as temperature controlled logistics
Ensuring distribution centres adopt green practices
Finally, steps must be taken to ensure that your distribution hub complies with your wider environmentally friendly procurement protocols. This may require collaboration with suppliers, vendors or 3PL and 4PL distribution partners. Other considerations include:
- Using locally generated, renewable energy for the premises
- Planning for a simple, flexible and scalable strategy to maximise warehouse efficiency
- The addition of green roofs or solar panels on the property
- Energy-saving measures such as movement-activated lighting and data-led solutions such as a cloud-based warehouse management system
- Reducing warehouse travel time with load pooling and multiple drop-off journeys
Outsource your distribution to cut emissions
Outsourcing your distribution to a licenced professional with the right accreditation is the best place to start off your sustainability journey.
At Dennis Distribution, we are already adopting strategies to align with national standards and achieve carbon neutrality by reducing emissions by more than 3% per year to 2030. Meeting Euro 6 emission standards and investing in the latest data monitoring, we are doing what it takes to ensure we and our children can live and thrive in a low-carbon economy.