Eddie Stobart has become the first logistics provider in the UK to set science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions.
The Warrington-based firm has recently committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global project that aims to provide businesses with the accountability framework they need to reduce their carbon footprint.
A collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the initiative defines, promotes and showcases best practice on setting science-based targets to reduce emissions, and independently assesses and approves targets set by committed companies. Stobart has created an initial roadmap for how they will achieve the SBTis and these plans will be approved by SBTi within the next year.
“This commitment forms part of the Stobart aim to be the most sustainable UK LSP,” said Stobart CEO, David Pickering. “We’re driving cultural change in our ways of working and are thoroughly committed to driving continuous improvement through sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment.”
Stobart recently won the 'Co-op Environmental & Sustainability Warriors Award – 2021' awarded to the supplier who has "inspired change and delivered a project that has positively impacted the planet and promoted best practice”.
Stobart has agreed a sustainability road map with the food retailer including a pipeline of initiatives to be rolled out incrementally. Initiatives implemented to date include a carbon reporting process for inbound RDC deliveries, the introduction of Wedge Double Deck Trailers to carry more freight whilst at the same time reducing carbon emissions, and a review of one way backhaul trunking activity to improve efficiency of the Co-op fleet.
Initiatives in the pipeline include a long-term project to review any further opportunities to transfer freight shipment from road to rail, along with an alternative fuel trial and a move to real time carbon emissions reporting.
“These important initiatives form part of the Stobart aim to be the most sustainable UK LSP”, said Stobart CEO, David Pickering.
“Through our collaboration with Co-op, we are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to delivering sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment. The ongoing roadmap that we have developed, in collaboration with Co-op, forms a key cornerstone in a cultural change in our ways of working. We are committed to driving continuous improvement and sharing of best practice amongst all of our partners.”