According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Logistics Carbon Review 2016, members of the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) are making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions compared to the average across the rest of the logistics industry.
Launched today at a meeting of FTA’s Logistics Carbon Working Group, the report incorporates the sixth annual results of the LCRSand reveals that the freight industry is contributing to national climate change reduction targets.
Rachael Dillon, FTA Climate Change Policy Manager, said: “The LCRS is going from strength to strength with members making significantly better progress in reducing emissions when compared to industry as a whole. By joining the scheme, businesses are demonstrating their commitment to and focus on initiatives which deliver carbon reductions such as improving fuel efficiency and optimising fleet operations. The benefits of this enhanced focus are clear.”
To demonstrate the logistics industry’s commitment to carbon reporting and contribution to reducing national carbon emissions, the LCRS aggregates fuel usage and business activity data from members to establish a carbon footprint for the scheme.
The report shows that scheme members have collectively made progress in reducing carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions between 2005 and 2014 and it is on track to meet its carbon reduction target of an 8 per cent reduction by 2015 based on 2010 levels.
The review, sponsored by LCRS industry partner Bridgestone, also highlights the challenges faced by the sector such as expanding the use of alternative fuels, low carbon technologies and shifting to rail and water. This is especially important as the Department for Transport is currently undertaking a Freight Carbon Review assessing how industry will reduce emissions up to 2030. Recommendations will be made this summer.
Ms Dillon added: “Freight is inherently difficult to decarbonise compared to cars and vans. Due to the limited options for electrification, a whole range of operational and technical measures will be required. The LCRS is vital to provide evidence of the significant efforts already being made by freight and FTA would urge more companies to join.”
Membership is free and open to all companies with at least one commercial vehicle (HGV or van).
Further details on how to the join the LCRS and to download a copy of the report is available at: www.fta.co.uk/lcrs
