Global freight management company is stepping up its sustainability efforts
The freight and logistics industry is a pivotal player in global trade, connecting countries, businesses and people worldwide. However, the sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and if no action is taken, it will become the highest emitting sector by 2050.
As the climate crisis escalates, global freight management company Quality Freight Services Ltd is stepping up its sustainability efforts and urging others in the industry to follow suit.
Louisa Pendleton, Compliance and Safety Manager at Quality Freight Services Ltd, said: “We’ve seen a growing number of customers asking for data on our sustainability projects and achievements. To make sure we avoid greenwashing, we’re committed to providing qualitative and quantitative evidence of our sustainability efforts.”
To ensure compliance with regulations and enhance sustainability, Quality Freight Services Ltd has partnered with Carbon Neutral Group, a sustainability consultancy, to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Initial measures included installing solar panels and EV charging stations at the head office.
Together with Carbon Neutral Group, Quality Freight Services Ltd is building a comprehensive sustainability plan which details the steps that will be taken to achieve the goal of cutting its carbon footprint by at least 5% over the next five years. This includes establishing a corporate forest to offset carbon emissions that will in turn increase job security.
Pendleton added: “The freight and logistics sector faces unique challenges when it comes to becoming more sustainable. Our work with Carbon Neutral Group is giving us access to strategic guidance, for example procuring office space that enables us to more effectively track emissions and energy usage, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of every decision.”
The company has already seen a reduction in carbon emissions thanks to the initiatives that are underway, such as the solar panels which have saved 2.95 tonnes of energy so far. This is equivalent to driving 7,300 miles in an average petrol car or planting 179 mature trees.
Quality Freight Services Ltd and Carbon Neutral Group have also focused on digitisation and the IT offering, transitioning from on-premise servers to a cloud-based model. Research by Accenture indicates that cloud migration can reduce carbon emissions by up to 84% compared to traditional on-site infrastructure.
George Curtis, Director at Carbon Neutral Group, emphasised: “The freight and logistics sector has to overcome real barriers to progress with sustainability initiatives. From global markets and massive supplier networks, to customers with different sustainability goals and specific storage requirements, it’s no surprise that the sector contributes 11% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. However, even small changes can make a big difference. I hope that our work with Quality Freight Services Ltd will encourage other businesses to consider investing in a sustainability strategy.”
With growing customer demand for carbon emissions reporting on shipments, the industry is under pressure to invest in sustainable practices. While a lack of investment and understanding of the impact of not investing in sustainability are significant, Quality Freight Services Ltd and Carbon Neutral Group are encouraging businesses to take small steps to kickstart the industry’s journey to a sustainable future.
Carbon Neutral Group offers a range of services, including carbon reduction strategies which can play a huge role in supporting freight and logistics companies to reduce their carbon footprint.
Read more about the Carbon Neutral Group here https://www.carbonneutralgroup.co.uk/
https://couriernews.co.uk/blog/quality-freight-services-takes-sustainability-lead/