OneWorldExpress
How can UK businesses contribute to carbon reduction efforts?
Over the previous decade, it has been impossible to ignore successive government’s ambitious plans to combat climate change – and the UK’s plans are no exception.
Indeed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has set the target of achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050, aiming for at least a 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade alone.
These plans are necessary. After all, the UK a 2017 report revealed that the UK within the top 20 greatest contributors to global CO2 commissions. And whilst UK emissions fell by 23% in 2020, there is clearly a great deal of work left to do before the goal of zero net emissions can be reached.
Of course, achieving this target will require a collective effort from businesses across the UK – notably, it will require many to thoroughly review their existing supply and logistical operations to understand where and how improvements can be made.
The question, therefore, is how exactly can businesses change their ways and contribute to national carbon reduction efforts?
Realistic targets
First and foremost, organisations should set realistic targets for themselves. Naturally, it is impossible to make a definite recommendation as to what an ideal emission target would be. These targets will vary from business to business, as they will depend on size, operations, as well as the product themselves.
If in doubt, companies should consider seeking advice from an environmental policy or management consultant. They will take into account the various operations and requirements of a business and suggest targets which will not dramatically impact its productivity. Further, they will ensure that any changes made to supply chains will be gradual, and not cause any major hindrances to external clients.
Once targets have been set, businesses can then proactively make changes to their supply chain and logistics strategies
Supplier audits
Next, businesses should conduct a thorough audit of their supply chain, to understand where “greener” improvements could be made. In some cases, this may also involve environmental audits of their various suppliers, and analysing their report emissions data, if necessary.
From there, business leaders can gauge how their suppliers are indirectly contributing to the companies carbon emissions, and more importantly, make the necessary changes to combat this. In some cases, there may be scope for businesses to negotiate, and set suppliers emissions targets; thereby reducing the supplier’s emissions as well as their own.
Alternatively, companies could use the information gathered from the audit as a point of comparison when shopping around for new and greener suppliers. Doing so will certainly help to cut the companies CO2 emissions.
Greener” logistics
Logistical transportation represents a significant share of the UK’s carbon emissions – in 2019 alone, 5 billion tonne kilometres were moved in the UK. For many businesses, use of transportation to move goods between clients or suppliers is unavoidable. That said, measures can still be taken to limit carbon emissions.
For example, businesses might consider examining the fuel used by their own, as well as third party, fleets. Doing so may prompt companies to switch to more efficient, and greener fuels. Alternatively, companies may investigate alternative courier methods entirely; for example, use trains rather than lorries for national logistics, or incorporating ship freight into international logistics strategies.
For companies who are unsure where to start in this respect, it is always advisable to seek advice from experts. For example, the team at One World Express are always on hand to advise businesses on the most efficient and environmentally friendly logistics plans to suit the needs of each specific business. Such insight will be vital in contributing to reducing the UK’s CO2 emissions, whilst ensuring they are able to provide their usual service to clients.
There is no single party responsible for reducing the UK’s contribution to climate change. It will take a holistic effort from all UK businesses to achieve the target of zero net emissions by 2050 – and companies’ logistics and supply chains will play a vital part in this. However, as long as all businesses take responsibility, and commit to reviewing and adjusting their operations accordingly, UK will be well on its way to reducing its contribution to climate change.
