The FTA Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme

With buzzwords like global warming, emissions, and carbon footprint now firmly entrenched in the vocabulary of the developed world, it's never been more important for those doing commercial delivery work to get on board with so-called 'green' initiatives.

The Internet has made business on a global scale easier than ever before, but it's also illuminated just how much everything we do has an impact on things, somewhere else in the world – and how important it is to reduce the negative effects of globalization.

One high profile initiative dedicated to "recording, reporting and reducing carbon emissions from the freight industry" is the Freight Transport Association's (FTA) Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme.

What is the LCRS?

The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme was set up by the FTA as a voluntary initiative. The LCRS enables the industry to report publicly on its efforts to reduce emissions of its own volition, in order to contribute to achieving the national greenhouse gas emissions’ target. Since its inception it has received endorsement from the Department of Transport and, so far, based on its results the Government has continued to support this autonomous approach.

The basis of the LCRS concerns the measurement and recording of fuel consumption by those participating in the scheme. The figures are collated, allowing data regarding efficiencies and any improvements in the reduction of emissions within a set timeframe to be reported.

Joining the Scheme

Anyone working in the freight and logistics industry – from large companies to individual drivers making a living from delivery work – can join the scheme for free. Being a member doesn’t only enhance a member's green credentials and provide a method of tracking individual compliance, it also carries a great amount of status by working with the government, key associations and individuals within the industry.

Currently there are over 75,000 vehicles being monitored by the scheme across 110 companies, with many of the big names in UK logistics committed to the initiative. They include John Lewis, Boots UK, TNT UK, Sainsbury's, Tesco's, the Co-operative Food, Asda, and Bidvest.

A Significant Initiative

According to the FTA, the businesses who signed up to the LCRS in 2015 were at the top of the list when it came to the reduction of carbon emissions. They say that the fifth annual report showed that the aggregate carbon footprint of the initiative had been reduced at a significantly greater rate than the rest of the logistics industry, and that members were "likely to be more engaged improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon within their fleet operations."

Joining Up

The FTA continues to urge anyone who operates a commercial freight transport business to sign up the scheme – no matter how large or small their delivery work operation is. Membership is free and confidential and is an excellent way of keeping abreast of current climate change policy and how it may affect the industry.

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry in the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching delivery work and to buy and sell road transport in the domestic and international markets. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.