Sustainable Logistics
improve their impact on our planet and society; that expectation is influencing change across supply chains, including logistics partners. Additional questions are being seen in tenders today that are representative of more than just a tick box exercise, and your clients are requesting more information to align to their organisation’s internal sustainability objectives. However, sustainability is a difficult environmental and societal topics that require specialist knowledge, it requires both board support and ongoing leadership engagement to embed in everyday decision-making. Board support Gaining board support is the number one priority in driving sustainability, I have seen firsthand that those who have not conquered board discussions fail within the first three months. To engage with your board it is discipline to navigate for any business leader. Apart from representing a vast array of important that you understand the business case, where a business can drive profitable gains and create new opportunities. Key areas to consider include: • Aligning to current and future client requirements improves client retention, • Creating green partner credentials attracts new clients, • New value propositions help penetrate new sectors, • Planning ensures future legislation requirements are met, thus avoiding fines, • Roadmaps help achieve future investment, • Purpose improves employee retention and attracts new talent. Remember, sustainability is a journey that requires a considered starting point and the conviction from all employees to make a real difference. This article was supplied to BIFA by Kelly Hobson of Shape Tomorrow – kelly.hobson@shapetomorrow.co.uk Next month Kelly will be discussing environmental topics in more detail, including how carbon data can positively influence client behaviour when businesses translate information into meaningful actions.
This month Kelly Hobson, founder of UK consultancy Shape Tomorrow and sustainability expert, explains how embedding sustainable thinking across a business can create ongoing opportunities for freight forwarders to thrive Can sustainability create commercial value?
A s the UK logistics sector improve its overall impact on climate change, I am conscious many business leaders are ignoring the need to include all areas of sustainability with as much conviction. Many businesses capturing scope 1, 2 and 3 data are essentially levelling the playing field. Carbon emission data is a necessity, it defines one chapter of your story and demonstrates your remains under scrutiny and tirelessly seeks ways to intent to make a difference in helping to tackle a priority topic. But carbon data is an enabler for industry-wide change and future actions are heavily influenced by the UK government agenda, or unfortunately the lack of it. Meaning as a standalone sustainability initiative your business will not shine brighter than the competition and your business will eventually be left behind as others move quickly to embrace new opportunities. To be recognised as a truly sustainable business you need to
be able to demonstrate real intent by implementing societal and environmental initiatives aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The recommendation to BIFA Members is always to start your sustainability journey by understanding all significant impact areas across your value chain. Consumers today are demanding brands do more to 1. Energy consumption 2. Waste management 3. Water management 4. Biodiversity impact Top societal topics to consider: 1. DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) 2. Health and safety 3. Local community and charity support 4. Employee training and development Top environmental topics to consider dependent on owned assets:
“ Carbon data is an enabler for industry- wide change – Kelly Hobson
10 | November 2023
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