Sustainable Logistics
Looking beyond net zero This month sustainability expert Kelly Hobson dives into the inter- connected topics that represent
environmental challenges for businesses to consider. Kelly explains that all future-facing business leaders should not only become more familiar with these topics but should consciously address them in their everyday decision making
M any organisations are on collating energy consumption data in direct response to climate change headlines. What tends to be missing is the knowledge to understand how to take that data and develop tangible steps to reduce a reliance on fossil fuels, whilst extending sustainable thinking across multiple areas to represent a currently tunnelling down rabbit holes, focused solely truly sustainable business model. In the UK the journey to net zero continues to be bumpy, with many barriers ahead that halt progress and dilute ambition. Without the right legislation and financial support from the UK government, we are unable to move at pace on energy reduction programmes within our industry. However, that should not be an excuse to avoid progressing within other environmental areas while we wait. Roadmap your journey To represent a truly sustainable business you must understand how your business is impacting our planet on a broader scale. Through a Materiality Assessment (a strategic business tool to assess environmental impact), the most significant impact areas for your business can be identified and future planning should directly explore how to reduce negative impact across your value chain. Of course, nothing happens overnight but it is important that a business moves forward with planning that demonstrates intent to clients and other key stakeholders.
positive impact of numerous businesses working together to reduce negative impact on our planet. That might be competitors, clients, NGOs or suppliers– the opportunities to create big waves of change are limitless. Directly related to clients, freight forwarders should not only be looking at ways to provide accurate emission data to their clients to capture scope 3 data, but empower them with intelligence that improves their future footprint. From supplier locations and packing requirements to consolidation and modal mix, there are multiple opportunities to add value as you decipher client data and regularly talk through short and long-term options. By improving your understanding of environmental topics, you are able to create genuine commercial value for your business and ensure you continue to lead a journey of success. For further information, contact Mike Jones (m.jones@bifa.org) Policy Advisor – Sustainability & Environment.
Consider every topic and create a three-to-five-year roadmap that prioritises the most impactful areas and outlines milestones for everyone to move towards – eg, “by January 2025 every site will send zero waste to landfill”. Sphere of in fl uence Due to the enormity of our impact on the environment, business leaders are encouraged to consider their sphere of influence and explore ways to collaborate and influence. We all know that two heads are better than one; imagine the To create a truly sustainable business model, a company must consider: • Climate change • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions • Resource depletion including water • Waste and pollution • Deforestation • Biodiversity
“ To represent a truly sustainable business you must understand how your business is impacting our planet on a broader scale – Kelly Hobson
December 2023 | 19
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