Sustainable logistics which also known as green logistics, is the set of measures related to logistics and transport that must be taken to promote the care of the environment.
Nowadays people and business are more aware than ever about the care and protection of our planet. We must be aware that we only have a place to live and that all the actions we carry out today will be part of the “fruit” that we collect tomorrow.
That is why we must comply with current legislation on sustainability. This two aspects at European level and that which corresponds to us at the national level.
The environmental policy of the European Union is one of the strictest in the world and revolves around pillars such as the protection of natural habitats, the proper disposal of waste or the sustainable economy, among others. All these measures are aimed at ensuring air quality, safe drinking water and waste management to promote a healthy environment, and failure to comply does not only result in fines and economic costs, but also problems for the environment and the health of citizens.
Therefore, there are certain measures that European logistics and transport companies can put in place to promote sustainable logistics.
4 measures to promote sustainable logistics
According to data from the World Economic Forum around 6% of total global CO2 emissions originate in the logistics and transport sector. With the adoption of certain changes it is possible to improve this figure to minimise the environmental impact of the sector.
In the first place, we will talk about the most obvious measure: the change of fossil fuels and naturally limited fuels – coal, oil – for renewable fuels, cleaner ones – natural gas, organic fuels or hybrid or electric modes of transport. It is true that some means of transport such as airplanes or vehicles are being reinvented in order to offer users and companies a cleaner alternative to the traditional one with sustainable fuels or electric motors. However, the high cost of electric vehicles and plane are factors that currently impede a really significant benefit that can compensate the investment of logistics and transportation companies in them.
In line with this first measure, logistics and transport companies can also try to optimise their energy expenditure to reduce their carbon footprint. After all, it is about reducing emissions! Both, as a means of transport itself avoiding reckless driving at high speeds and by caring for the maintenance of vehicles and their components, such as the tires of trucks. As well as those derived from the company’s own activity, for example: electrical consumption of offices and warehouses, water consumption, recycling, reduction of the use of plastic containers, etc., promoting a more rational consumption of supplies and resources of the company.
Packaging also plays an important role. The use of plastics should be limited as much as possible, as well as choosing packaging made from recycled materials and those that are reusable.
The loading space of the vehicles must be optimised ensuring that every time cargo is moved it is done in the most efficient way possible taking advantage of all the available space.
Applying these measures, in addition to achieving a substantial improvement for the environment we will be giving a more positive image in our sector and towards society saving resources and in the long term a greater amount of money.
At Hyland Shipping we work every day to ensure a better future. We promote sustainability in each and every one of our processes so that we, as well as our clients, can enjoy a healthy planet.
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