Howdens Joinery was last night named winner of the Freight Transport Association’s prestigious Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme award for exceptional efforts in reducing carbon across its operations.
The LCRS Leadership in Carbon Reduction Award sponsored by Bridgestone was presented at the FTA Multimodal Awards in Birmingham.  Judges thought Howdens’ submission demonstrated a co-operative and inclusive approach to carbon reduction. The firm’s plans not only included their own vehicles and drivers but also suppliers and even end-users.

Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of National and Regional Policy, said the award was tightly contested but Howdens’ innovative and experimental approach was key to the company’s success.

“Their successful integration of telematics, comprehensive driver training, and innovative adaption of their fleet with aerodynamic deflectors made them a great example of best practice in carbon reduction.  On top of this, their experimentation with the first LNG spark plug-ignited Iveco vehicle are what judges felt made them deserving winners for this award for 2017,” he said.

Terry Salter, Truck & Bus Tyre Product Manager from award sponsor Bridgestone, presented the award. He said: “Howdens have demonstrated clear leadership in carbon reduction across their operation and it was a pleasure to present them with their well-deserved award. Bridgestone are proud of our long-term association with the FTA’s Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme.”

Other finalists who were highly commended for their carbon reduction efforts were DHL Supply Chain, Hargreaves Logistics andWarburtons.
The LCRS is now in its 7th year and is a free-to-join scheme that helps members record, reduce and report emissions. It is open to any company with at least one commercial vehicle and now has more than 125 members with more than 87,000 vehicles.

Earlier this year, the Department for Transport recognised the significant role played by the LCRS in its Freight Carbon Review. Further information on the scheme can be found at http://www.fta.co.uk/policy_and_compliance/environment/logistics_carbon_reduction_scheme.html

Freight Transport AssociationLogistics Carbon Reduction Scheme

About the Author: John Loughran