If Covid19 has achieved anything, it’s a stark reduction in harmful emissions that pollute and damage the atmosphere and people’s health. 

Picture by Shutterbug75 from Pixabay – CC0 Licence

With a reduction in transport, and less demand for fuel, oil prices plummeted as commutes to work were cut and only essential travel remained permitted. A minute increase in fuel and diesel prices in the past week occurred as lockdown rules have eased, and the economy is expected to get back on its feet. 

In recent months, some forms of transport were necessary, such as taxi drivers servicing the NHS, food, and medication delivery drivers. And of course, haulage needed to supply consumer demand for toilet roll. However, other forms of transport, such as airlines like Flybe, were forced into administration. 

But the reminiscence of time in lockdown still lingers. With restricted travel, Britain had a taste of a newer, greener way of living.

Customers Prefer Greener Businesses

Although finding the balance between an eco-friendly business and keeping the transport economy alive is a challenging one. There are vast benefits for making positive changes to your transport company in support of the environment, which can; enhance the buyer’s journey, customer experience, increase conversions, and potentially make your company more money too. 

For instance, a Nielson study in 2014 demonstrated ’55 % of respondents reported being willing to pay more for products/services from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact’.

UK Plans For Greener Transport

Secretary of State of Transport, MP Rt Hon Grant Shapps’ plan to decarbonise transport by 2050, emphasises an ambitious goal to ‘achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions’. To summarise, the project includes;

• Public transport and active travel (walking and cycling) will be encouraged to reduce cars on the road. 

• All vehicles on the road shall be zero emission with the use of technological advances.

• Goods shall be delivered through a sustainable delivery system.

• Changes within local areas to contribute towards the reduction of GHG emissions.

• The UK will lead the development of sustainable fuels such as biofuels, hybrid and electric aircraft. To reduce aviation’s impact on the environment.

Transport Industry Guidance

Just under thirty years, may seem like enough time to adjust and adapt your business to meet the above goals, but for many transport industries, it means changing their entire structure. As attitudes towards the environment are increasingly changing, it’s in the transport industry’s interest as a whole to foster greener practices, to retain and engage new customs. Cultivating a brand, that’s greener and safer for the environment, will give people the confidence and trust to invest in your transport business. 

Social and environmental responsibility is a necessary aspect for the transport industry to adopt, to draw in new customers. But to also make themselves stand out in opposition to competitors who are yet to make greener changes. The best advice is to begin creating a greener business plan asap. To avoid a reduction in custom and possible charges that may be implemented if your company continues to damage the environment.

Green transport

About the Author: John Loughran