Members of the Freight Transport Association’s Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) have continued to cut vehicle emissions and fuel costs, according to the latest data released today. 

“LCRS members have continued to make significantly better progress in reducing carbon emissions when compared to the freight sector as a whole,” explains Christopher Snelling, Head of National Policy at FTA, “which is testament to their willingness to trial and accept new technologies.  In fact, LCRS members registered average emissions levels almost 13% per vehicle km lower than in the wider logistics industry.  This reduction in emissions directly led to a similar saving in fuel costs.  In a marketplace where emissions standards are increasingly under the spotlight, the LCRS results demonstrate what can be achieved with a willingness to adapt and learn from previous behaviours.”

LCRS scheme members committed to reducing their vehicles’ emissions when the programme was announced in 2010.  And as Mr Snelling continues, there is no room for complacency despite the impressive improvements announced today:

“The freight sector is often blamed for all of the nation’s air quality woes, yet the LCRS members have demonstrated there are significant improvements which can be made with some relatively small operating changes.

“LCRS members have also been at the forefront of using new technology and purchasing the latest vehicles.  40% of the LCRS members’ HGV fleet has already been upgraded to meet Euro VI standards, with just over a quarter of members’ vans reaching the same.  Introducing and accepting new technologies at this speed is an impressive testament to members’ willingness to change the environment around us, and the new government regulations announced recently will go a long way to reinforcing this new behaviour across the freight sector.”

By signing up to the scheme, which is supported by LCRS Industry Partner Bridgestone Tyres, LCRS members have demonstrated their dedication to reducing national carbon emissions, through carbon reporting the LCRS aggregates fuel usage and business activity data from members to establish a carbon footprint for the scheme.   At such a challenging time for freight operators with regards to clean air, the performance of LCRS members against emissions targets is a clear demonstration that changes are possible, and emissions can be reduced, with use of the correct technology.

Terry Salter, Product Manager, TBR & Retread, for Bridgestone Tyres North Europe said: “We are always seeking ways to operate in a more environmentally friendly way, whether that be through the premium products we provide, or the many aftercare services we support our commercial customers with.  As the world’s largest tyre manufacturer, we are constantly striving to find ways to measure and reduce emissions. We are pleased to be able to work closely with the LCRS for another year as we aim to make a big impact in this increasingly significant area.”

Membership of the LCRS is free and open to all companies with at least one commercial vehicle (HGV or van).  Copies of the latest LCRS data can be found here:

http://www.fta.co.uk/export/sites/fta/_galleries/downloads/logistics_carbon_reduction_scheme/lcrs-review-cut-down-down.pdf

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran