Logistics sector reduces emissions through LERS scheme

Logistics firms taking part in the Logistics Emissions Reduction Scheme (LERS) have reduced their average greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by four per cent in 2017.

According to FTA, this provides a clear indication of what is possible if everyone plays their part to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
 
The report by LERS – a voluntary industry initiative to record, report and reduce transport emissions – collated and analysed fuel and vehicle kilometre data from its members to calculate an annual carbon figure for the scheme. LERS, sponsored by industry partners Bridgestone and ExxonMobil, now represents 134 members who operate over 88,000 commercial vehicles.

Rebecca Kite, Environment Policy Manager, Freight Transport Association (FTA), the only business group representing all of logistics, commented: “LERS is setting a positive example to the industry and is paving the way for a brighter, greener future. The average emissions from LERS members are close to 13 per cent lower per vehicle km than the industry average, showcasing what can be achieved with determination and the right support. In addition to this, LERS members fuel costs are 13 per cent lower than industry as a whole. While there’s still much to be done to achieve national emission reduction targets, most notably the government’s voluntary industry commitment to reduce HGV GHG emissions by 15 per cent by 2020 (compared to 2015 levels), and this report shows the logistics sector is heading in the right direction.”
 
The report found its members have decreased their average kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per vehicle km to 0.72 from 0.75 in 2016. In addition, 48 per cent of its member’s HGVs and 44 per cent of their vans are now ready for Clean Air Zones and London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, having been upgraded to the more emission-friendly Euro 6 model.  Read the full report online here.
 
“LERS members never fail to impress us with their unfaltering determination to reduce the emissions from their operations. Year-on-year they are showing progress and further reductions are anticipated as they continue their efforts to increase efficiencies. But FTA expects the government to match these efforts; it must invest in suitable infrastructure and in the affordability of alternatively-fueled vehicles – to name one area – to drive more widespread and consistent emissions reductions.”
 
LERS is free to join and open to all companies with at least one commercial vehicle. The scheme aggregates its members’ fuel usage and business activity data to establish a carbon footprint and has been successfully demonstrating the industry’s ability to improve emissions on its own without further government regulation. LERS supports its members by providing guidance on carbon reducing measures, regular policy updates and valuable information on reducing fuel costs.