Wincanton wins award for carbon reduction performance

Wincanton has been presented with a leading industry award in recognition of significantly cutting its carbon footprint through an exemplary implementation of its published environment strategy over the past five years.

The supply chain services specialist has been awarded the accolade of 'Leader in logistics carbon reduction' by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) at its annual Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme awards.

In 2009 Wincanton conducted a full business evaluation to develop a carbon reduction strategy, and set a goal of reducing its emissions footprint by 10 per cent by 2016. To date, with two years remaining of its target period, Wincanton has already significantly exceeded this target.

85 per cent of the company's emissions are produced from diesel fuel, and since 2009 the business has continually invested in the latest and most fuel efficient vehicles with 86 per cent of its fleet now at Euro V or above.

Wincanton has also collaborated with its customers and industry bodies to develop and deploy carbon cutting solutions such as automatically adjusting cab fairings to improve the aerodynamics of its vehicles, the early adoption of long-semi trailers that offer greater load capacity, and the use of container re-load solutions to increase the availability of back haul opportunities.

The business has also implemented industry-leading approaches to network and transport planning to reduce empty running; eliminate journeys and increase utilisation factors.

The FTA LCRS Award judges agreed that "the sheer breadth of all innovations presented proved Wincanton to be the clear winner in this category. The company is leading the way in carbon reduction and presents a great example to others"

Steve Tainton, Wincanton's group energy and environment manager, commented: "The presentation of this award is recognition of the sustained efforts of all parts of our business to reduce their environmental impacts which has delivered great results. At a time when supply chains are under increasing pressure to be more efficient and more cost effective, we will continue to focus on cutting our carbon footprint to make both our own and our customers' businesses better."

Wincanton also recertified with the Carbon Trust Standard earlier this year and has also been shortlisted for the Motor Transport 'Low Carbon and Efficiency' Award 2015.