Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme represents environmental commitment
The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) is a new, voluntary scheme, set up by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and open to all operators to join. Backed by Lord Adonis, the Secretary of State for Transport it has been set up following the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit with the aim of moving the logistics industry to a position of leading and setting the agenda rather than the current situation of reacting to government policy.
Stewart Oades, President of the FTA explains "I felt we, as an industry, were far too reactive to policies being set by the government, and that it should be us setting the agenda" and continues "The aim of the LCRS is to set out a framework where we offer a view of how the sector should respond to climate change, by identifying issues and trying to direct the government by letting them know what we think."
The scheme aims to present annual report of fleet carbon emissions using a standard calculation based on volume of fuel used. With the first report planned for January 2011, this is expected to provide the freight sector with a benchmark for carbon footprint, and reliable evidence for strategy decisions.
LCRS already has 12 participating members, including John Lewis Partnership, Boots, Arla Foods, 3663 and EDF Energy, together representing 23,000 commercial vehicles. The scheme is now being opened up to all operators, not just those within the FTA. The deadline for registration is 31 March.
Having a benchmark for fuel consumption and carbon footprint will be of great benefit to the logistics industry agrees Axscend. As Axscend say in their number 1 top money saving tips for trailer operators "If you can't measure it you can't manage it" continuing "without up-to-date information on your trailer fleet how can you improve the way in which it is used and managed". Using information such as that being gathered by LCRS for the first fleet carbon emissions benchmark report and that available from trailer tracking and fleet management software, such as specialist GPS trailer tracking from Axscend, helps trailer operators identify cost savings and fleet efficiencies. Used together this information can become even more beneficial to operators.
