Welcome to the second article in our five-part series on how procurement can drive organisations toward their net zero targets. In our previous article, we explored how to master renewable electricity sourcing. Today, we'll tackle another crucial lever in your net zero toolkit: transportation.
As a procurement professional, you're tasked everyday with ensuring products move efficiently through your supply chain. Your decisions about logistics and transportation can significantly reduce your company's carbon footprint while potentially delivering substantial cost savings. Let's explore the three main transportation modes you'll need to address in your procurement strategy, along with concrete actions you can take for each.
Road Transport: Where Most of Your Impact Lies
Road transport often represents the largest share of your transportation emissions, but it's also where you have the most control. Here's how you can make a difference:
Optimise your current operations:
Maximise load rates through mutualisation with other shippers
Remove wooden pallets to gain 5% more space in trucks
Implement route optimisation software for more direct deliveries
Deploy telematics systems to monitor and improve performance
Install tyre pressure detection systems for optimal fuel efficiency
Drive behavioural change:
Make eco-driving training mandatory for all drivers
Set up performance monitoring systems
Create incentive programmes for fuel-efficient driving
Implement regular training refresher courses
Embrace new technologies:
Start electrifying your fleet, beginning with last-mile delivery
Focus electric vehicle deployment in areas with mature charging networks
Consider alternative fuels like biogas for heavy-duty vehicles
Explore opportunities for hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future
Maritime Transport: Navigating Cleaner Waters
Maritime shipping might seem harder to influence, but you have more leverage than you might think:
Choose the right vessels:
Partner with carriers using LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) powered ships
Prioritise recent fleet additions with lower sulphur emissions
Consider carriers exploring biogas and other alternative fuels
Look for vessels with advanced energy efficiency technologies
Optimise container usage:
Switch to eco-containers with bamboo floors instead of exotic wood
Maximise container utilisation through better loading practices
Consider foldable containers for return trips
Partner with carriers offering carbon-efficient container solutions
Select better routes:
Explore opportunities for river transportation where available
Consider coastal shipping alternatives to road transport
Look for ports with shore power capabilities to reduce emissions during docking
Optimise route selection based on weather patterns and fuel efficiency
Air Transport: When Speed Is Essential
Whilst air transport generates the highest emissions per tonne-kilometre, sometimes it's unavoidable. Here's how to minimise its impact:
Optimise air freight decisions:
Question each air freight request: is it really necessary?
Use cargo planes instead of passenger aircraft holds (-30% GHG emissions)
Favour direct flights over multiple stops to reduce total emissions
Combine sea and air transport for less time-critical shipments
Improve packaging for air transport:
Design lighter packaging specifically for air freight
Optimise product density to maximise aircraft space usage
Remove unnecessary packaging layers
Consider moisture-resistant packaging to reduce weight
Choose the right partners:
Work with carriers investing in fuel-efficient aircraft
Support airlines testing sustainable aviation fuels
Partner with providers offering detailed emissions reporting
Look for carriers with clear carbon reduction strategies
Your Action Plan: Making It Happen
To transform these strategies into results, follow this structured approach:
1. Assess and measure
Map your current transportation emissions by mode
Identify your biggest impact areas and quick wins
Set your baseline for future improvements
Implement tracking systems for each transport mode
2. Set clear targets
Define specific reduction goals for each transport mode
Create timeline-based objectives
Align targets with your organisation's overall net zero commitments
Establish KPIs for monitoring progress
3. Engage your partners
Communicate your sustainability requirements to carriers
Include emissions requirements in your RFPs and contracts
Create incentives for carriers to reduce emissions
Build long-term partnerships focused on sustainability
4. Monitor and improve
Track emissions reductions across all transport modes
Measure the cost impact of your initiatives
Share success stories across your organisation
Adjust strategies based on results and learnings
As a procurement professional, you're in the driver's seat of your organisation's transport emission reductions. While the challenge might seem daunting, remember that every optimisation, every electric vehicle deployed, and every efficiently packed container contributes to your net zero goals. Plus, many of these changes will positively impact your bottom line through reduced fuel consumption and improved efficiency.
Stay tuned for the third article in our series, where we'll explore how procurement can drive emissions reductions in manufacturing processes.
Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate these sustainability changes and create a tailored strategy for your organisation. Contact us at info@beeaware-consulting.com or through our contact form to start your journey toward sustainable procurement.
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