Reducing the Environmental Impact of Distribution

Abstract:

<p>This document is a case study on Transco National Logistics in Birmingham made by the Department for Transport.</p> <p>Transco's National Logistics team stores and delivers engineering materials and meters for National Grid Transco's gas supply business. Their National Distribution Centre in Birmingham operates 35 articulated vehicles. Every year the fleet delivers &pound;120 million worth of goods to 14 smaller warehouses and over 200 customer locations across the UK. In order to achieve this, the vehicle fleet travels approximately 2.5 million miles, consuming around 1.4 million litres of diesel. This distribution costs approximately &pound;3.5 million a year, a significant element of which is the cost of fuel.</p> <p>Transco's National Logistics team is an excellent example of how improving the efficiency of a transport operation can realise significant environmental benefits that contribute to a company's overall EMS. Their experience highlights that these benefits can be achieved with relatively straightforward solutions. A collection of ideas from the workforce as a whole has delivered impressive environmental and cost benefits.</p> <p>Transco has demonstrated that good environmental practices will both enhance your reputation and save you money. The implementation of three initiatives has had the combined, annual environmental benefit of: <bl> <li>Reducing distance travelled by 66,000 miles</li> <li>Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 123 tonnes</li> <li>Reducing emissions of other harmful pollutants</li> <li>Reducing noise pollution</li> </bl></p> This case study covers: <bl> <li>Introduction</li> <li>Alternative Fuel Vehicles</li> <li>Step Frame Trailers</li> <li>Optimising Vehicle Route</li> <li>Conclusion</li> </bl>

Author(s):

DfT