The Carbon Trust, which is backed by the government, helps businesses measure, manage and reduce their carbon footprints.

It has identified a number of sectors where it believes its support could have the greatest impact. It is estimated that the warehousing industry represents approximately 3 percent of the UK’s CO2 emissions.

Keith Horgan, Carbon Trust Partnership Development Manager, said he recognises “substantial opportunities” within the warehousing industry to save energy, costs and reduce carbon.

“We are not talking about high-tech solutions but pragmatic and cost-effective actions,” he added. “We believe the UK warehousing industry could save in excess of 150 million pounds in energy costs and 1.5 million tonnes of carbon by making simple changes.”

GREEN CHAMPION
It is currently undertaking a series of site surveys and workshops with UKWA, the results of which are expected in April 2010 and will be used to produce a bespoke ‘emissions toolkit’.

UKWA’s Membership Services Manager, Michael Davidson, voiced his support for the scheme, adding that it was keen to be perceived as a “champion of green issues” within the 3PL sector.

Its 650 member companies operate nearly 10 million square metres of warehousing from 2,000 depots across the UK.

Edited by Ian Armitage

www.ukwa.org.uk
www.carbontrust.co.uk