A necessary commitment to sustainability
Sustainability has become a fundamental concept in all sectors, and logistics is no exception. In this context, sustainability refers to the ability of logistics companies to operate efficiently and responsibly, minimising their environmental impact while meeting their customers’ needs.
The importance of adopting sustainable practices in logistics lies not only in protecting the environment but also in creating long-term value for companies.
Impact of the logistics sector on climate change.
Environmental certifications and regulations.
Economic benefits of sustainability.
Impact of the logistics sector on climate change
The logistics sector is one of the main contributors to climate change, due to the emissions generated by the transportation and storage of goods. However, there are multiple sustainable practices that companies can implement to mitigate this impact. For example, at Bilogistik, we have renewed virtually our entire fleet with more efficient and less polluting vehicles.
Route optimisation is also becoming increasingly common, as it not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Environmental certifications and regulations
To demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, many logistics companies seek environmental certifications such as ISO 14001, as is our case. This international standard establishes criteria for an effective environmental management system.
On the other hand, the European Union has been implementing various measures for the transport sector, such as the European Green Deal, which seeks to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, and the issuance of subsidies to produce alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and hydrogen vehicles. Standards for new vehicles have also been tightened, and rail connections are beginning to be further promoted.
Another European mechanism heading in the same direction is the Fit for 55, measures aimed at achieving a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990, promoting improved energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and incentivizing emissions reductions in industry. Among the measures implemented are the promotion of alternative fuels and the commitment to renewable energy.
In the regulatory context, the most relevant tool is ISO 14083:2023, which helps quantify greenhouse gases in transport chain operations by establishing a common and standardised methodology. This standard defines which emissions should be calculated and how.
According to the IDAE, the values are 2.35 kg of CO2 for gasoline and 2.64 kg for every litre of diesel.
Economic benefits of sustainability
Adopting sustainable practices not only benefits the environment; it can also result in significant long-term financial savings. Energy efficiency and waste reduction are two areas where companies can see a direct improvement in their operating costs.
Investing in clean technologies and efficient processes can translate into a competitive advantage in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
What steps is your company taking toward sustainability? These examples can be a starting point:
- Evaluate your fleet and consider electric or hybrid options.
- Implement software to optimize routes and reduce delivery times.
- Promote a corporate culture focused on sustainability.
Conclusion
Commitment to a more sustainable future is essential for the logistics sector. As we face the challenges of climate change, it is crucial to recognise the vital role we play in this fight.
Adopting sustainable practices is not only an ethical responsibility; it’s also an opportunity to innovate and thrive in a world increasingly focused on sustainability.
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