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Fundamental reform of planning system “urgently needed”, says Logistics UK
Logistics UK has outlined the urgent need for fundamental reform of the planning system to speed up planning, ensure better efficiency of freight movements, support decarbonisation and enable the space for the logistics industry to grow.
In its response to the ‘Freight and logistics and the planning system: call for evidence’ – which closed on 6 October – the business group also highlighted how stronger direction is needed from government to ensure national transport priorities are identified and embedded throughout the planning system.
“Planning plays a key role in ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to not only keep freight moving, but also expand the sector,” said Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy at Logistics UK.
“Recent research by Oxford Economics identified that more targeted government investment and a closer working partnership with the logistics sector to help lift the barriers that currently inhibit industry, could boost annual UK GDP by up to £7.9 billion per year by 2030.
“Any planning reform must address these barriers and give the industry a platform on which to grow.”
In the view of Logistics UK, a joined-up approach in which local authorities engage with industry is also vital to the sector’s success.
“The logistics industry underpins every sector of the UK economy, and it is crucial the importance of our industry is recognised and reflected in planning reforms, not just at a national level, but also at a local level to support communities,” continues Mr Walker.
“Within our response, we have highlighted the need for local authorities to engage with industry on local plans from the outset, and throughout their development, to ensure the swift and sustainable delivery of crucial warehousing and logistics projects.
“The planning system also plays an important role in the lead-up to net zero by 2050. The logistics sector recognises the need to decarbonise, and is working hard to do so, but must be enabled to achieve this through a more supportive planning environment that supports investment and enables the delivery of the right energy and transport infrastructure for a net zero future.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns
Published On: 12/10/2023 14:15:00
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In brief
XPO Logistics UK and Ireland HQ at Crick, Northamptonshire, achieves carbon neutrality six months ahead of schedule
XPO, a leading provider of logistics solutions across Europe, has achieved carbon neutral status for its 350,000 sq ft Crick centre in Northamptonshire – which serves as its headquarters and national distribution hub for the UK and Ireland – 12 months ahead of schedule, according to the company’s sustainability commitment.
“Achieving carbon neutrality at our Crick facility is an important step in our sustainability journey,” said Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics.
“Reaching our target well ahead of plan is a testament to our commitment to deliver on our planet's positive promises and to the hard work of all our colleagues at Crick.
“Still, we are not resting on our laurels. We know there is more to do, and we need to do it faster, working with our outstanding team.
“I am confident we will achieve carbon neutrality in additional company sites this year.”
Emissions from the Crick site were reduced in several ways, including:
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Switching to Tier 1 energy supply – including wind, solar and hydro.
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Replacing all lighting with LEDs throughout offices and the warehouse, which happened more than a year earlier than expected.
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Reducing water demand by monitoring usage across the site and introducing measures to reduce consumption.
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Working with our waste contractor to achieve zero waste to landfill and increase segregation of waste streams to boost overall recycling.
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Implementing an internal reuse initiative for scrap packaging in our High Bay operations (wood, metal and high-grade card).
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Segregating packaging waste to optimise rebates before re-investing this in other initiatives on site.
Peel Ports Group reduces operational greenhouse gas emissions by almost one-third since 2020
The reduction is revealed in the group’s new 51-page ESG report – a document designed to showcase how committed the country’s second largest port operator is to sustainable port operations.
The company’s Scope 1 emissions across its port operations have fallen by 47 per cent in three years, largely helped by transitioning to using biofuels instead of diesels in straddle carriers and other equipment, and through the electrification of 97 per cent of the group’s vehicle fleet.
“As one of the UK’s largest port operators, and a major employer in the areas in which we operate, we are fully aware of the role we need to play in driving the sustainability agenda,” said Claudio Veritiero, Chief Executive Officer at Peel Ports Group.
“We took the lead within our industry when we announced our commitment to become a net zero business by 2040, and this level of ambition has been replicated across our other focus areas of sustainability, including our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion as well as social issues.
“I am particularly proud of the significant projects and initiatives we’ve introduced to reduce our carbon footprint over the last twelve months, and whilst we have some way to go, this sets us in good stead for the year ahead.”
The annual report will enable Peel Ports Group to effectively monitor and deliver on its ESG ambitions as it seeks to become the number one sustainable port organisation in the UK.
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