Logistics sector voluntary carbon reduction scheme gets new momentum from Bridgestone Tyres

Wednesday 02 May 2012

Bridgestone Tyres has become the first industry partner to the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS), injecting additional momentum into the scheme. The partnership agreement will enable the development of a series of annual low carbon awards and a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the business benefits for operators who join the scheme.

The LCRS was launched in 2010 as a means for the logistics sector to demonstrate the contribution it is making to achieving UK targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per cent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The scheme, which is managed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), is open to all operators of hgvs and vans to join. Scheme participants provide data on fuel used by their fleets, which is then aggregated by FTA to form a picture of the progress the sector is making.

Bridgestone Tyres is the first supplier to the logistics sector to back the scheme. Its involvement highlights the role that tyre selection and management can play in supporting businesses' efforts to make improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency.

Rachael Dillon, FTA's Climate Change Policy Manager said:

"FTA is delighted that Bridgestone Tyres is backing the scheme in such a proactive way. The progress that the logistics sector has already made in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and its future ambitions will come under the microscope later this year as part of a Department for Transport review which was announced in 2010. Bridgestone Tyres' role as an LCRS partner demonstrates the resonance that the scheme has found within the logistics sector supplier community."

As part of the partnership agreement, Bridgestone Tyres will sponsor an LCRS fuel efficiency award at FTA's annual Logistics Carbon Reduction Conference in May 2013. Fuel efficiency is one of five Logistics Efficiency Indicators, which have been identified by Heriot-Watt University and FTA as areas where operators can take action to cut emissions. Others are use of rail and other low carbon modes, use of low carbon fuels, higher vehicle payloads and increased vehicle fill. Alongside the Bridgestone award for fuel efficiency innovation, FTA will sponsor an award recognising use of low carbon transport modes at the 2013 conference.

John Folliss, Commercial Sales and Marketing Director for Bridgestone Tyres said:

"The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme provides a natural opportunity for Bridgestone Tyres to underline its commitment to improving the carbon footprint of the logistics sector as well as its safety record. The tough commercial environment operators currently face means that getting tyre choice and management right can make a telling improvement to a carrier's bottom line. We are delighted to be able to support the LCRS, which is at the leading edge of thinking on how carbon emissions from the logistics sector can be reported and reduced."

Notes to editors

The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme was launched in July 2010 and currently has 64 participants, operating around 15 per cent of the hgvs in the UK as well as a large number of vans. Businesses which have joined the scheme include retailers such as John Lewis Partnership, Tesco, Asda, third party logistics providers including Wincanton, DHL and Eddie Stobart as well as hauliers and local authorities. The scheme was endorsed by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Mike Penning in April 2011. For further information, visit www.fta.co.uk/carbonreduction

Bridgestone is the largest manufacturer of tyres and rubber products worldwide. It leads the way in quality, technologically innovative goods and services and is a trusted brand that goes from strength to strength. Established in 1931 in the small town of Kurume, Japan on the island of Kyushu by its founder Shojiro Ishibashi, today it is a multi billion pound business with 183 manufacturing plants in 26 countries and a presence in over 150 markets worldwide. 

Always seeking to be the best at what it does, Bridgestone is focused on its mission of “serving society with superior quality” through an enviable range of products that satisfy the needs of the customer and society as a whole.

FTA Press Office

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