Reducing our carbon footprint

Situation

Via our European van service and our long haul overseas lorry service, our supply solutions team provides a secure logistics service from the UK to British Embassies and FCO Services staff overseas. With an increasing volume of goods to be transported, we needed to find a way of reducing the number of journeys made to key overseas locations, improving the efficiency of each service and reducing our impact on the environment.

Solution

We developed and implemented a system of consolidation, whereby all classified and non-classified deliveries are combined to ensure that all vehicles leave with full loads. This requires a significant amount of planning and preparation. Together with my team, I co-ordinate delivery requirements and schedules with drivers and embassy staff and produce the documents necessary to ensure a smooth journey.

Impact

By consolidating loads, reducing the need for flights and additional couriers to travel, we are lowering our carbon emissions, helping us to meet our targets for reducing our carbon footprint.

As well as consolidating on the outward journey, our drivers operate a 'round robin' system, collecting loads from embassies on their return to the UK. Our customers benefit from the improved efficiency that this shared logistics service provides.

During the last financial year, our European van service carried almost 150 tonnes of freight to and from the UK. Our consolidation policy ensures that this is transported as efficiently as possible.