“Increasing road traffic is a problem to us all, causing more delays, greater risk of accidents and more
harmful emissions,” explains Mark Barnett, The Consortium’s Chief Operating Officer. “Whilst product
choice and packaging are important, it is transport which offers us the greatest scope for reducing our
environmental impact.”
Summary of environmental benefits of The Consortium’s shared-user network
- Reduction of annual delivery mileage by over 200,000 miles or 12.5%.
- A saving of 20% on fuel, which translates into 20,000 gallons per annum.
- Lower CO2 emissions with lower particulate levels.
- Less impact on rural and community roads with smaller, lighter vehicles.
Trunking
Deliveries at the greatest distance from The Consortium’s Head Office and Warehouse in Trowbridge are now trunked using high capacity trailers to regional depots. In most cases, no new miles have been added for these trunk journeys, but instead attracts the benefits of backloading, i.e. trailers being full in both directions. These trunk journeys take place during the night, enabling the vehicles to travel at optimum speeds reducing fuel consumption and reducing traffic congestion.
Local Deliveries
Most local delivery vehicles used by the shared-user network offer fuel consumption at over 20mpg, compared with 14mpg from traditional vehicles. A major factor in the use of a dedicated fleet of vehicles by large companies is the opportunity for brand awareness and marketing via a moving advertisement for the company concerned.
Award Winning Environmental Solutions
This solution resulted in The Consortium winning the Bath Chronicle Environmental Business Award 2003. The awards event was organised by the prestigious National Business Awards Association and attended by over 250 people. Speaker for the evening was David Hempleman-Adams and the awards were presented by Chris Vacher of BBC Points West.