The transport and logistics sector stands at the crossroads of modern commerce and environmental responsibility. As the UK steers its course towards a sustainable future, understanding and achieving 'Net Zero' within this sector is paramount. But what does Net Zero mean, especially for Net Zero Transport with the government’s latest raft of changes?
In essence, 'Net Zero' refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. For the transport and logistics sector, this means the emissions from vehicles, planes, trains, and ships should be counterbalanced by measures that absorb or offset an equivalent amount of emissions.
The transport sector is one of the most significant contributors to the UK's carbon emissions. According to figures from 2020, 24% of the UK’s emissions were created by transportation.
As the world grapples with the escalating threats of climate change, achieving Net Zero in this sector is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic and social one. Reducing emissions can lead to cleaner air, improved public health, and a boost in the UK's global standing as a leader in sustainable logistics. These methods are varied and incorporate every aspect of the supply chain from management and incentives to warehousing and the vehicles used.
Up until now, the *UK government has been proactive in setting ambitious targets and initiatives including:
Electric Vehicles (EVs): The UK has pledged to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, a decade earlier than initially planned. This move is expected to accelerate the adoption of EVs.
Infrastructure Development: Investments are being funnelled into developing EV charging infrastructure, making it easier for consumers and businesses to make the switch.
Rail and Shipping: The UK is also focusing on 'greening' other transport modes. There are plans to decarbonise rail by 2040 and initiatives to promote cleaner and greener shipping.
Incentives and Grants: The government offers incentives for businesses in the transport and logistics sector to adopt greener technologies and practices, aligning with UK Green Transport Initiatives.
However, there has been some confusion as the government has changed its stance on some of the targets and undermined the drive for a greener future. The London School of Economics encapsulated this in the feeling of major car manufacturers around the PM’s change in policy.
“Moving the phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles (deemed ‘immovable’ just a few months ago) is exactly the kind of policy uncertainty that puts business investment at risk and undermines the UK’s ability to capture opportunities of the green industry. Some car manufacturers themselves were among the first to voice their anger when rumours leaked that the Prime Minister was looking to relax the phase-out date.”
As you can see, shifting goalposts does nothing to help empower policy changes or provide assurances to businesses that the costly changes they are making will be honoured by the government. So what can be done to ensure that the move to Net Zero continues?
While there have already been commendable efforts made, there are areas of improvement:
Holistic Approach: The focus has largely been on road transport, especially cars. More attention needs to be given to heavy goods vehicles, aviation, and maritime transport. These disciplines are often harder to change as they meet international standards and borders.
Public Transport: Personal vehicles are large contributors to emissions and traffic congestion. Enhancing and promoting the use of public transport can significantly reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road.
Behavioural Change: Beyond infrastructure and technology, there's a need for campaigns to drive behavioural change among the public and businesses. This includes incentives and information campaigns to help businesses and consumers make more conscious choices.
Collaboration: The government should foster collaborations between tech companies, vehicle manufacturers, and fuel companies to innovate and find sustainable logistics solutions faster. By sticking to targets and providing clear goals, the government initiative can drive the transport sector’s move to Net Zero.
The journey to Net Zero, especially in a sector as dynamic as transport and logistics, is complex but crucial. The UK has set the wheels in motion, but continuous effort, innovation, and collaboration are needed to reach the destination. As we navigate the challenges ahead, the transport and logistics sector has the opportunity not just to transform itself but also to pave the way for a sustainable future for the entire nation.
As the UK’s largest logistics expo and event, the Multimodal team understands not only the effect we have on the planet but also how the industry feels with the shifts in policy and practice. We are committed to providing business owners and logistics experts with the information and events they need to communicate, network, and drive the change they want to see in the industry.
If you’d like to learn more about logistics news and discover more about Multimodal, follow us on socials or check our blog to find out more. Alternatively, if you’d like to attend or exhibit yourself in 2024, keep an eye out for our updates. This year’s event was a huge success and we’d love to see you at next year’s event.
*Note: This blog post is based on current data and initiatives up to 2023. The landscape of Net Zero in the transport and logistics sector is rapidly evolving, and it's essential to stay updated with the latest developments