Transport industry’s carbon emission has grown 1.9% annually since 2000

By : Amir Taha

Writer Relocations, a global premier mobility services company, pointed recently to the growing green policies and climate risk awareness as forces that will fast-track and reshape the future of global sustainable mobility.  

Simon Mason, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Writer Relocations, said the logistic industry’s increasing initiatives to make its operations sustainable-- from raw material supply through product storage, manufacturing, and distribution-- coupled with the enactment of green policies are making a difference in the sustainability movement.

“At a time when transportation is accountable for one-fifth of all CO2 emissions worldwide, businesses have come to realize the importance of recyclable and eco-friendly practices to transition towards a clean and green future, and the logistics industry, most notably mobility, is no exception,” he said, adding:

“Companies that reduce their pollution have a better chance of winning contracts, therefore changing their operations to take these variables into account and help them win bids in logistics tenders. Moreover, it enhances compliance with government regulations and raises brand exposure through consumer involvement.”

In terms of CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas output, the transportation industry is only second to the energy sector. In addition, the industry’s share of CO2 emissions has grown 1.9% yearly since 2000 mostly due to the acceleration of globalization and the rise in consumer demand.

Sustainable logistics is seen to help significantly reduce the sector’s carbon emissions through strategies and procedures aimed at improving the sustainability of supply-chain operations. Mason cited as an example the move of international businesses to create packaging that is ‘functional, safe and ecologically friendly.’

In the case of Writer Relocations, the COO said his organization has been taking steps to achieve energy efficiency using alternative energy sources. One of its initiatives is the installation of solar panels in its warehouses to bring in natural light and minimize the amount of electric lighting.

“Logistics companies have started to embrace technology transformations and customer-centricity via building agile and resilient supply chains. Companies have begun to use data to improve inefficient supply chain processes like optimizing routes with necessary trips for loading and unloading of trucks. With technological adoption, there is growth in new roles that were traditionally not found in the logistics sector and are beginning to emerge with technology adoption,” he said.

Transportation and logistics firms are expecting to spend their earnings over the coming few years on technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) to further automate their operations and lower their carbon footprint.

“Sustainable initiatives in the mobility industry are still in their nascent stage, and it will take a few years for the industry to completely align itself to the requirements. While technology is taking its course, the industry needs to do more to create a larger impact,” he said.

Mason concluded: “We admire the Gulf governments’ sustainability visions, and we feel there is a huge potential for the stakeholders across the industry to collaborate on innovative solutions to bring about the desired change. Let’s remember that the smallest of development will only make a better and sustainable future for the generations to come.”