New partnership initiative to 'green' Europe's freight sector launched
Thu 05 April 2012
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An industry-led initiative to improve the environmental performance of road freight transport in Europe has been launched as Green Freight Europe. The group, formerly known as SmartWay Europe, includes more than 30 companies, including multinational shippers, carriers, retailers and associations which aim to provide the standard tools, methodology and pan-European CO2 benchmarks of the freight industry. The initiative has the support of European Commission Vice President and Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Siim Kallas.
Green Freight Europe says it aims to provide a platform to help menber companies measure and reduce the carbon emissions from their road freight operations. As well as transport operators, shippers are encouraged to compare the environmental performance of different carriers, which will enable logistics managers to measure the carbon footprint of their products. The emissions can be calculated and monitored through a central database.
Björn Hannappel of Deutsche Post DHL who chairs the Green Freight Europe Steering Group, said: “The time is right for industry, shippers, carriers and logistics service providers to work together to provide the tools and means to do this. With Green Freight Europe we are able to provide the standard tools, methodology and pan-European CO2 benchmarks of our industry."
It is hoped the grouping will boost business for the carriers themselves by attracting more climate conscious customers and through a certification system which will be established. Green Freight Europe intends to foster cooperation with other related initiatives, programmes and working groups globally.
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