All about the Logistics Emissions Reduction Scheme

Carbon emissions are a big issue in the haulage sector, with HGVs constantly under fire for emitting more pollution than cars due to their sheer size and the many miles each one drives. With that in mind, the Freight Transport Association has relaunched the Logistics Emissions Reduction Scheme (LERS), a voluntary measure which invites hauliers to tackle carbon emissions through reporting and reducing them wherever possible.

There are national reduction targets the UK needs to meet, and this kind of scheme should help with that. The target is to reduce carbon emissions by 5% from the 2015 levels, and to reach this target by the year 2020. At this point there will be a new target set which will aim to reduce levels even further by 2025. By taking part in LERS, companies are able to monitor their own emissions and the efforts they are taking to reduce them, to show how they are contributing to meeting the new targets.

The Department for Transport are backing the scheme, which is free and confidential, as well as giving companies the opportunity to shout about their green credentials when they do well. By measuring fuel usage, LERS will keep a database of companies and their emissions. Companies only need one commercial vehicle to be part of the scheme, and so far 88,000 vehicles across 130 companies are being monitored.

There’s already evidence that simply being part of the scheme is making a huge difference. Those who have signed up are doing measurably better at reducing their emissions compared with an average of 13% in reductions per vehicle. And there’s kudos in being part of LERS too, with companies able to proudly report their involvement and demonstrate their dedication to cleaner and greener air.

With measures like LERS, as well as the new greener technology such as electric HGVs being unveiled all the time, the haulage industry may soon be able to shed any remaining stigma about its carbon emissions and be one of the greenest transport sectors.