Menzies Distribution has been committed to addressing environmental issues for over 10 years. During this time the division has focused specifically on carbon emissions, as these equate directly to operational costs for a distribution business. This has had a significant, positive impact on our business with a reduction in our CO2 emissions of approx. 30% over this period. We remain committed to action, to supporting others and learning from others.
Menzies Distribution continues its strong links with the FTA’s Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) being part of its steering group that meets every two months. The division has also joined the 2degrees advisory board for Transportation and Logistics. 2degrees run the “Carbon Knowledge Hub” on behalf of Tesco and the Sustainable Consumption Institute at Manchester University. Menzies Distribution also continues to support and work closely with Heriot Watt University with regards to carbon reduction within Logistics.
During 2007, Menzies Distribution worked with a team from Heriot-Watt University and their academic partners in the government-funded ‘green logistics’ project to establish its direct carbon footprint and (1) benchmark this in relation to the newspaper and magazine supply chain overall, and (2) establish how our footprint has evolved over recent years. The exercise proved revealing and supports the strong link between operational effectiveness and environmental impact. Menzies Distribution has responded to the report on two fronts – leading within the business and leading within the industry. In keeping with past footprint calculations, the latest DEFRA factors (2011) have been used for the 2012 carbon footprint calculations. Our overall carbon footprint for 2012 has increased slightly by 2.9% to circa 36,000 tonnes of CO2. This increase reflects the increase in new business. We continue to be committed to reducing our carbon footprint and have set an 8% reduction target for 2016.
Menzies Aviation
Menzies Aviation provides a people-based service to its airline customers and is a lower emitter of carbon than Menzies Distribution. Menzies Aviation tends to operate in shared environments such as airport terminals, where we work together with the airport authorities to minimise carbon emissions at each site. Efficiency is key in all aspects of our operations, including at our own warehouses, where energy inefficiency is a cost to the business. A significant proportion of our airside ground servicing equipment fleet is electric, and our lease arrangements ensure frequent servicing and replacement, maximising efficiency.
The majority of the landside road vehicle fleet was replaced in December 2011 with new Euro V standard trucks that meet the standard of the new London LEZ. All vehicles are regularly serviced in order to maximise fuel efficiency per mile, and numbers of miles travelled are kept as low as possible.