Marks & Spencer wins award for environmental impact

By Michelle Perrett

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Carbon dioxide

M&S’s environmental achievements were recognised in the FTA awards
M&S’s environmental achievements were recognised in the FTA awards
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has been rewarded for leading the way with reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions at this year’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) Multimodal Awards.

FTA member M&S received the FTA Multimodal Award for Contribution to Environmental Sustainability in recognition of its commitment to reducing carbon in its transport operations.

The FTA said one of the reasons the award was given to M&S was because it was the first major UK retailer to become fully carbon neutral in 2012. 

Double deck trailers

The retailer has also increased the use of double deck trailers, which can haul 50-70% more stock, allowing reduction of trucks on road.

The introduction of driver performance software has seen a benefit with 2.3 litres of fuel saved per hour. That had been achieved through reducing idling, smoother acceleration and braking and increased use of cruise control.  

The FTA has also praised the retailer for its initiative to reduce the number of air-freighted food products sold by M&S and increase local sourcing, to help reduce its carbon footprint.

‘Reducing its environmental impact’

FTA chief executive David Wells said:  “M&S is not only demonstrating environmental sustainability but is leading the way when it comes to reducing its environmental impact and carbon emissions.

“Significant effort has been made so that M&S can measure, evaluate and report the carbon impact of global goods transportation and to then work with others to reduce its impact.”

Barry Wallace, M&S logistics manager international freight, said: “We are delighted and proud to receive this prestigious award.

​At M&S our Plan A agenda underpins everything we do in our business and we consider all aspects of our impact on the environment and the communities that we come into contact with. This is no different when it comes to our global supply chain and international freight.”

The retailer’s head of responsible sourcing and packaging and Plan A Louise Nicholls explained the benefits of lean, green and ethical food and drink production and auditing in the Food Manufacture Group’s recent free, one-hour webinar​.

Meanwhile, the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards are now open for entries​.

M&S’s environmental achievements since 2007

  • Reduced its operational carbon footprint by 24% 
  • Improved energy efficiency in stores by 34%, cutting £22M from energy bill
  • Reduced green house gas emissions from refrigeration units by 68%
  • Invested in UK’s largest solar roof at Castle Donington distribution centre 
  • Made its operations carbon neutral to help accelerate investment in renewables and prevent deforestation in developing world 

Related topics Supply Chain Chilled foods

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