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Warburtons is working to reduce its fuel use and carbon emissions by increasing load fill, using alternative fuels and improving driving techniques |
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Background
Operating since 1876, Warburtons is a family bakery business based in Bolton. They have always taken their social and environmental responsibilities seriously, but more recently, they aim to reduce their carbon footprint from transport.
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Targets:
By 2014, to reduce their fuel use by 10% from their 2008 total
Aiming to achieve zero growth in food miles from their 2009 total |
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Warburtons is committed to delivering fresh bread every day. That is why they have an estate of 14 bakeries, most with satellite distribution depots, serving local communities around the country.
However, this does mean that transport is a significant part of their overall carbon footprint and they are exploring a number of different ways to reduce its environmental impact, without reducing the level of quality and service that they offer to their customers.
How the issue was tackled
To help them achieve their aims for transport, they have set themselves targets to reduce their fuel use by 10% from their 2008 total by 2014. They are also aiming to achieve zero growth in food miles from their 2009 total and to evaluate the potential of using electric vehicles and alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas.
As their business continues to grow rapidly, Warburtons is looking at how they can balance growth with reducing their carbon emissions. They are currently examining four approaches:
1. Double-deckers adding capacity
Most of their local bakeries make the majority of their products, but where some have to be transported from bakery to bakery, they have been increasing the use of double-deck trailers.
These nearly double capacity, reducing miles and fuel use. The number of double-deckers in their fleet is up to 34 and they are looking to increase their use further.
2. Alternative fuels - Gas and electric
A number of their tractor units and delivery vehicles already run partly or wholly on compressed natural gas.
They are now trialling a 100% compressed natural gas-powered tractor unit from Mercedes Benz and are soon to get their first electric delivery vehicle on a five-year lease.
3. Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving
They have also appointed 13 driver-trainers, who are working across the business with all Warburtons drivers to teach them SAFED – Safe and Fuel-Efficient Driving – techniques, and this will have a positive impact on the amount of fuel used.
4. Optimising the routes travelled
Finally, they have been using a vehicle routing and scheduling software package to help them ensure that their deliveries are made in the most efficient way possible, optimising depot to store routes and volumes carried and when their modelling is complete, this will be rolled out nationally.
Looking to a fuel-efficient future
For the future, they will continue to pursue these and other approaches and work with their customers and suppliers to help identify where further reductions can be made.
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