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UPS is to roll out telematics systems in its vehicles across the UK to monitor and reduce emissions, after a trial on its fleet supporting the London 2012 Olympic games.
The logistics firm is working with LOCOG to make the games the most sustainable Olympics ever, and UPS has pledged to make its work for the Olympics entirely carbon neutral. It intends that sustainable practices developed for the Olympics will eventually be taken up across wider operations.
Managing director Cindy Miller said the games were a catalyst for UPS to implement a range of new technologies across its UK business.
“Importantly, these changes will continue to provide huge sustainable benefits long after the games finish.”
UPS will offset its carbon footprint from the games, and mitigate its emissions with measures such as using the telematics to inform and manage its fleet to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
It is also using 15-20 electric vehicles in its Olympic fleet, and ten lorries fuelled by bio-methane.
Peter Harris, UPS EMEA director of sustainability, said: “We think bio-methane is a really exciting fuel, it’s one of the few technologies that work at the heavy end of the spectrum.
“We’re working with EU and national governments now to try to accelerate the uptake of the technology. One of the biggest problems we’re facing already, even with deploying just ten of these heavy vehicles, is restricted fuel supply. There’s only one supplier of bio-methane right now in the UK… so we want to help them and others gear that up so that we can build this into a scaleable programme for the future.”
It recently tested bicycle delivery in London with a view to using ‘pedal-power’ to deliver in and around the Olympic Park and areas of London affected by the games. UPS will also deploy delivery personnel by foot.
“By implementing these best practices in sustainability, UPS is playing a critical role in ensuring we are treating our climates and communities with care and that the entire London 2012 operation leaves behind a sustainable legacy,” said David Stubbs, LOCOG’s head of sustainability.