Transport

An extract from the SPeAR report 2007

Arup's 2007 SPeAR appraisal highlights Transport as the greatest issue of concern and, along with a number of other target areas, this is something which Kingspan aspires to improve upon through its current sustainability action plan for 2008/9.

Freight transport operations, logistics and the supply chain is recognised by Kingspan as being areas of significant environmental impact with potential for improvements in environmental performance. Almost all transport is outsourced by Kingspan and a number of initiatives are being developed by its logistics and supply chain teams working with its logistics suppliers to address both environmental and wider sustainability concerns. Kingspan continues to work with several logistics suppliers to improve environmental performance through its action plan including the increased use of high capacity trailers and demountable trailers with the aim of further reducing truck movements. With the appointment of dedicated resources in selected logistics suppliers reporting monthly to Kingspan, initial results have shown a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency in certain sites.

Additional improvements in vehicle fuel economy have been made via driver training programmes and fortnightly logistics workshops. Miles per gallon (and litres per 100km) trackers have been introduced, and targets set for both rigid and arctic vehicles. A study has also been undertaken to improve ‘back haul’ opportunities and maximise container and fleet utilisation.

Opportunities to use alternative fuel types such as bio diesel have been re-investigated by Kingspan and a 12 week trial was conducted using 95% bio-diesel content in two Kingspan liveried articulated trucks. It has been concluded that the option to move to a bio-diesel fleet at this time is restrictive from both an economic and sustainability perspective.

High capacity trailers and double or demountable trailers are being utilised to try to further reduce truck movements and decrease associated fuel consumption. Kingspan has an objective of reducing transport costs/m³ by 5% year on year.

In April 2008, Kingspan opened a new facility at Selby near Leeds. A key driver for this new facility was transport savings, through reduced vehicle movements and mileage as well as improved service provision to our customers.

Top of page