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We lead the industry on emissions, Linfox declares

Linfox slashes carbon output, leading Peter Fox to declare the operator is leading the industry in addressing climate change

By Samantha Freestone | November 23, 2009

Linfox is leading the trucking industry in reducing its carbon footprint, according to company chairman Peter Fox.

Fox made the comment following news the transport and logistics business had cut its greenhouse emissions by 28 percent – one year ahead of schedule.

The company says it also passed its own reduction target of 15 percent by 2010 after an estimate into energy consumption in each sector.

Fox says Linfox now “lead[s] [the] industry in addressing climate change”.

“I am proud that our people achieved such an exceptional result in such a short period,” he says.

“Linfox developed a strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, because there are win-wins for business and the environment and because we share an obligation to future generations.

“Our customers also want to reduce their carbon footprint through our operations and we are working closely with them in many areas to develop more environmentally efficient processes,” he says.

Linfox’s environment and climate change manager, David McInnes, says the company’s approach to emissions is based on a belief in climate science.

“We believe climate change is happening, on the balance of probabilities we think it is man-made,” he says.

“We believe transport is a large contributor and finally we think that reducing emissions by reducing energy use is good for business and good for the environment,” he tells ATN.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Penny Wong congratulated the company on its achievement by saying Linfox’s efforts set an example for Australian businesses.

McInnes says the key to the company’s drop in emissions is its Eco-Drive program developed at the Linfox-owned Australian Automotive Research Centre.
The program consists of a driver-training program held in each state and territory that Linfox operates in.

Drivers learn how to manage energy output by reducing harsh acceleration and excess idling and anticipating traffic flow.

Research found steps such as driving slowly when the truck is first started lowers emissions.

The centre also found cutting the use of air conditioning and using cruise control in flat roads also reduced energy output and emissions.

McInnes says Linfox is also better utilising equipment, such as choosing the right vehicle for the right domain and trailer and looking at aerodynamics.

“We did a fair amount of research to satisfy ourselves. Peter Fox himself was convinced and we moved forward from there,” he says.

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