Sustainable Transport Award MT Awards 2023 shortlists

During 2022, Boughey Distribution set itself ambitious targets for its sustainability programme and with the aim of producing the company’s first Impact Report after setting out on a journey to become B Corp certified.

With the Impact Report completed, the company has aspirations not only to achieve accreditation but, in time, to become a leader and champion of B Corp within the transport and distribution industry. At the heart of Boughey’s ESG Strategy has been ensuring all colleagues are informed and involved in initiatives, from understanding the importance of environmental sustainability and robust governance and commerciality for the future of the business, through to directly benefiting from initiatives introduced. As part of the annual review and appraisal process, the company’s team of managers have agreed objectives to drive social and environmental actions.

Judges said: “A strong submission from a medium-sized entity delivering from an increasingly profitable base a clear ESG strategy, and B Corp journey. Good staff involvement, and some impressive savings alongside investment in their people.”

DPD has environmental, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG) policies woven into every aspect of its operation and fully embraced by its people. It is working at pace to decarbonise its entire operation and has put its people’s health and safety at the heart of its business.

Its initiatives are aligned with four key UN targets. Furthermore the company’s broad definition of sustainability extends beyond CO2 reduction targets to include the emotional wellbeing of its 20,000 people and a ground-breaking approach to supporting people with special educational needs and disabilities, as part of its comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy.

Judges said: “Comprehensive set of ESG initiatives; some very noteworthy achievements, and clearly DPD has a strong social focus, recognising its brand presence and working to embrace alternative fuels in the operation.”

Global logistics provider EV Cargo is guided by three core values – growth, innovation and sustainability – which lead all aspects of its business.

As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, EV Cargo has made significant progress in its sustainability strategy. From setting relevant ESG topics and targets, to measuring its emissions for the first time and producing its inaugural Sustainability Report, EV Cargo is focused on becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Over the past 24 months it has delivered significant emissions reductions alongside pioneering people, culture, safety, recruitment, engagement and diversity initiatives to deliver its sustainability strategy.

Judges said: “ESG principles and initiatives widely embedded into the business –emissions reduction, staff training, health and safety all covered; it is pleasing to see a focus on a diverse management structure, and in a challenging market have a robust recruitment plan.”

Evri has gone through a period of unprecedented growth, so recognises that it’s never been more important to acknowledge its impact on the planet. It states: “We’ve always been a responsible carrier but in the last year we’ve doubled down on our commitment to become an even more sustainable and ethical business”.

Evri has launched an ambitious ESG strategy and appointed a team to steer this and embed ESG principles into its business culture. It has also expanded its bio-CNG and electric-powered fleet, and achieved 100% renewable energy in its operations, as the business moves towards its net-zero emissions target of 2035.

Judges said: “New ESG strategy launched and good evidence of it working; Evri has clearly identified ESG as a priority, and made a strong start to implementing this, including engagement of its people, setting awareness and training goals.”

Nicholls Transport constructed its site to be sustainable – photovoltaic cells cover the roofs of its building while rainwater that falls on the site is harvested to run its truck wash. Training drivers through the driver shortage, investing in LNG trucks that are producing 191% less GHG emissions then a diesel truck, supporting schools in Africa and having an MD who is listed in the top 100 people influencing the reduction in CO2 in the transport industry are further evidence of its credentials.

Judges said: “Nicholls Transport clearly has strong principles in terms of financial planning, making it resilient and able to manage a crisis such as Covid. It clearly has strong ideals and principles around the environment, its employees and wider social engagement, which it both conveys to and engages its people in.”