Sustainability is not unknown territory for the transport and logistics industry. However, with the sector's slow progress in this area, team awareness is becoming a crucial element.
Despite a more efficient supply chain than ever before, the graphs don't lie. CO2 emissions from freight transport have increased by more than 20 percent since 1995, despite more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Therefore, in the face of a seemingly unstoppable turnover, it is essential to adopt measures that encourage the necessary massive reduction in order to achieve the agreed climate targets.
A leading role in the climate crisis
Currently, logistics and transport operations are responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions in Spain. Figures provided by the European Environment Agency The need for smarter and more innovative systems is evident.
The aim is to move the activity from a leading role as the main problem to the main remedy, providing tools that respect the balance between economic growth and the protection of natural resources.
A change on the outside...
In an environment moving towards a low-carbon economy, there is an increasing need to reduce environmental impact and adapt business realities to move towards sustainability.
In this regard, companies have for years been looking for and investing in alternatives that reflect the sector's commitment to the planet. This has been reflected in all links of the supply chain, from warehouse management to the transport of goods.
Thus, initiatives such as Lean and GreenThe In Side Logistics project, of which In Side Logistics is a part, has emerged to help companies in all sectors to reduce their emissions from logistics activities.
... a change on the inside
However, in order to generate relevant and permanent change, it is essential that the transition is not only external, it must also go to the heart of the business: the people.
The success of any initiative requires broad support, which is why having aware and motivated employees and teams is essential. They, along with customers, are one of the groups that can be valuable allies.
Moreover, their commitment not only has an impact on the well-being of the environment, but also on the performance of the company's economic results.
According to experts, 80 percent of consumers are more inclined to support companies and brands with a track record of commitment to sustainability.
Raising awareness among teams
According to conservation psychology, the branch of science that studies the reciprocal relationships between humans and nature, there are 7 ways to promote staff awareness.
Although they cut across all industries, they are easily applicable to logistics and transport companies.
1. Equipping people with knowledge
People need to know why an action is important and how to carry it out. People are often hesitant to do something unfamiliar to them, so being able to try out new actions in a small way can be reassuring. Pilot programmes are a great low-risk strategy.
2. Helping to process information
There is a wealth of information on this subject. However, it is important to bear in mind that people absorb ideas and make decisions in specific ways. It is therefore essential to reframe general messages to make them applicable to individual work situations.
3. Leverage leaders
People look to leaders, formal and informal, as they decide how to act. If other people they respect are doing or endorsing behaviours, people are likely to follow. In this vein, group activities can be a way of demonstrating commitment.
4. Facilitating the transition
People can have good interactions, but without practical support, actions are often ineffective. When setting positive messages, social norms or group activities, it is important to get across the idea that being sustainable is simple. An example of this can be the recycling of packaging. This is much simpler if the location of containers is well thought out, making them more accessible to operators.
5. Enabling participation
As a general rule, people want to be involved in the issues that concern them. It is therefore essential to encourage the active participation of staff in awareness-raising plans and strategies. Participation generates positive attitudes and often innovative ideas.
6. Take it one step at a time
Trying to reduce emissions from a company's daily business overnight can be unrealistic and overwhelming for staff. It is therefore important to introduce initiatives gradually and connect them with others with which people are already familiar.
7. Use a reward system (with caution).
Once the goal is set, reward systems tend to be very effective. However, this is a double-edged sword as, once these behaviours are no longer rewarded, they can diminish. Rewards should serve as motivation for people to develop an internal commitment, rooted in their beliefs.
Taken together, each of these strategies serves as a guide to raise team awareness of sustainability, a vital aspect for logistics, a sector that wants to make a positive impact on the future.
