Let’s be honest. For most of us our Green Policy is motivated by the green color of money, not the re-greening of our planet. The reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of industry fuel conservation efforts is a benefit derived primarily from our financial, not environmental, concerns.
Nothing wrong with that. As executives, we have fiduciary responsibility to our stockholders and/or owners, and social responsibility to the communities in which we operate. Reducing fuel consumption serves both of those purposes.
However, the time will soon come when our shippers demand that we have a broad, comprehensive Trucking Green Policy; one that goes well beyond the single focus of fuel conservation. Unfortunately, most truckers today are a far distance from having such a policy.
To illustrate the gap, ask yourself this: “How many of the truckers that have joined SmartWay recycle bottles from their Coke machines and paper from their printers?” When the motivation to make change shifts away from financial gain, we tend to lose interest in the environmental opportunity.
Developing a comprehensive Green Policy will take time and in some areas involve additional costs. Most of us will probably agree that Shippers will eventually require all carriers to have such a policy, so developing and easing into 'Green Trucking' now might be a good strategy.
Here are some example areas that could be considered for your Green Policy:
· Recycling – bottles, paper, batteries, metals, fluids. Take discarded electronics to approved recyclers – not landfills.
· Waste Reduction Policy
· Energy efficient fixtures, appliances
· Water Conservation – low flow fixtures, minimal use training
· Storm Water Audit and Policy
· Company Car Policy based on high mileage or hybrid vehicles
· Vendor selection based on environmental factors
· Employee education on resource conservation
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