Logistics provider hoping environmental program will blossom

OAKVILLE, Ont. — After achieving a carbon neutral footprint through their in-house Vision Green program, Lakeside Logistics has launched the second phase of their program and is urging other industry players to follow suit.

The second phase of the program is estimated to have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,500 tons per year.

Lakeside has dedicated resources to their Vision Green Program for internal action and industry outreach. To carry this initiative forward, the position of Director of Sustainability was created in April of this year.

“The achievement of the carbon neutral status is the first step in our ongoing commitment towards environmentally sustainable operations in our own company and our industry,” said Jeff Moore, managing director of Lakeside. “In preparation for taking our environmental message out to the industry, we have cleaned our own house first.”

Lakeside produces approximately 320 tons of CO2 per year – the equivalent of 64 cars on the road. In reducing its carbon footprint the 3PL company has invested in hybrid technology for their carrier relations vehicle, eliminated bottle water on site, instituted an idle free zone at their loading docks and converted to carbon-free renewable electricity, among other initiatives.

Lakeside’s Vision Green program is three-tiered: the in-house program, Carrier program, and Customer program.

Lakeside aims to work directly with approximately 3,500 carriers throughout Canada and the U.S. to help them audit their current carbon footprint.

Through an innovative education exchange, Lakeside will facilitate the development of viable environmental strategies and practices. By connecting with Smartway, an Environmental Protection Agency program and Fleetsmart, an initiative of Natural Resources Canada, Lakeside will facilitate the clear defining of carbon footprints and fuel efficiency.

“Working with our carriers will enable us to respond to our customers’ requirements around sustainable practices,” said Susan Moore, director of sustainability at Lakeside. “We focused on changing the way we do business in the long term. At Lakeside, Vision Green is a continuous journey.”


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