P ENVIRONMENT
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Carbon reporting shouldn't be used to gain commercial advantage on rivals
CARBON ALLOCATION and reporting in UK transport is gaining momentum, as the Freight Transport Association's scheme illustrates (CM 15 July). Whether it will add value to the UK economy is another matter. It will add cost and contribute to a smoke-and-mirrors PR and marketing industry.
Transport contractors will be pragmatic and phlegmatic in doing what their customers require of them. Acceptance should not be confused with enthusiasm. Carbon reporting is dismissed as largely pointless, not least by those who do it routinely. Also, there is a belief that it is being used by retailers and others to gain commercial advantage over SME rivals.
That is not to say that transport firms can't be more fuel efficient. They can, and the Road Haulage Association will work to help them.
But it is interesting to compare notes with trade associations from other sectors, whose SME members are starting to feel the distraction of carbon reporting.
I sense that SMEs, which have welcomed the coalition government's emphasis on removing red tape and an SME-led revival of the UK economy, are starting to wake up to carbon reporting.
I will be watching how the debate develops with interest.
Jack Semple Director of policy Road Haulage Association