A Liverpool logistics firm is stepping up its sustainability drive after pledging to become carbon neutral by 2026.
Haydock and St Helens-based SSO Logistics has underlined its environmental ambitions by becoming a Carbon Certified Business, as it works to measure and reduce the impact of its operations.
The company is tracking its carbon footprint as part of a wider plan to cut emissions and embed sustainability across the business. It follows the example of the Wolverhampton-based Pallet-Track network, of which SSO is a shareholder member, after the network also achieved the accreditation.
SSO chief executive Peter Draper said the certification marked an important milestone for the business. “We’re proud to receive this certification, which highlights SSO’s commitment to the environment and our efforts to actively reduce our carbon emissions,” he said.
He added: “We recognise the growing impact of climate change on our industry and the communities we serve. Becoming certified provides a transparent, measurable way to track and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Draper said the move aligns with the company’s long-term ambitions, adding: “It also aligns with our long-term sustainability goals and reinforces our dedication to operating ethically and efficiently.”
As part of the process, SSO partnered with carbon reduction consultancy Eight Versa to develop a roadmap towards carbon neutrality. The specialist firm quantified SSO’s emissions for 2024 at 6,449.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
The assessment covered scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, including capital goods, mobile combustion and purchased goods and services.
SSO has already begun making changes, focusing initially on improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, optimising travel and providing staff training to embed sustainability into day-to-day operations.
Over the longer term, the company plans to transition to renewable or low-carbon energy sources where possible, offset any remaining emissions and build sustainability into procurement and partnership decisions.
Draper said the certification was only the beginning. “We view carbon certification as the start of a long-term journey, not a one-off exercise,” he said.
“Our goal is to integrate sustainability into every aspect of how we operate and to collaborate with customers, partners, and suppliers to reduce our shared environmental impact.”
He added: “We are committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and delivering services that are not only high quality but also responsible and future focused.”
The move was welcomed by Pallet-Track chief executive Stuart Godman, who said sustainability was a core priority for the network.
“Sustainability is a key focus for us here at Pallet-Track and we are pleased that it is equally important to our Shareholder Member SSO Logistics,” he said.
“It shows their ongoing commitment to the environment and we’re glad to continue working together, not only to provide best in class pallet distribution, but also to become carbon neutral.”