RCS Logistics, a family-run, privately owned logistics provider based in Corby, is about to embark on a series of new business initiatives that will help reduce the region's carbon footprint. The initiative involves improving the energy efficiency of RCS' own warehouse facilities in Corby by investing in new low carbon technologies.
In order to fulfil these objectives, RCS will be working closely with two other Northamptonshire-based organisations, Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited (NEL) and The University of Northampton Knowledge Exchange.
NEL is a partnership between the public, private and voluntary sectors in Northamptonshire. As the county economic development agency, one of the organisation's key objectives is to grow the low carbon sector in Northamptonshire and to attract inward investment into the county.
Northamptonshire is one of the fastest growing low carbon counties in the UK, currently employing around 1,600 people within the sector. The county is also home to a growing number of waste management companies, including The Waste Recycling Group, the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM), the Composting Association and the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board.
Last month, RCS Logistics kicked off its green initiative by unveiling a brand new set of NEL advertisements displayed on several of the company's transport wagons and carrier vans. Phil Mitchell, Managing Director at RCS Logistics commented: "As well as assisting Northamptonshire Enterprise in its efforts to reduce the county's carbon footprint via some promotion on our fleet, RCS also wants to become actively involved in helping other firms reduce their carbon footprint too."
"For example, we may be able to identify new ways of helping our existing customers to reduce their carbon footprint, through more efficient waste disposal. We are also about to install brand new energy efficient lighting systems across our Corby warehouse and we are considering installing a biomass combined heat and power system for the Corby site," he continued.
Richard Moore, Environmental Technologies Sector Manager at Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited said: "We were delighted when RCS Logistics approached us about branding these vehicles. Collaborations with local businesses such as RCS and the University of Northampton provide an excellent means of communicating Northamptonshire's green credentials far and wide, as well as allowing for new ways of reducing the county's carbon footprint."
RCS Logistics will also be working closely with The University of Northampton, now a centre of excellence for waste management training in the UK and Europe. The University's Knowledge Exchange programme is set up to provide local businesses with advice and guidance on how to become more resource efficient. The University offers Energy Efficiency Surveys (or CW-IC audits) that provide waste minimisation and energy efficiency solutions to local private businesses.
The University recently visited RCS and will shortly carry out an energy efficiency audit at the company. This survey will identify and prioritise new technologies and processes that will help the business to reduce its carbon footprint, become more energy efficient and to reduce energy bills. RCS is also considering a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University, whereby RCS will employ a representative from the University, for a period of one to three years, who will undertake energy efficiency and waste minimisation projects at RCS.
Located in Northamptonshire, the heart of the UK's logistics transport network, RCS Logistics provides distribution, logistics, transport and haulage solutions across the UK mainland and Europe. Services offered include same-day courier services, full 3PL, single pallet collection and delivery, as well as warehouse storage, including dry bonded warehousing.