Working on a sustainable world
Climate change has been one of the most discussed topics in recent years. No one can avoid the rising sea levels, melting ice caps and high temperatures at unusual times. 2019 was the hottest year on record, with CO2 and other greenhouse gases at unprecedented levels. It disrupts the global economy as much as it affects the individual. In the logistics sector, we see the consequences like nowhere else.
Making our trading world more sustainable
As an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier), Berkman Forwarding does not own ships, trucks or other vehicles. However, we are proud to work with shipping companies and hinterland transporters who put in their best effort to reduce CO2 emissions. For example, we are increasingly using barges (inland shipping) and trains as a replacement for less environmentally friendly options.
The Low Sulfur surcharge – well known in the logistics world – was implemented in an attempt to reduce the sulfur content that ships emit. Shipping companies have even gone one step further with the introduction of the IMO2020 surcharge, and the development of a liquefied natural gas is well underway to further reduce environmental pollution.
The obligation to install particulate filters in trucks has also made a positive contribution to land transport and is a major step forward in combating air pollution. The Euro 6 emission standard, which has been in force since 2015, obliges both trucks and trains to use more efficient engines, whose filters reduce particulate emissions by up to 99%.
Our offices
Within our offices we implement the desire for a sustainable world. With the careful development of our order management system, we have extensively digitized our operations and drastically reduced the need for paper. Our offices have a ‘keep it on the screen’ policy, which motivates our employees to not print documents or e-mails, but to archive them digitally.
The building has light sensors, which switch off automatically when a room is not used. In order to eliminate the frequent use of plastic (garbage) bags, the office staff uses one common waste bin. Paper is collected separately and recycled.
Our staff has the choice to work from home and employees living nearby often come to the office by bicycle. We prefer fuel-efficient, electric commercial vehicles, even though many customer visits take place online to reduce mileage on the road.
The future
Naturally, we look at the future. Not only in terms of operational developments to provide our clientele with the best and most up-to-date facilities in logistics, but also to contribute to a prosperous future and to nurture the riches we have on our Earth.
