BRITISH COLUMBIA – The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) has recently unveiled its environmental certification initiative, the Clean Carrier Program. The program is designed to recognize and certify motor carriers committed to adopting environmentally responsible practices, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the trucking industry.
The Clean Carrier Program serves as a comprehensive guide for carriers dedicated to sustainable operations. The program not allows carriers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility but also provides exclusive resources to support their journey.
“As we unveil the Clean Carrier Program, we take a significant step toward a sustainable future for the trucking industry,” said BCTA President and CEO Dave Earle. “This initiative underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility, and with the invaluable contributions of our advisory committee, we stand united in fostering positive change. Being Clean Carrier Certified empowers carriers to lead the way in sustainability, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and business success go hand in hand.”
In a step towards fostering sustainable supply chains, the Clean Carrier Program introduces a distinctive opportunity for shippers. Through a rigorous and independent process, shippers can now integrate sustainable hiring practices when engaging a BC-based transportation company for goods movement. This initiative ensures that environmental responsibility is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the supply chain, offering shippers a potent tool to align their logistics operations with sustainability objectives.
Key benefits of the BCTA Clean Carrier Program include:
- Cost Efficiency: Implementing environmentally responsible practices contributes to operational cost savings, making participating carriers more financially resilient.
- Market Competitiveness: Certification under the Clean Carrier Program allows carriers to differentiate themselves in the market, appealing to environmentally conscious clients and partners.
- Positive Stakeholder Relationships: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability builds trust and positive relationships with customers, regulators, and the wider community.
- Showcasing Sustainability: Carriers certified under the program gain the opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability, setting them apart as industry leaders.
According to BCTA: “The Clean Carrier Program evaluates carriers based on key factors, including the implementation of fuel-efficient and idle management equipment, the use of alternative fuels, and the average age of the vehicle fleet. This comprehensive assessment ensures that certified carriers are making strides in environmental sustainability.”
The program was a collaborative effort including the following:
- Bruce Thompson, Dean Motive Power, BCIT
- Steven Haywood, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement
- Conor Reynolds, Director, Air Quality & Climate Action Services, Metro Vancouver
- John Lindner, Air Quality Planner, Metro Vancouver
- Jason Macnaughton, Director, Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
- Trish Rorison, Executive Director, Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
- Ronan Chester, Director Climate Change and Sustainability Leadership, Port of Vancouver
- Gary Olszewksi, Clean Technology Specialist, Port of Vancouver
- Greg Kolesniak, Program Manager Goods Movement, TransLink
- Walter Mérida, Associate Dean Research and Industry Partnerships, University of British Columbia
- Patrick Kirchen, Associate Director Clean Energy Research Centre, University of British Columbia
- Lucy Griffith, Dean, School of Trade, Technology & Design, Vancouver Community College
- David Montpetit, President, Western Shippers Coalition
According to BCTA vice President Cory Paterson, “Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the program’s framework. Together, we’re setting a new standard for sustainability in the trucking industry, and the contributions of the advisory committee are truly commendable.”
Business Examiner Staff & BCTA