KAM Transport sets sustainability benchmark with Toitū status
Walking into a yard at one of KAM Transport and Logistics’ five depots, you would be forgiven for thinking it’s just another transport company. Its fleet of modern trucks is always on the move and there’s a hum of activity coming from the warehouse. But the team across the country at KAM have been working behind the scenes to achieve something you may not expect from a business reliant on large diesel vehicles – a Toitū enviromark gold certification.
A Toitū enviromark gold certification is a high-calibre environmental status achieved only by those who have a proven ability of taking meaningful environmental actions to reduce their carbon footprint. But it’s not just a tick-box exercise – this certification is based on science and backed by evidence. And KAM is the only transport and logistics company of its kind in New Zealand to currently hold this status.
KAM general manager Bill Bamber said it’s no mean feat to gain an environmental certification of this calibre in an industry renowned for its carbon emissions. “We’ve worked really hard and invested a significant amount into managing our environmental impacts however we can,” Bamber said.
“To date, Toitū members across 400 organisations have reduced over 8.7 million tonnes of CO2e, and we’re proud to be able to contribute to these positive actions”. KAM has a comprehensive plan in place to achieve the goals outlined in its environmental policy statement, and has a robust Environmental Management System in place. And they’ve already taken some substantial steps to get there.”
Some of those steps so far include using a fleet predominantly of Scania vehicles containing fuel-efficient engines; implementing the Scania Driver App to actively monitor fuel-efficient driver behaviour; training for increased driving efficiency to reduce carbon emissions; a driver reward programme for achieving a high standard of fuel-efficient driving behaviour; and using capacity reports to ensure vehicles are transporting bigger loads and making fewer trips.
“This is a huge milestone for a New Zealand family-owned transport company,” Bamber said.
KAM has been transforming the local transport industry for more than 30 years, specialising in supply chain logistics in the primary meat, produce, wine and aquaculture industries. KAM’s success has seen it grow to five depots spanning Wellington, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. Bamber said KAM’s growth spurred a bigger sense of responsibility towards its environmental impacts.
“We’ve been working closely with local winegrowers in Marlborough and we quickly found out that we have shared values around sustainability and protecting the environment. Gaining the Toitū enviromark gold certification shows our commitment to building momentum, inspiring change and taking credible action towards sustainability. We’re happy to be at the forefront of the transport industry with our environmental approach and we encourage other businesses to do the same.
“This certification is just the beginning of KAM’s commitment and we’re excited to see what else we can contribute towards the Toitū members’ shared goal of active and continual sustainability.”
For more information visit kam.net.nz