Knowledge Transfer helps logistics company go green

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) from The University of Northampton is helping global logistics company, Knights of Old Ltd, to reduce its impact on the environment.

Through the KTP, Knights of Old is leading the way in the industry with the appointment of a Low Carbon Champion to review the company's environmental policy and reduce its carbon footprint.

We have a firm commitment and sense of responsibility towards the environment and recognise that minimising waste and saving energy is an essential part of business practice.

We now want to look further and deeper into how we run our business and what impact we have on our staff and our surroundings. With the business able to access the expertise of Dr Margaret Bates and other academics within the School of Science and Technology at The University of Northampton and take on a graduate, Helen Coulthard, dedicated to review this important area for us, a KTP seemed the ideal option.

Peter Hancox, Knights of Old Compliance Director

Domestic transport alone is responsible for 24 per cent of the CO2 emissions in the UK, and with a government target to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, it is essential that logistic businesses address this growing problem.

KTPs are helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by enabling them to access the academic resources of the University and embed this knowledge into their infrastructure through a graduate.

If businesses like Knights of Old are to move efficiently and effectively towards a low carbon existence then innovation is essential and, through the University, a KTP provides a wealth of cutting-edge resources. A team of specialist consultants are on hand throughout the contract to advise on the project and help to supervise Helen who has been placed within the business to deliver the agreed activity.

Barri Stirrup, KTP Co-ordinator at The University of Northampton

Already Knights of Old has a firm commitment towards the environment and numerous procedures and initiatives are currently in place to minimise carbon emissions and reduce the carbon footprint on the shipments they handle.

The KTP graduate has, therefore, been tasked with investigating ways of reducing the company's overall production of greenhouse gases, noise pollution and waste.

As well as our carbon footprint, Helen will look at reviewing other aspects of the business including recycling of, for example, paper, shrink-wrap, pallets and water, as well as increasing staff awareness through internal communications and educational workshops.

Peter Hancox, Knights of Old Compliance Director

A KTP can add expertise, innovation and value to any business and there are opportunities within numerous business sectors including advanced materials, digital technologies, bioscience, low impact buildings, medicines and healthcare, high value manufacturing as well as transport.