Page 55 - Case Study Annual 2015
P. 55
Imperial Health Imperial Retail Logistics
Sciences
Sustainable health Dual energy saving
initiative
Imperial Health Sciences is Africa’s
As a leading distributor of a cross-
premier partner in the healthcare supply
section of product types, Imperial Retail
chain in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana,
Logistics (IRL) is at the forefront of energy
Nigeria and other distribution partners
and emissions savings in every aspect of
reaching into 26 countries.
its operations.
Imperial Health Services (IHS) is not just a logistics
company but an extension of the healthcare From warehouse storage to on-the-road transport,
continuum operating as a conduit for healthcare IRL utilises the most advanced technologies to
products between manufacturers, distributors and achieve energy and cost savings while reducing
end users to ensure the secure and sustainable supply its overall carbon footprint. The energy-saving
of quality medicines throughout Africa. IHS aims to initiative was launched in October 2013 with the
exceed all current and future environmental, legislative Aerokit adaptation being fitted to 200 vehicles. The
and regulatory requirements and promote sustainability benefits were immediate with fuel savings of up to
in every aspect of its business. The defining principle 8% for the period. The current configuration utilises
of sustainability is driving development that meets side skirting on trucks that deflects the wind around
the needs of the present without compromising the the wheel arches and reduces turbulence. Since June
health and living standards of future generations. IHS 2015 IRL has been Road Transport Management
is ISO 9001:2008 certified for the receipt, storage System-compliant and certified. RTMS is an industry-
and distribution of pharmaceuticals and seeks to add led, voluntary self-regulation scheme that encourages
value in every area of its operations by implementing consignees, consignors and transport operators engaged
practices that minimise the impact on the environment. in the road logistics value chain to implement a vehicle
Sustainable performance is at the core of IHS’s business management system that preserves road infrastructure,
strategy and the company sees the commitment to the improves road safety and increases the productivity of
sustainability of these practices at the heart of all its the logistics value chain. In terms of managing driver
endeavours. The group’s framework for sustainability behaviour, IRL has installed advanced vehicle tracking
encompasses key social, economic and environmental and monitoring systems on its trucks. The key features are
concerns in terms of employees, customers and the public driver identification and access control and the benefits
and provides for group-wide measurement, reporting for the company are: IRL has also installed a system of
and management of all areas of operation. The group online metering for its energy usage in warehouses, cold
strives: to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions produced rooms, battery maintenance and wash bays in March
by its operations by more efficiently using and saving 2015. This has allowed IRL to constantly monitor the
electricity, water and diesel; to promote best practices in usage of electricity and water, and deploy interventions
staff awareness and knowledge of sustainable values; to that can result in savings. Apart from the main areas of
manage risk and regulatory compliance; to demonstrate energy saving and carbon emission reduction, IRL is
strong corporate and social responsibility; to improve continually seeking new means of saving costs with a
brand image and demonstrate industry leadership by view to the sustainability of the company’s endeavours.
continually improving environmental performance in Video-conferencing now plays a major role in reducing
every aspect of its business. IHS facilities in Centurion the need for air flights while energy management is a
and Cape Town have applied these corporate parameters company-wide commitment, with low energy lighting
to drastically reduce operational consumption to control now being a standard company policy. •
energy and climate impacts. •
the logistics news case study annual 2015 53
