On behalf of the Connekt Duurzame Logistiek Programme, chairman of the board of Connekt, Leo van Wijk, today announced 28 new Lean and Green Award Winners. 24 leading companies and four councils received the Lean and Green Award for their CO2 targets in logistics, with a minimum reduction of 20% in CO2 emissions. These objectives need to be achieved within a period of 5 years.

The Lean and Green Award Winners are:
the councils of the following 4 cities; Amsterdam, Schiedam, Tilburg and Utrecht; the companies Bakker en Schilder BV, DeliXL, Ewals Cargo Care, GEBA Trans B.V., Gesink B.V., Hessing Logistiek B.V., Hollander Barendrecht, IMCD Group BV, Inland Terminal Veghel B.V., JUMBO Supermarkten, M.G. van der Valk Transport v.o.f., Micodo Logistieke Dienstverlening, MOOY LOGISTICS BV, Noordendorp Transport B.V. Coöperatie NPRC U.A., Overmeer Transport Group B.V., Portena Logistiek, Reining Transport B.V., Koninklijke Rotra, TIELBEKE LOGISTIEK B.V., Van den Anker, Van Maanen Transport B.V., Van Oers Groep, Wetron Transport & Logistics BV.

The companies and councils have an action plan to specify what measures they are taking within their companies to achieve these objectives. The rising numbers of Lean and Green Award Winners illustrates the growing interest in sustainable logistics, which not only benefits the environment, welfare and safety but also the companies' profitability.

GEBA Trans was the first (non-asset based) haulier company to win the Lean and Green Award. Managing Director Fred Spijksma says: "Sustainability is an absolute must for the future of Trans GEBA in order to maintain a meaningful role, and from our leadership position we intend to do all the hard work. Consequently we are collaborating with other service providers in the Logistic Hotspot Venlo to further shape this concept within the region."

Councillor Roel Lauwerier of Transport, Parking and Road Maintenance for the council of Tilburg emphasized the growing importance of sustainability: "Keeping the city accessible without interrupting the supply. By coming to the best possible agreement with all parties involved, this can be done using sustainable methods. That makes it an attractive prospect for everyone."

Jumbo was the second supermarket chain to win the Lean and Green Award. Managing Director of the Supply Chain, Charles de Jong said: “Customers will find the lowest prices at Jumbo, together with the largest selection and best service. Because as a supermarket chain we are at the heart of our society, corporate social responsibility is very important to us. We want to be a good neighbour. Jumbo is a family business and as a family you have each other's best interest at heart and you look out for each other. This sense of responsibility is in the Jumbo genes. It is a foundation for our business operations, which is also reflected in the 7 Daily Securities.”

In his keynote speech, former Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, also honorary president of the Earth Charter, emphasized his enthusiasm for the ambitions of the Lean and Green Award Winners: ‘Politics are important, but today real changes can only be brought about efficiently if government, businesses and citizens all collaborate. Which is why you are all gathered here today.’