Terra Alegre, the Jerónimo Martins Agro-Food (JMA) company, received the 3rd Lean & Green Star awarded by GS1 Portugal, after proving an accumulated 35% reduction in CO₂ emissions associated with its transport and logistics operations, according to a press release.
According to the same source, the recognition distinguishes the implementation of a decarbonization plan and efficiency measures along the company’s logistics chain, linked to dairy production.
Among the measures adopted are the optimization of vehicle occupancy, the use of higher-capacity tankers for milk transport, and the incorporation of more efficient vehicles in transport operators’ fleets. The company also sought to bring milk production closer to its industrial facilities, notably through boosting production at Best Farmer.
In the area of energy efficiency, Terra Alegre installed an ammonia refrigeration plant and a photovoltaic park with around 1000 kWp of capacity, intended to generate electricity for self-consumption. The company also uses LED and natural lighting, a bioclimatic natural-climate system, and a centralized technical management system, complementing these measures with the purchase of renewable energy certificates.
The strategy also includes measures applied to transportation. In partnership with one of its carriers, the company began using Ecodiesel B20/B30, a diesel-biodiesel blend that, according to disclosed data, can enable CO₂ emission reductions of up to 26%.
Another solution involves backhauling, leveraging the return trips of the vehicles to collect goods at supplier facilities of the Jerónimo Martins Group and transport them to distribution centers. Terra Alegre also carries out direct deliveries of finished product to Recheio stores.
The shared use of reusable pallets is another measure implemented, aiming to reduce miles traveled without load and improve the efficiency of logistics operations.
The GS1 Portugal distinction is part of the Lean & Green program, which recognizes companies that develop plans to reduce emissions associated with logistics operations. The 3rd Lean & Green Star awarded to Terra Alegre marks, in this case, an accumulated 35% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the reference baseline considered in the program.
