Marks and Spencer has made an extension to its targets for reducing emissions.

The targets, relating to its delivery fleet, are now to achieve a reduction of 35 per cent by 2015. The target had been 20 per cent, but this was achieved two years early and therefore they have raised their aims. The targets form part of the Plan A sustainability programme, which sees 80 separate aims related to sustainability.

The targets have been met partly due to the company’s investment in Don-Bur aerodynamic trailers which have given a six per cent improvement in fuel consumption.

The Marks and Spencer tractor fleet has also benefited from improved aerodynamics as well as onboard systems that can monitor vehicle activity, ensuring optimal routing and delivery. Fuel use for deliveries is down by 23 per cent, they claim.

A Marks and Spencer spokesman said:

“We’ve managed to achieve our targets ahead of time by focussing on areas like vehicle aerodynamics and upgrading our IT tracking systems. We also encourage all our suppliers to adopt best practices and share information on what works best to achieve savings and our ultimate goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015.”