Topspeed’s commitment to sustainability took centre stage at a recent Normative webinar, where our CEO and founder, Stephen Clegg, shared insights into our carbon reduction journey. The event, titled Sustainability that Pays: How Carbon Accounting Can Drive Profitability, brought together businesses leveraging the Normative platform to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions.
Stephen highlighted Topspeed’s pioneering approach to carbon accounting, showcasing how we use the Normative dashboard to drive meaningful change across our fleet operations. With government contracts forming a significant part of our business, carbon reporting has become not only a sustainability goal but also a strategic advantage.
The Road to Carbon Reduction
Since 2012, Topspeed has been at the forefront of sustainable courier services, working closely with government agencies and operating within strict compliance frameworks. However, as Stephen explained, the real turning point came in 2021, when new tendering requirements mandated a formal carbon reduction plan. Faced with the challenge of providing accurate emissions data, Topspeed turned to Normative.
“Initially, we found it difficult to collect the right data to meet the government’s carbon reduction plan template,” Stephen shared. “We quickly realised that we needed a robust platform to track and report emissions effectively – Normative provided that solution.”
The results speak for themselves. With half of our fleet now electric, we’ve significantly cut emissions while improving operational efficiency. The data-driven approach also allows us to make smarter procurement decisions, from vehicle choices to tyre selections, ensuring a measurable reduction in our environmental impact.
A Competitive Edge in Government Contracts
For Topspeed, sustainability isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s a key differentiator in securing contracts. As Stephen pointed out, carbon accounting is now a crucial factor in government tenders, with 10% of the evaluation criteria dedicated to sustainability.
“Many suppliers are still struggling to comply with these requirements, but Topspeed is leading the field,” he noted. “We don’t just report emissions; we actively use the data to make business decisions that benefit both our bottom line and the environment.”
Stephen also addressed the issue of ‘greenwashing’ – a practice where companies make misleading sustainability claims without substantial data to back them up. “We’ve seen competitors claim carbon neutrality without a clear reduction plan. Our approach is different. We have the numbers to prove our progress, and that gives us credibility in the marketplace.”
Other Businesses Leading the Way
The webinar showcased innovative companies that are embedding sustainability into their procurement strategies. Global brands like AstraZeneca and Tesco have integrated carbon accounting into their supply chains, using emissions data to enhance supplier partnerships, access funding, and drive operational efficiency.
The Future of Sustainable Logistics
As government regulations become more stringent and buyers demand greater transparency, Topspeed remains committed to driving sustainability forward. With our data-backed approach, we’re not only reducing emissions but also setting a new standard for environmentally responsible logistics.
“Sustainability isn’t a one-time project—it’s a continuous journey,” Stephen concluded. “With Normative, we have the tools to stay ahead, ensuring that our services remain both sustainable and commercially competitive.”
For more on our sustainability efforts – see the Topspeed Carbon Reduction Plan
Register here to watch the Normative webinar on demand
