The health risks linked to poor air quality are becoming increasingly clear. Research reported in The Guardian this month shows that people exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) face a 27% higher risk of heart failure and are more likely to experience strokes. A separate study revealed that long-term exposure to the same pollutants may even trigger changes in the brain that lead to Lewy-body dementia, a degenerative condition affecting memory and movement.
These findings highlight the urgency of addressing air pollution, not only as an environmental challenge, but as a public health issue. Cleaner air means healthier communities, and businesses have a role to play in delivering that outcome.
For Topspeed Couriers, the publication of our updated Carbon Reduction Plan 2025 marks another step in a long-term commitment to lowering emissions. By focusing on fleet electrification, infrastructure investment, and operational efficiencies, the plan sets out practical, measurable actions that contribute to better air quality across the areas in which we operate.
Measurable Progress
- 77% of the Topspeed fleet is now electric, reducing dependency on diesel vehicles.
- More than £3.65 million has been invested since 2022 in cleaner vehicles and charging infrastructure.
- We are on track to achieve 1,250 tonnes of CO₂ savings by the end of 2025, with cumulative reductions projected to exceed 5,000 tonnes by 2027.
- Additional measures, including route optimisation and driver training programmes, ensure that the benefits go beyond vehicle choice and embed sustainability into day-to-day operations.
A Business Perspective
Stephen Clegg, Founder and CEO of Topspeed, said:
“Carbon reduction is no longer just about business efficiency or meeting targets, it has a direct link to public health. These recent studies show that reducing emissions isn’t just an environmental responsibility, it’s also a social one. At Topspeed, our Carbon Reduction Plan helps us play a small but meaningful role in improving air quality for the communities where we operate.”
The Bigger Picture
While one company alone cannot solve the problem of air pollution, the actions set out in our plan demonstrate how targeted investment and planning can contribute to wider progress. Every tonne of CO₂ avoided and every diesel mile replaced with electric is a small but important step towards reducing the health burden linked to dirty air.
As evidence continues to mount about the connection between air quality and serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia, the value of a robust carbon reduction strategy is clearer than ever. For businesses, this is no longer just a question of compliance or reputation, it is an opportunity to help create cleaner, healthier communities for the future.