In an era marked by rapid globalisation and climate change, DHL Express stands at the forefront of a vital transformation — shifting the logistics industry toward a sustainable paradigm. With the launch of GoGreen Plus, we present an actionable blueprint aimed at achieving tangible reductions in carbon emissions borne during shipping operations, furthering both our own sustainability objectives and global benchmarks such as the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Carbon insetting and sustainable aviation fuel
The essence of GoGreen Plus lies in the concept of carbon insetting. Unlike carbon offsetting — where businesses invest in external projects like tree planting to balance out their emissions via carbon credits — the carbon insetting method focuses on reducing emissions that are directly linked to the company's activities. This is especially pertinent for mitigating Scope 3 emissions, the indirect greenhouse gas emissions arising from a company's value chain, including downstream transportation and distribution.
In this context, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) becomes a game-changer in green supply chain management. Produced from alternative, eco-friendly feedstocks, SAF can reduce a jet fuel's lifecycle emissions by up to 80%. These fuels are essentially a 'drop-in' option, seamlessly blending with traditional kerosene without requiring engine modifications.
By utilising SAF in GoGreen Plus, we empower businesses to effectively decrease carbon emissions by up to a total of 30%. The process is purposefully straightforward: simply opt for GoGreen Plus in your MyDHL+ account under Optional Services when booking your shipment. This makes global shipping not just fast, but also eco-friendly.
Why businesses should opt for GoGreen Plus
As part of a comprehensive business strategy, adopting GoGreen Plus serves as more than an environmentally friendly gesture; it is a response to emerging market dynamics and impending regulatory shifts that will soon define the logistics sector.
1. Rising consumer demand for sustainability
In the recent Green Gauge® study by GfK Consumer Life, discernible patterns in consumer choices reflect a sea change in market dynamics. A robust 32% of consumers — led by Gen Z and Millennial cohorts — actively prefer retailers and brands that integrate sustainable practices into their logistics and operations. This statistic likely portrays more than a momentary trend, indicating a probable generational shift that dictates market norms surrounding eco-friendly products and services.
It’s thus crucial for businesses to understand that this consumer leaning is not merely altruistic at its core but tied to tangible economic outcomes. Brands that adopt green logistics alongside environmentally conscious products can be seen as sustainability leaders and witness measurable advantages — in metrics such as consumer loyalty, average transaction value, and stock performance over time.
2. Regulatory imperatives
The logistics sector alone contributes to roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a sobering statistic cited by the World Bank. This places an onus on shippers to reinvent themselves, not as a matter of choice but as a compelling need arising from both environmental constraints and impending legislation.
While current regulations are still evolving, it's clear that stringent emission standards are on the horizon. Adopting GoGreen Plus positions your business as a proactive participant in the global drive to curb emissions via green transportation and sustainable packaging solutions. This not only gains you a favourable standing in the eyes of consumers but also provides a leg up when it comes to adapting to future legislation, minimising compliance costs and the risks associated with non-compliance.
GoGreen Plus offers a holistic approach to sustainable logistics, addressing more than fuel-related emissions. It accounts for environmentally friendly packaging and optimised route planning to further reduce carbon footprints left behind by your shipping activities.
