Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a critical imperative, especially in the logistics industry, which plays a significant role in global trade and supply chains. As the world's leading logistics company, DHL Group is committed to being at the forefront of green logistics, driving sustainable business practices and minimizing our environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in the significant progress we've made. As of 2023, we've reduced 1.3 million tons of GHG emissions, and we're dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the lowest possible level by 2050.
To achieve this goal, we have launched multiple sustainability-focused initiatives and introduced GoGreen Plus, one of the key solutions dedicated to providing businesses an option to minimize their environmental impact.
1. GoGreen Plus: Reducing scope 3 emissions
Reducing Scope 3 emissions, which encompass those generated across our entire value chain, is a critical focus area for DHL Express. GoGreen Plus is our comprehensive program designed to tackle these emissions head-on, providing a suite of solutions that empower businesses to join us on the journey towards a more sustainable future.
Book and claim methodology
A core element of GoGreen Plus is the book and claim methodology. This innovative approach enables DHL to directly replace fossil fuels with sustainable fuels within our network and allocate the environmental benefits to our customers who choose GoGreen Plus, even if their specific shipments are not physically transported using those sustainable fuels. This mechanism allows for greater flexibility and scalability in promoting the use of sustainable fuels across our operations, accelerating the transition towards cleaner logistics.
Our Express GoGreen Plus service leverages Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the book and claim insetting mechanism, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel. By choosing Express GoGreen Plus, businesses can actively contribute to reducing the environmental impact of their supply chain. This service allows for varying GHG emission reduction percentages per shipment, based on customer demand, providing flexibility and customization.
For example, SCREEN Semiconductor Solutions leveraged Express GoGreen Plus to replace 100% of their fossil kerosene associated with their international express shipments with SAF, achieving a remarkable CO2e GHG emissions reduction of over 85%.1 This demonstrates the tangible impact businesses can make by choosing sustainable logistics solutions like Express GoGreen Plus.
Transparency
Transparency is a core principle of DHL's sustainability efforts. We believe in empowering our customers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their supply chains and environmental impact.
Carbon emissions reporting conforming to ESG frameworks and international standards for carbon footprint reporting is available upon request.
Partnerships for sustainability
DHL Express recognizes the power of partnerships in driving sustainable practices and fostering innovation in green logistics. We actively collaborate with a variety of businesses and organizations across diverse sectors, supporting their efforts toward sustainability through our expertise and sustainable logistics initiatives.
One such partnership is with UOB, a leading bank in Singapore. We entered a strategic agreement under DHL's GoGreen Plus service to co-invest in SAF for UOB's international parcel deliveries. Through this program, UOB anticipates an estimated annual emissions reduction of approximately 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This partnership demonstrates how collaboration can accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions and contribute to a greener future.
2. Electrifying deliveries: Our electric vehicle fleet
DHL Express is committed to electrifying our delivery fleet, recognizing the significant environmental benefits of electric vehicles. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air quality and they also generate less noise pollution, creating a more pleasant urban environment.
In Singapore, our electric vehicle fleet includes a variety of models, each chosen for its efficiency and suitability for different delivery needs. These include the Citroen e-Dispatch vans, capable of carrying up to one tonne of load, and the electric version of the Renault Kangoo, which is ideal for smaller payloads and navigating urban environments.2
As of current, DHL currently has over 36,000 electric delivery vehicles in operation globally. By 2030, we aim to increase that proportion to 60% of our worldwide delivery vehicles, resulting in over 80,000 electric vehicles on the road.3 To support this ambitious goal, we've partnered with Cycle & Carriage to expand our EV charging network in Singapore, making it easier for our drivers to recharge their vehicles and ensuring efficient and sustainable delivery operations.
3. Other green initiatives
Optimization
DHL Express is committed to optimizing our operations to minimize our environmental footprint. We employ a "burn less" philosophy, focusing on avoiding CO2e emissions through green supply chain design. Our team of DHL Sustainability Experts can help businesses explore carbon optimization options and identify customer-specific levers with the highest impact, such as routing optimization, modal shifts, or consolidation of shipments. By streamlining logistics and reducing unnecessary transportation, we can significantly reduce emissions and improve overall efficiency.
Sustainable packaging materials
Packaging plays a crucial role in logistics, and we’re dedicated to providing sustainable packaging solutions that help businesses reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact. We offer a range of eco-friendly packaging options, including recycled and recyclable materials, as well as innovative solutions that minimize material usage and optimize packaging operations to reduce waste and support recycling. By choosing sustainable packaging, businesses can contribute to a circular economy and reduce their environmental footprint.
Investing in renewable energy in facilities
DHL is committed to investing in renewable energy for our facilities, including our warehouses. Our carbon-neutral warehouses are designed with sustainability in mind, leveraging renewable electricity, building automation, and sustainable heating to minimize their environmental impact. These efforts help businesses reduce their own warehousing footprint and contribute to a greener supply chain. We've achieved a 75-100% CO2e reduction in our warehouse operations, with any residual emissions compensated for through carbon credits.
Delivering a sustainable future: Our green commitment
DHL Express is dedicated to sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions. We believe that sustainability is not just good for the planet; it's also good for business. That's why we've designed GoGreen Plus to be both easy to use and flexible, allowing businesses to seamlessly integrate sustainable logistics into their existing supply chains. Whether it's through utilizing sustainable aviation fuel or choosing electric vehicle deliveries for express delivery, participating in GoGreen Plus is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a greener future.
Ready to join us on this journey? Apply for a business account today to learn more about our programs and how you can contribute to a more sustainable world.
