DHL Express and environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability is gaining popularity among consumers as they grow aware of how closely their well-being is tied to their environment. Greenhouse gas emissions are the leading cause of global climate change, including air pollution, melting glaciers, famines, extreme weather patterns, and inhospitable desert environments. Over the recent decades, the increase in the global carbon footprint has driven businesses and individuals to switch to sustainable and eco-friendly practices to ensure the well-being of all living things.

Environmental sustainability involves more than reducing the global carbon footprint, as it also includes the offsetting of it to prevent further damage and mitigate the harmful effects that’s already inflicted. Both individuals and corporations have to take steps to achieve this goal. Individuals are becoming more aware of how their actions have a direct impact on their environment and their responsibility to make environmentally-sustainable choices. Due to the change in perspectives, it is important for businesses to adopt sustainable business practices for them to grow.

Almost all logistics vehicles use hydrocarbon fuels which produce CO2 in the air. With the increased awareness towards environmental sustainability, the logistics industry has to adapt by embracing greener practices. This is especially so considering the boom of e-commerce throughout the pandemic.

In response to this, DHL Express has committed to achieving zero emission by 2050 through initiatives such as:

GoGreen Plus: aims to reduce carbon produced by air freight carriers by switching to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Sustainable Marine Fuel: aims to reduce the use of heavy fuel oil and switching to sustainable marine biofuel.
Electric vehicles: aims to have at least 60% electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries by 2030.

This article discusses how DHL Express is reshaping the logistics industry through sustainable solutions, as well as the importance and benefits of environmental sustainability.

Importance of environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability is not just important for the health of the environment and the well-being of all living things. It is also essential for economic growth and business expansion today. An eco-friendly business regulates its energy usage and reduces the number of plastics that it consumes. ItThis is noted by Mckinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, that environmental sustainability is able to help businesses creates opportunities to increase their profit margins but it will take time. Practising environmental sustainability in business settings aligns the pursuit of profits with the population’s well-being. In an article written by GreenBiz, it is indicated that cConsumers are growing increasingly concerned about the impact of their actions on the environment, with 63% finding climate change a serious issue. It’s no surprise then for them to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives and adopt the choice to support green businesses.

Thus, it is more prudent than ever to use renewable resources, protect the ecosystem, and practise environmental consciousness to ensure the sustainability of the planet and its population. The human population is projected to reach 11 billion by 2100, reports Statista. Although the planet's size remains the same, its natural resources are continuously depleting. Eco-friendly business practices must be adopted for global economies to continue developing sustainably.

Benefits of environmental sustainability

Apart from ensuring a greener and more sustainable planet, eco-friendly business practices entail several other benefits:
As more consumers exercise sustainable choices, businesses can attract new customers by adopting economically sustainable business practices.
Many governments worldwide offer tax incentives and rebates to companies that implement sustainable practices in their operations.
Practising sustainability also helps companies reduce energy-related costs.
Implementing sustainable practices within organisations boosts morale and fosters a culture of teamwork among employees.
Organisations can reduce their corporate carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly business practices, improving air and water quality, and less landfill.

How is DHL going green?

DHL Express is a pioneer in the logistics industry. The company adopts sustainable business practices from first-mile to last-mile delivery and is committed to a target of zero emissions by 2050. Through its various green initiatives, DHL Express aims to expand its portfolio to help customers and businesses adopt green business practices and achieve their sustainability goals. From packaging and warehouse operations to shipping routes and modes of transport, DHL Express utilises the following green solutions to cover every stage of its supply chain.

GoGreen solutions

Through our GoGreen solutions, DHL Express adopts environmentally sustainable practices to help our customers minimise logistics-related emissions during transport. These include the following:

DHL carbon report helps customers calculate their greenhouse gas emissions and identify ways to reduce them.
DHL carbon dashboard and DHL quick scan generate graphical models of a customer’s entire supply chain and identify ways to enhance carbon efficiency and reduce costs.
DHL SeAir offers logistics transportation through the air and ocean at a lower cost while generating lesser carbon emissions
DHL logistics consulting helps businesses adopt environmentally sustainable business practices for network optimisation to reduce carbon emissions.
With GoGreen Climate Neutral products, your business can offset greenhouse gas emissions by participating in climate protection projects.

GoGreen Plus

Through DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus solutions, the carrier reduces the carbon emitted by air freight shipments by switching to sustainable aviation biofuels. This way, you can reduce all of your Tank-to-Wake and up to 80% of your Well-to-Wake carbon emissions. This solution works by insetting (switching from fossil fuels to SAF) and offsetting (compensating emissions through VER Gold Standard carbon credit projects). DHL has invested in more than 800 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel to help customers reduce their carbon footprint when shipping internationally via air.

Sustainable marine fuel

Transport via the ocean often involves heavy fuel oil (HFO), which generates a lot of carbon emissions. DHL has switched to sustainable marine biofuel from HFO, reducing carbon emissions. These biofuels are produced using plant waste products, making them the cleanest and most sustainable type of biofuel.

Electric vehicles for last-mile operations

DHL Express aims to ensure that 60% of its last-mile fleet are electric vehicles by 2030. Electric vehicles run on renewable energy, thus minimising the carrier’s carbon footprint.

Through these other customised solutions, DHL Express can help companies achieve their sustainability goals. Open a DHL Express account today and learn how it can help you achieve your targets and objectives.