Halving CO2 emissions by 2030 and reducing them to zero by 2050. DHL’s Go Green ambitions are really impressive. So how do you achieve a greener parcel service? It’s all about electric cargo bikes and vans. Who’s at the wheel? Transport manager Ansfrid Vanlerberghe and fleet manager Steven Van den Bosch.
Ansfrid: “DHL started limiting CO2 emissions in 2007. 30 percent fewer emissions by 2020, that was our first goal. We already achieved it in Europe in 2016 by replacing the heavy, kerosene-consuming aircraft with lighter, twin-engine variants and by using biofuel. Mission 2030 is our next target. DHL wants to halve CO2emissions worldwide compared to 2007. To do that, we’re now making full use of electric vehicles and cargo bicycles.”
Greener and more efficient in our way to becoming a greener parcel service
Steven: “The ‘Smart to Antwerp’ project is a good example of what’s possible. During the round of major roadworks in Antwerp, we wanted to make transport in the city centre easier and more sustainable. We’re doing that with 6 Cubicycles. These are yellow cargo bikes that can carry a cargo of exactly one euro pallet. The drivers are passionate cyclists who sit in front of their cargo. That way, they always have a good view, which is important for safety.”
Ansfrid: “Together with an electric vehicle, Cubicycles have been serving the entire area inside Antwerp’s small ring road for the past 2 years. No parking problems or traffic jams, which translates into better performance. And in this way Antwerp is also saving 46 tons of CO2 per year, the same as if you planted 1380 trees. An added bonus: Japanese tourists want to have their picture taken with the now famous cargo bike.”
78 electric vans to become a greener parcel service
Steven: “We’re now looking at whether we can use the Cubicycles in other major cities. It’s only possible if our warehouse is close to the city, such as in Antwerp, and the volume of parcels must be large enough. Cubicycles are now also being used in Ghent.”
“We plan to supply less crowded centres with 78 electric vans. You’ll see them driving all over Flanders this summer. In rural areas too. All routes shorter than 160 kilometres will then be driven electrically. If the technology allows a bigger range, we want to increase this to 65 percent by 2025 and then operate all our routes electrically by 2030. We’re currently adapting the locations in the Liege, Antwerp, Diegem, Ghent and Roeselare regions with the necessary charging infrastructure.”
Ansfrid: “Our couriers are being given extra training so that they can drive these electric vehicles. After all, they want to serve their customers as quickly and sustainably as possible. The training will also focus on the dangers of such a quiet vehicle in busy surroundings. With a 360° camera and warning sounds when reversing, we aim to make it as safe as possible.”
Leading the way in the sector
Steven: “By the end of this year, a third of our fleet will be electric. As well as this, we’re encouraging subcontractors to purchase these types of vehicles by negotiating a good discount with suppliers. If you add the fleet of 700 company cars that will be drastically greened from 2023, the target of 2030 is very close indeed.”
Ansfrid: “The greening of transport is just one part of the Go Green programme. We also have a new fully CO2-neutral building, the greenest warehouse in the sector. Very few of our competitors have a programme like this or have made the switch on this scale. We can see from the sales inquiries and requests for lectures that the sector really looks up to us.”
Steven: “To make the sector truly sustainable, consumers need to evolve too. Is it really necessary to receive packages at home? This isn’t always the best solution. One thing is certain: as DHL, we always want to be there for everyone.”
“We’re saving Antwerp 46 tons of CO2 a year with our Cubicycles.”
What else are we doing to offer a greener parcel service? Learn more about our green ambitions.
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