DHL recently launched its Sustainability Roadmap. It is an ambitious plan to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is intended to lead the logistics industry into a greener, more sustainable future.
The logistics sector is the essential engine of world trade and economic growth. Yet it leaves a large ecological footprint on our planet. We want to reduce that. As the world’s largest logistics company, DHL is committed to playing an important role in reducing CO2 emissions. By 2020, DHL’s emissions were 0.4% of the industry total. It’s a great result. Especially when you know that we are one of the largest private employers in the world. So we’re on the right track, but we aim to do even better!
Sustainability is a responsibility
DHL has recently announced a new roadmap for sustainable business. It supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The roadmap includes an action plan recognizing that sustainable business is more than environmental protection. Social and governance issues must also be covered.
“We are turning our yellow company into a green company. We are making an important contribution to our planet and society. Clean fuel alternatives that are sustainable are essential for climate-neutral logistics in a globalised world…”
Frank Appel, CEO – Deutsche Post DHL Group.
The new roadmap builds on past achievements and, at the same time, sets a course for the future. Over the past 15 years, we have continuously improved carbon efficiency. At the same time, we have introduced innovative green logistics solutions. This is to make supply chains sustainable and help customers achieve their environmental goals. In 2017, Deutsche Post DHL Group was the first logistics company to announce a zero emissions target. And in 2019, we included sustainability as a cornerstone of our corporate strategy.
Yellow becomes green (and sustainable)
DHL is now stepping up the pace of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. First, through the Science Based Target initiative, we have set ourselves the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This is in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. If we did nothing, our annual emissions would likely increase to 46 million tonnes in 2030. This is because of the expected growth in global logistics activities. Instead, DHL has committed to reduce its annual CO2 emissions to less than 29 million tonnes. How are we going to do that?
To achieve this goal, DPDHL will invest €7 billion in climate-neutral solutions over the next 10 years. With that money, the group will put more than 80,000 e-vehicles on the road by 2030. This will account for more than 60% of our last-mile vehicles. We will also increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels to more than 30% by 2030. In addition, all new buildings will be designed to be carbon neutral. Our plan is to offer green alternatives for all our core products and solutions.
A great place to work
Yet it is the people who drive a logistics company. A sustainable international company must bring together people from different countries and cultures and nurture a motivated team. The new roadmap also aims to create a safe, inclusive and purposeful workplace that provides equal opportunities and attracts and retains the best talent.
To achieve this, the company runs various programmes and initiatives. For example, we want to raise the number of women in management to 30%. In 2020, this was still 23.2%. We also want to improve workplace safety by reducing the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate to less than 3.1 by 2025. This to less than 3.1 by 2025.
A trusted leader
The new roadmap is also about better alignment of the Supplier Code of Conduct. Among other things, more attention will be paid to sustainability and human rights. In addition, we will provide more training to management on data security.
Deutsche Post DHL Group is driven by the goal of “connecting people, improving lives”. However, the Group also recognizes that sustainability is something everyone has to work towards. That is why DHL has long been a committed partner of the UN and is committed to its SDGs.
“We are deciding today what kind of world we and our children will live in 30 years from now.”
Frank Appel – CEO Deutsche Post Group
