The DHL Group announced an accelerated roadmap to decarbonization that included deciding on "science-based" targets as well as investing €7 billion (US$8.28 billion) in climate-neutral logistics until 2030.
In a statement, DHL said it is increasing the pace of its planned decarbonization of the company.
To this end, it noted that the Group is earmarking a total of €7 billion (OPEX and CAPEX) over the next ten years in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions —including investment in alternative aviation fuels, the expansion of the zero-emission e-vehicle fleet and climate-neutral buildings.
CO2 emission reduction by 2030
Along the way towards its zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in force for 4 years, the company is committing to new, ambitious interim targets.
"DHL Group commits as part of the acclaimed Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement," the company said, adding that the climate targets are part of its new sustainability roadmap, in which the company sets out its ESG goals for the next years.
"As the world's largest logistics company, it is our responsibility to lead the way and guide the logistics industry into a sustainable future. We are turning our yellow Group into a green company and making an important contribution to our planet and society," says Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group.
"I am convinced that by focusing even more on our ESG goals, we will remain the first choice for customers, employees and investors – and thus lay the foundation for long-term economic success."
The firm noted that commitment to sustainability is an integral part of the firm's corporate culture.
Since 2008, the Group has had ambitious sustainability targets, for example with regard to CO2 efficiency. In 2017, the Group became the first logistics company in the world to set a target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
To this end, the company offers numerous innovative solutions to make supply chains more sustainable and help its customers achieve their environmental goals.
"Covid-19 has once again reinforced the major megatrends of our time: globalization, digitalization, e-commerce and sustainability – the four drivers of our 'Strategy 2025'. Of these topics, sustainability is the most pressing challenge. With our sustainability roadmap, we are stepping up our efforts and explicitly promoting the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations," Frank Appel added.
In the fight against climate change, the DHL Group said it is committed to ambitious CO2 reduction targets as part of the Science Based Target Initiative.
"The Group assumes that its emissions would be around 46 million tons in 2030 without the measures of the new sustainability roadmap. In 2020, emissions were 33 million tons," it said.
"Today, the company is committed to reducing these annual Group CO2 emissions to below 29 million tons by 2030, despite the expected continued strong growth in global logistics activities," it added.
Electrification of fleet
For short distances and the last mile, DHL said it is continuing to drive forward the electrification of its vehicle fleet.
By 2030, DHL said 60% of its global delivery vehicles for the last mile are to be electrically powered, hence more than 80,000 e-vehicles will be on the road. In 2020, the figure was already at 18%.
"On longer routes, especially in air transport, electric drives are not an alternative for the foreseeable future. That is why DHL Group is pushing for the development and use of fuels produced from renewable energies," it said.
"By 2030, at least 30% of fuel requirements in aviation and line haul are to be covered by sustainable fuels," it added.
In addition, the Group is also investing in environment friendly properties (office space, mail and parcel centers, and logistics warehouses) and all its new buildings will be climate-neutral.
"Sustainable, clean fuel alternatives are elementary for climate-neutral logistics in a globalized world. In air transport in particular, these could help reduce CO2 emissions," Appel said.