FedEx has updated its 2010 Global Citizenship report highlighting its global commitment toenvironmental protection with initiatives such as EarthSmart, the environmental accreditation of
its European hub in France and the inauguration of the solar-powered hub in Cologne, Germany.The company said it moved closer last year to meeting its 2020 global citizenship goals withsignificant support from its 290,000 global team members and through a number of smartinvestments.
One important achievement in 2010 outlined in the FedEx 2010 Global Citizenship Update is theregional launch of EarthSmart. It is the company’s roadmap for operating in an increasinglysustainable way and engaging team members, customers, business partners, and the circle ofcommunities to help reduce the environmental impact of daily business operations. In April, thesustainability programme was rolled out in Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa(EMEA) after it had been initially unveiled a year earlier. EarthSmart bundles initiatives thatoffer tangible business and environmental benefits. It covers three areas including businesssolutions, workplace culture and community outreach.
In recognition of its environmental management at its European hub at Roissy-Charles de GaulleAirport in France, FedEx Express was recognised with ISO 14001:2004 certification. Theaccreditation honours that FedEx operations are managed in a resourceful and responsible mannerminimising environmental impact. ISO 14001:2004 certification is an internationally recognisedstandard granted to companies that meet a stringent set of demands relating to environmentalmanagement system.
In Cologne, Germany, FedEx Express inaugurated its eco-friendly Central and Eastern Europe hubproviding companies with fast connections to global markets while operating a in responsible andresourceful way. The hub in Cologne is one of the most modern FedEx hubs in the world with thefully-automated sorting system that can process up to 18,000 packages and documents per hour.
The roof features the largest FedEx Express solar power installation worldwide and representsone of the largest rooftop solar installations in North Rhine-Westphalia, with an area of 16,000sqm, producing about 800,000 kilowatt hours per year. Including the Cologne hub, FedEx fivesolar-powered facilities are expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by a projected3,918 metric tons which equals more than 440,000 gallons of gasoline or over 100,000 tree seedlingsgrowing for 10 years.
To further reduce its environmental impact, FedEx is continuosly incorporating more efficientvehicles and aircraft in its fleet around the world increasing its investment in all-electric andalternative drive train vehicles. By the end of FY11, FedEx will have increased its all-electricand hybrid-electric vehicle fleet by 20% to 410 vehicles in service across the globe, and isstudying the all-electric fleet for further expansion.
The company recently added six more 777F aircraft to its fleet, increasing the 777F FedEx fleetto 12. The 777F flies on less fuel while carrying more cargo than the MD-11s they replaced. It has14,000 lbs of more cargo capacity but uses 18% less fuel and reduces emissions by 18% per ton ofcargo. Based on current purchase commitments, FedEx plans to have 45 777Fs in service by 2020.
“FedEx connects people to opportunities and innovation around the globe. We fervently believethat by channelling our expertise, enthusiasm and resources wisely, we can help deliver a betterworld,” said Gerald Leary, president, FedEx Express EMEA. “I am particularly proud that our latestGlobal Citizenship Report honours our employees who have embedded responsible corporate citizenshipat the very heart of FedEx culture. Undoubtedly, our people form the bedrock of the FedEx successstory.”
