DHL Express has posted a record 21% improvement in its CO2 efficiency in Asia Pacific despitehandling higher volumes last year.
Bangladesh, Japan, and South Korea were the top performers among countries in the region, theexpress operator said. The efficiency figure includes Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Scope 1 & 2CO2 emissions on the ground, but excludes all aviation CO2 emissions.
The 21% improvement for 2011 compared to 2010 was the third consecutive year that DHL ExpressAsia-Pacific achieved double-digit efficiency improvements and despite increases in volume due tothe continued economic recovery. In 2010 DHL Express Asia Pacific improved overall CO2 efficiencyby 14% and in 2009 the improvement was 19%.
Jerry Hsu, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, said: “For an organisation of our size with hugevolume growth, sustaining carbon efficiency improvements would be a triumph. However, it is anamazing achievement that our teams around the region have managed to improve our performance byover 20%.”
The business in Bangladesh proved to be the region’s most outstanding performer. It achieved thehighest improvement rating of 27% with its continued investment in cleaner technology like CNGvehicles, while reducing reliance on least energy efficient power sources such as power-dieselgenerators. This is in addition to its continued significant effort in increasing its operationalefficiency with better route planning and optimisation.
Other top performers include DHL Express operations in Japan, South Korea and China whichachieved CO2 efficiency improvements of 23%, 22% and 19% respectively. The businesses in Australia,Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam also did well, achieving double-digit performance improvements in2011.
Record efficiency levels were achieved in 2011 as a result of a variety of initiatives underDHL’s region-wide GoGreen programme. Programs included optimising delivery routes, using cleanfuels and consolidating facilities. Innovative initiatives and latest technologies that weredeployed also helped to optimise processes and operations, which in turned helped to reduce CO2emissions.
Market-specific CO2 reduction programmes were also rolled out. For example, DHL Japan’s projectteam responded to the massive power shortages across the country, caused by the earthquake andtsumani, by implementing widespread abatement measures from installing LED lights, re-settingair-conditioners to 28 degrees, and switching off lights at certain times and in certain areas. InSouth Korea, Express service centres were consolidated and electric scooters replaced petrolvehicles for deliveries. The business also switched to drawbar trucks, which allowed it to halvethe number of trucks needed. Meanwhile in China, the business managed its improvements by route andasset optimisation.
Hsu added: “With this level of innovation and commitment to the DHL GoGreen programme, we are ontrack to beat our target of improving the carbon efficiency of our operations and those of ourtransport subcontractors by 30% by 2020, compared to 2007. DHL’s commitment to sustainability ismaking a significant difference to the planet and to our clients and for 2012 we will continue topush harder for even more savings internally and for our customers.”
DHL was the first global logistics provider to set a quantified CO2 efficiency targets under itsGoGreen programme. DHL Express Asia Pacific started the assessment of its carbon footprint fromenergy consumption in real estate and ground transport to measure and improve carbon efficiencythrough abatement programmes. This programme was first introduced by DHL Express in 2008 and nowcovers over 1,000 facilities in 27 markets across Asia-Pacific.
