FreightWaves: Deutsche Post DHL Group Invests 7 Billion Euros in Green Technology

(Image Source: FreightWaves)

In an effort to fight climate change, Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL) has declared to dedicate 7 billion euros ($8.25 billion) into green technologies. Apart from that, 1% net profit of the company will be donated to social impact projects and programs. 

Aviation goals will be the hardest to achieve

DPDHL aims to change 30% of its fuel to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030. This is an ambitious goal since the current technology only allows 50% of SAF at most. However, Scott Sureddin, CEO of DHL Supply Chain in North America expects the SAF innovations will keep moving forward in the next 10 years since air transport is responsible for 66% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in 2020. 

The second challenge in this green journey would be electrifying the road fleet. By 2030, DPDHL aims to increase the number of electric vehicles by 60%, bringing it to a total of 80,000 electric vehicles. With the less developed infrastructure, this is not an easy target in North America. After 5 years, the company is still waiting for electric tractor-trailers from Tesla and other manufacturers. 

The detailed plan for 7 billion euros is still a secret but it will be dedicated to mostly aviation and delivery vehicles. After that, they will look into building green establishments.

Personnel development

The core of every company is its people – DPDHL is working to create a safer working environment for its workers. The logistics company aims to bring down the injury frequency rate to 3.1 hours per 200,000 hours worked by 2025.

The board of directors also encourages the hiring of more women to fill in the mid-senior level and higher positions. This is an effort to boost diversity in the workplace as well as eliminate unconscious bias over gender, age, etc.

Getting other stakeholders involved

The company aspires to make a wider impact by getting all of its suppliers to comply with its code of conduct; ensuring that everyone is on the same page. 

“We want to be a highly trusted company. Trust is something that you have to work for, something that you have to protect and preserve,” said Melanie Kreis, Chief Financial Officer at DPDHL.

“When you’re moving, others have to move with you if they want to stay in business,” Sureddin said.

Source: Deutsche Post DHL Group dedicating $8.25B to green tech

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