GeoPost/DPDgroup is accelerating its work in the fight against climate change with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction plans for both near-term 2030 decarbonisation and long-term 2040 net zero targets.
The European parcel delivery giant is looking to lead on net zero emissions in the sector and has submitted its targets for approval by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), which provides companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. SBTi approval for the targets is expected in early 2023.
The company said it’s taking decisive action to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and commits to drastically reduce its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 43% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 from a 2020 baseline – 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. The company will also neutralise all residual emissions (around 10%) through relevant offsetting projects from 2040 onwards.
Its work to achieve net zero by 2040 includes diversifying the linehaul fleet to include alternative powertrain technologies such as biogas, biofuel, electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, as well as shifting more parcels to rail to increase the share of alternative linehaul transport solutions to 50% by 2030 (100% in 2040).
It’s also switching to renewable energy to power logistics sites and offices, and driving towards more energy efficiency, with the objective of using 70% of energy from renewable sources by 2030 (100% in 2035).
The group is also electrifying the fleet of company cars and on-site freight by increasing the share of electric vehicles to 90% by 2030, rising to 100% in 2035.
It’s already well on track to deliver to 350 cities in Europe with low-emission delivery means by 2025 – through 15,000 low-emission delivery vehicles, 6,700 charging points and 250 urban depots. This will result in an 83% reduction of carbon emissions and a 95% reduction of air pollutants in targeted cities.
Yves Delmas, chief executive officer of GeoPost/DPDgroup, said: “Today, we resolutely accelerate on our decarbonisation pathway and commit to a more ambitious level of action. Our goal is to play a pivotal role for our customers and support them in developing an ever-more virtuous business model. It is a huge step, but I am confident we can achieve it, as our teams are fully engaged to drive change and meet the highest challenge of our times.”
The group’s UK operation has also confirmed today that it’s on track to achieve these targets and, where possible, exceed them. It’s focusing on the rapid decarbonisation of its delivery fleet with 3,000 electric vehicles on the road this year and plans for 5,000 by the end of 2023. It’s already providing an all-electric delivery service to 10 UK towns and cities, and has updated its all-electric target to 30 all locations by the end of 2023. ELCVs on the DPD fleet include the Ford E-Transit and the Maxus e Deliver 3 and 9 EVs.
This year will also see DPD announce major decarbonisation initiatives on lorry fleet and company cars.
Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, said: “Our aim is to be the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK and we are delighted to confirm the pathway that we are taking to ensure we achieve that, while also fully supporting the group-wide net zero initiative. We are confident that we are well on the way to a net zero future in the UK.”
