The shipping, freight, logistics and supply chain management firm claim that while the total number of packages shipped in 2012 increased, the company reduced its total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2.1% compared to 2011.
Other achievements cited include ground and air fuel savings, increased investments in alternatively fuelled vehicles, and retooled routes that shaved approximately 19.5 million kilometres from ground deliveries last year.
Vehicles represent approximately 35% of UPS’s carbon footprint, and the company states that one of the cornerstones of their environmental strategy is to support the development and use of lower-emission alternative fuels.
Earlier this year, UPS announced plans to add nearly 1,000 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tractors to the fleet in the next two years, expanding its current fleet of 2,700 alternatively fuelled vehicles. The fleet currently includes all-electric, electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids, natural gas (LNG, compressed natural gas), propane, biomethane, and light-weight fuel-saving composite body vehicles.
Between 2000 and the end of 2012, UPS reported that the alternative fuel/advanced technology fleet had logged 475 million kilometres. In 2012, the fleet logged 78 million kilometres, a 43% increase compared to 2011.
UPS claims that telematics data fed through vehicle sensors helped them cut more than 206 million minutes of engine idling time last year, saving more than 5.5 million litres of fuel. Routing technology increased pickup and delivery stops per kilometre, saving approximately 20 million kilometres of driving, which equates to approximately 5 million litres of fuel.
Scott Wicker, UPS chief sustainability officer, commented: ‘Our industry-leading accomplishments showcase innovative technology and global operational efficiency gains, as well as world-class credentials for rock-solid data.
‘The report’s theme of “More of What Matters”, sharpens UPS’s focus on how to make the most measurable positive impact through sustainability business practices and logistics expertise.’