(EnergyAsia, August 16 2011, Tuesday) — DHL, a world leading logistics company, said its Asia Pacific express division improved its carbon efficiency by 14.1% from 2009 despite increasing its shipping volumes throughout the region.

Although total emissions were higher, DHL said it met its carbon efficiency goals as a result of its region-wide GoGreen programme that made it the first global logistics provider to set quantifiable green targets.

DHL Express Asia Pacific said it started the assessment of its carbon footprint from energy consumption in real estate and ground transport to measure and improve carbon efficiency through abatement programmes. Introduced by DHL Express in 2008, the programme now covers over 1,000 facilities in 27 markets across the region.

Jerry Hsu, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, said:

“As the world’s leading express company, DHL is committed to improving the carbon efficiency of its operations and those of its transport subcontractors by 30% by 2020, compared to 2007. In 2010, DHL Express exceeded the level of our intermediate 10% target for own operations by holding fast to DHL’s GoGreen programme in the face of increasing volumes due to market recovery.

“Through region-wide initiatives such as optimizing delivery routes, using clean fuels and consolidating facilities, DHL Express in Asia Pacific managed to maintain double-digit efficiency targets despite a 10% increase in total carbon dioxide emissions.

DHL’s commitment to sustainability is making a difference and for 2011, we will continue to push harder for even more savings internally and for our clients.”

As with last year’s results, DHL Express India and Blue Dart, an integrated express package distribution company under the DHL Group that delivers to over 27,005 locations in India, contributed to the efficiency improvement.

Last year, DHL Express India achieved 6% improvement in carbon efficiency despite total carbon dioxide increasing by 13.6% as the economy boomed. Blue Dart posted an improvement of 6.5% year-on-year driven by stronger volumes, despite carbon dioxide emission s rising by 18.5% over 2009 levels.

Despite increases in fuel consumption, the company achieved carbon efficiencies by switching to using cleaner fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Malcolm Monteiro, DHL Express Senior Vice President & Area Director, South Asia, said:

“The results of 2010 carbon accounting process demonstrate that in addition to the significant improvements in 2009, we have been successful in continuing to find ways to further improve our carbon efficiency. In India, at both DHL Express and Blue Dart, ground fleet carbon emissions are being cut through replacement vehicles that use alternative fuels as well as the deployment of new technology such as Blue Dart Smart Truck which optimises route planning and capacity.

“Successfully operational in Europe, Blue Dart Smart Truck will hit the road in Bangalore this month as the first emerging market pilot kicks off. As well as helping us upgrade services, Blue Dart Smart Truck cuts journey lengths and miles traveled, minimizing carbon footprint for courier deliveries and pick-ups.”

DHL operates more than 1,100 alternative vehicles such as e-vehicles running on alternative fuels and there are over 2,000 vehicles and trailers that have undergone electronic or aerodynamic modifications, such as an 18-tonne hybrid truck which has an aerodynamic trailer.

DHL Express said it was the first global logistics company to offer carbon neutral shipping service. Its GOGREEN Carbon Neutra system calculates the carbon emissions generated by each shipment and offsets these emissions by reinvesting in recognised climate protection projects such as hydropower, biomass or wind energy.

Globally, DHL said it successfully shipped more than 1.7 billion GOGREEN shipments in 2010, offsetting 82,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide for customers.