DHL Introduces Industry-first Carbon Neutral Shipping Service in Asia Pacific

DHL launches first carbon neutral shipping service DHL GOGREEN EXPRESS in Asia Pacific.

Part of the GOGREEN range of carbon-neutral and low carbon shipping options already available to DHL customers in Europe, DHL GOGREEN EXPRESS was first launched in January 2007 at the World Economic Forum in Davos to help the Forum achieve its carbon neutral commitment. In Asia Pacific, the service will be available in 17 countries across the region over the course of this year.

With this value-added service, DHL aims to meet the demands of customers who are looking for a more environmentally responsible shipping option. Through customer payment of an additional 3% ‘green premium’ on top of standard delivery charges, DHL calculates the carbon emissions generated by transporting each specific customer shipment from the country of origin to destination, and offset these emissions by reinvesting in certified carbon management programs such as alternative fuel vehicle technology, solar panels and reforestation projects. These projects have been identified via DHL’s dedicated carbon management function, with an aim to compensate the emissions generated when transporting customers’ shipments across the globe.

Says Dan McHugh, CEO of DHL Express - Asia Pacific, “In addition to looking at how we can manage our own environmental footprint, we want to provide our customers with products and services that allow them to reduce their environmental impact. In Asia, DHL GOGREEN EXPRESS is a beginning to such customer facing initiatives.”

Customers can choose to send all or a selection of their international shipments as part of DHL GOGREEN EXPRESS. To ensure accountability and transparency, the program is annually verified by an independent certifying body – the Swiss-based Société Générale de Surveillance. In addition, customers will each receive an annual certificate from DHL stating the total amount of CO2, which was offset on their behalf during the year. The certificate serves as a useful environmental reporting tool for companies working to reduce their CO2 emissions created during transport.

In other recent environmental sustainability initiatives in Asia Pacific, DHL has introduced bio-fuelled or hybrid vehicles in its various markets. For example, in India, DHL Express is operating over 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. In Japan, DHL Express is actively encouraging “Green Logistics” through a combined use of hybrid vehicles, Fuel-Cell cars and bicycles in its operations network.

DHL, www.dhl.com