The sensible form of shipping for the environment
In many cases, it is just not possible to completely use environmentally friendly technologies. For this reason, even very environmentally friendly companies will continue to emit greenhouse gases for the foreseeable future. But these companies can still do something for the climate and negate the emissions by supporting specific projects. Deutsche Post World Net has introduced such a product for the letters and parcels: GOGREEN makes CO2-neutral shipments possible.
GOGREEN: parcels for CO2 neutral shipping
Certificate for GOGREEN customers
It takes time to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
In an overarching agreement, the Kyoto Protocol requires signatory states to undertake measures aimed at stopping global warming. It affirms that the environment is a shared resource whose stability is impaired by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
For this reason, a direct reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases plays an important role for companies around the world. In many cases, though, it is just not possible to completely use environmentally friendly technologies. One reason is that extremely high investments are necessary. Another is that many alternative technologies have not been sufficiently developed. Consequently, it will take at least several more years until vehicle fleets can be completely converted to environmentally friendly technologies. But scientists maintain that immediate action must be taken if climate change is to be slowed at the very least.
The conflict can be solved to a certain extent. Companies whose activities emit greenhouse gases can invest in projects that help reduce the greenhouse effect. Every single consumer can decide whether he or she is willing to pay a higher price in order to ensure that the environmental impact of his or her consumption decision is kept to a minimum. Examples can be found in the automotive industry and among airlines. For instance, a consumer can purchase a somewhat more expensive, but environmentally friendly vehicle. Or when buying an airline ticket, he or she can select an option that will provide financial support to an environmental project.
The logistics sector also offers such service: Deutsche Post World Net, the parent company of DHL, has developed a product segment called GOGREEN.
GOGREEN - the innovative solution for CO2-neutral shipments
The GOGREEN system
GOGREEN at DHL Express
In the summer of 2005, Deutsche Post World Net launched a strategic project that was developed as a result of environmental and commercial considerations. The objective was to determine in a detailed study how emissions and fuel consumption in European road transports could be reduced. In the process, a completely new product segment was discovered: CO2-neutral parcel shipments. This was the birth of the GOGREEN brand.
In 2006, a Group-wide team put together the details of the new GOGREEN services. This team included employees of technological and innovation management, the DHL EXPRESS business department and the Central Policies and Sustainability Department. The first milestone in this climate-protection initiative was the GOGREEN product range for business customers. In 2006, GOGREEN products began to be offered to private customers as well. For a maximum of 10 euro cents over the normal price or frequently for no extra charge at all , DHL offsets all carbon-dioxide emissions produced by the shipment with internal or external environmental-protection programs.
Calculating carbon-dioxide emissions
A special tool was developed to calculate carbon-dioxide emissions: ACCEPT - or “Automated Customer Calculation of Environmental Performance Tool.” This tool automatically calculates the carbon-dioxide emissions of each individual shipment. The calculation takes note of every route segment and every means of transport.
For DHL customers, ACCEPT keeps a record of the total amount of carbon-dioxide emissions offset by projects. The entire carbon-management process is reviewed by the certification firm SGS Group according to ISO 14064-I.
Examples of projects supported by GOGREEN
Deutsche Post World Net invests the additional income generated by GOGREEN products in programs that save or remove the amount of carbon dioxide generated during the shipment. Deutsche Post World Net accomplishes much of this through internal projects, including the use of alternative drive systems or fuels in vehicles. The objective of this work is to improve the range and stability of these drive systems and to gain knowledge that can be applied for serial production of these vehicles. A number of well-known makers of commercial vehicles are technology partners in this effort.
External projects are supported as well. In Southeast Asia, Deutsche Post World Net is helping solar-energy projects. And in Latin America, the company is financing the reforestation of rain forests.
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