GeoPost / DPDgroup submits its net-zero target to the Science Based Target initiative

Buchs, July 2022. On 11th July, GeoPost / DPDgroup submitted a net-zero ambition to the Science Based Target initiative, marking a further step on its climate action journey. The company has submitted a near-term science-based target for 2030 in addition to its target to reach net zero emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement, thus enhancing its overall decarbonization ambition.

GeoPost / DPDgroup reaffirms its ambition to become the international reference in sustainable delivery amid rapid business growth. In this context, the company will contribute to limiting global temperature increases to 1,5°C by accelerating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction plan.

To mark its leadership, the company is taking decisive action to achieve net-zero by 2040, and commits to drastically reduce its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions:

• By 43 % by 2030 from a 2020 baseline

• By 90 % by 2040 from a 2020 baseline

• The company will also neutralise all residual emissions (around 10 %) through relevant offsetting projects from 2040 onwards

 

Commenting on this key announcement for the company, Yves Delmas, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPost / DPDgroup, says:

"At DPDgroup, we are strongly committed to energy transition, in line with our leading role in the business of e-commerce and delivery solutions. Today, we resolutely accelerate on our decarbonization 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."

 

GeoPost / DPDgroup’s accelerated decarbonization pathway

To achieve net-zero by 2040, the group will be focusing on:

• Electrifying the first and last mile delivery fleet by increasing the share of alternative transport solutions (including electric vans, cargo bikes and delivery on foot) to 85 % by 2030 (100 % in 2035).

• 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).

• 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).

• Electrifying the fleet of company cars and on-site freight¹ by increasing the share of electric vehicles to 90 % by 2030 (100 % in 2035).

This net zero target covers our 20 largest business units in Europe². It is aligned with the most ambitious GHG emissions reduction pathway to limit global temperature increases to 1,5°C versus preindustrial levels.

GeoPost / DPDgroup expects to have its decarbonization trajectory validated by SBTi by Q1 2023. This important new milestone in GeoPost / DPDgroup’s decarbonization strategy is in line with La Poste Groupe’s objective to reach net-zero emissions before 2050.

 

Sustainability at the core of GeoPost / DPDgroup’s strategy

As the largest parcel delivery network in Europe, the company has experienced strong and rapid growth in recent years. Since 2012, GeoPost/DPDgroup has continuously taking meaningful action to work towards a more sustainable future:

• The group has been carbon neutral since 2012 and compensates all its residual transport and buildings emissions through credible, certified renewable energy projects in Brazil, India and Indonesia.

• The group is well on track to deliver to 350 cities in Europe (reaching 110 million Europeans) 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.

• In addition, given the impact of air quality on people’s health, GeoPost / DPDgroup is partnering with Pollutrack to monitor air quality in 20 European cities by the end of 2022.

 

What is the current status at DPD Switzerland?

DPD Switzerland already relies on 100 % renewable electricity. Since July 2021 DPD Switzerland has quadrupled its green delivery. This proportion is being steadily increased. In addition, a further milestone was reached in 2021 with the Guinness World Record "Longest distance driven by an electric truck without intermediate charging". In addition to green delivery on the last mile, DPD Switzerland is also focusing on green linehaul between the depots. As of today, 2 e-trucks are already on the roads and 4 more e-trucks are on order. Among other things, the north-south axis is to be driven with them.

The GreenCity Hub in Basel Wolf is delivering 100 % green - the depot in Geneva already 80 %. The next steps are the completely green delivery in the cities of Bern (September 2022) and Zurich (by the end of 2022). Further green cities are already planned.

 

What is DPD Switzerland's target for 2030?

At local level DPD Switzerland has set itself the following transport targets:

• 100 % low-emission delivery vehicles: 90 % zero-emission and 10 % low-emission delivery vehicles

• 60 % electrically powered line haul vehicles

• 90 % of our company fleet will be electrically powered

 

Key definitions

About the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi)

"The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. The initiative is a collaboration between Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets."

(Source: Science Based Target initiative)

 

Net Zero according to SBTi

"State of net-zero emissions: Companies shall set one or more targets to reach a state of net-zero emissions, which involves: (a) reducing their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions to zero or to a residual level that is consistent with reaching net-zero emissions at the global or sector level in eligible 1,5°C scenarios or sector pathways and; (b) neutralizing any residual emissions at the net-zero target date and any GHG emissions released into the atmosphere thereafter.”

(Source: SBTi Net Zero Standard)

 

Scope 1, 2, 3

• Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from company-owned and controlled resources.
• Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy.
• Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions – not included in scope 2 – that occur in the value chain.

(Source: GHG Protocol)

 

¹ Forklifts and trailer shunters

² Business Units covered by the net-zero ambition: DPD Slovenia, DPD Croatia, DPD Switzerland, DPD UK, DPD Hungary, DPD Slovakia, DPD Portugal, BRT, DPD France, DPD Lithuania, DPD Estonia, DPD Ireland, DPD Latvia, DPD Belgium, DPD Germany, DPD Netherlands, DPD Czech Republic, Chronopost, SEUR, DPD Poland