 |
|
|
| London |
04.June 2008 |
| |
| DHL switches off lights on World Environment Day |
| |
| DHL Express UK set to launch Carbon Management Initiative on June 5 |
| |
DHL Express offices across the UK will switch their lights off for one hour from 13h00 to 14h00 in support of World Environment Day on June 5 2008.
The initiative, which is part of a worldwide DHL "Lights Off" campaign, will raise environmental awareness across the organisation and with a network spanning over 220 countries and territories DHL also aims to save approximately 5.2 metric tonnes of CO2, This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 produced in one hour by approximately 250 diesel vans operating under normal conditions.
DHL Express UK will also launch its UK Carbon Management Initiative on World Environment Day, which will support the global GoGreen Program aimed at improving the company's carbon efficiency by 30 percent by 2020 as compared to 2007.
The Carbon Management Initiative aims to reduce DHL Express UK's CO2 emissions by implementing a number of measures including:
- Reducing gas and electricity usage across DHL's building portfolio, through a means of increased awareness and training, new technologies and improved building management.
- Where obtainable and achievable, DHL will use 100 percent renewable energy across our portfolio.
- Alternative fuel options are being investigated and DHL is proactively seeking alternatives to the fuel volumes that are purchased. These trials have been undertaken in collaboration with DHL's industry partners and have included both courier vans and trucks and are helping to pave the way for future transport solutions.
- The introduction of 12 fuel efficient double-decker trailers contributing to a reduction of circa 250 operating runs per annum.
- DHL employs Euro 5 technology in all its vehicles where available - the most clean and environmentally friendly engine technology - ahead of current legislation.
- The introduction of 137 new tractor units with Euro 5 technology two years ahead of the compulsory legislation.
- DHL continues to increase the amount of waste that is recycled and additionally has three pilot schemes underway whereby waste is sorted on site, baled and sold to recycling agents.
- DHL has a group-wide waste management contract in place and the company records the quantities that are recycled and the amount that is sent to landfill - enabling DHL to proactively target performance improvement.
Furthermore, 89 locations around the UK now have an ISO Environmental Management Accreditation in place and DHL is committed to extending this to all of its sites.
Ken McCall, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland said the business is determined to continuing its environmental lead within the logistics sector in the UK.
"Our overall commitment is to develop and deliver a sustainable DHL network within the UK and we recognise our responsibility to not only reduce our immediate impact on the environment, but also to provide our staff and customers with ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint.
"DHL Express, along with our parent company Deutsche Post World Net, was the first major company in the logistics sector to set specific and quantifiable CO2 targets by taking a focused approach across key functions - air, road, real estate and additionally providing customers with an option of carbon-neutral shipping services to reduce their own footprint. Here in the UK we are fully supporting this initiative through our own UK Carbon Management Initiative."
The World Environment Day, held each year on June 5, is one of the principal events through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The slogan for 2008 is "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy." For more information see:  http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english
-ends-
NOTE: Facilities such as warehouses, hubs, gateways etc where operations could be disrupted are exempt from the light switch off.
Back |
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 2008 |
|
|
|
|
