By Precious John, Special Correspondent

In the fight against climate change, Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to ambitious CO2 reduction targets as part of the Science Based Target Initiative. The Group assumes that its emissions would be around 46 million tons in 2030 without the measures of the new sustainability roadmap. In 2020, emissions were 33 million tons. Today, the company is committed to reducing these annual Group CO2 emissions to below 29 million tons by 2030, despite the expected continued strong growth in global logistics activities.

To achieve this, Deutsche Post DHL Group will invest around EUR 7 billion (Opex and Capex) in climate-neutral logistics solutions by 2030. The expenditures arising from this up to 2023 have already been taken into account in the guidance up to 2023 communicated on March 9. For short distances and the last mile, the Group is continuing to drive forward the electrification of its vehicle fleet. By 2030, 60 per cent of global delivery vehicles for the last mile are to be electrically powered, hence more than 80,000 e-vehicles will be on the road. In 2020, the figure was 18 per cent.

On longer routes, especially in air transport, electric drives are not an alternative for the foreseeable future. That is why Deutsche Post DHL Group is pushing for the development and use of fuels produced from renewable energies: By 2030, at least 30 per cent of fuel requirements in aviation and line haul are to be covered by sustainable fuels. In addition, the Group is investing in environment friendly properties (office space, mail and parcel centers, and logistics warehouses): All new buildings will be climate-neutral.

CEO of Deutsche Post Frank Appel commented: “Sustainable, clean fuel alternatives are elementary for climate-neutral logistics in a globalized world. In air transport in particular, these could help reduce CO2 emissions. That’s why we will engage even more intensively in initiatives and strengthen cross-industry exchange to develop a global strategy and standards here. One thing is certain: Only by joining forces – across countries and sectors – will we achieve truly sustainable progress in all areas.”

Social responsibility: Promoting diversity and keeping employee satisfaction at a high level

Based on the corporate values “Respect & Results”, Deutsche Post DHL Group will also further promote inclusion and equal opportunities within the organization. The proportion of female executives in management is supposed to increase from 23.2 per cent today to at least 30 per cent by 2025. “Our motivated diverse workforce is the key to excellent service quality and high customer satisfaction. Satisfied customers are the basis for economic success. This is another reason why we are convinced that it is worth actively promoting equal opportunities”, says Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director at Deutsche Post DHL Group, Thomas Ogilvie.

In addition, the Group has set itself the goal of maintaining the approval rating in the “employee engagement” category in the annual global employee survey at a consistently high level of above 80.

Deutsche Post DHL Group also intends to further expand its social contribution to society in the coming years. The Group commits to invest 1 percent of its net profits annually in its social impact programmes and initiatives. The GoTrade programme, launched in the fall of 2020, focuses on giving small and medium-sized enterprises from developing countries access to global markets and thus enabling cross-border trade. The GoHelp disaster response programme provides emergency logistical assistance quickly and free of charge in the event of a disaster. The Group also continues to expand the GoTeach programme, which improves the employability of young people living in socially disadvantaged circumstances due to poverty, loss of loved ones or fleeing from disaster, by preparing them with the necessary skills to successfully transition to the world of work.

Corporate governance: Highest standards in every corner of the world

Deutsche Post DHL Group also sets itself even stricter rules with regard to good corporate governance. For example, the Code of Conduct for Suppliers has been updated. The rules and standards described in it have been aligned even more closely with sustainability criteria. In addition, a new policy statement on human rights has been introduced.” As a market leader, we are a role model for responsible and ethical business practices and fair behavior. ESG is an integral part of Strategy 2025 and all relevant KPIs are therefore being integrated into the management of the Group and its regular reporting “, says Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Post DHL Group, Melanie Kreis.

In the future, the achievement of ESG targets is to be taken into account when calculating the remuneration of the Board of Management. This will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2021.