DHL, Blue Dart launch carbon-neutral service

DHL and its group company, Blue Dart Express have launched India’s first end-to-end GOGREEN carbon neutral service. It is a part of DHL’s GoGreen global environment protection programme launched in 2008.

The new service will enable customers to neutralise their carbon footprint by paying an offset charge over and above their shipping rates. The offset charge will be calculated on shipment/ weight and distance. The rates vary from Re 1 per kilo for a domestic shipment to Rs 9 per kg for an overseas shipment. Carbon emissions from customer shipments will be offset by reinvesting in environmental protection projects verified by SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance) -- a UN independent auditor. A certificate, verified by SGS, will be issued to the customer annually that will mention the total amount of CO2 offset per customer.

The company’s plan is to increase carbon footprint efficiency by 30 percent by year 2020. Both companies have taken fuel and power saving initiatives such as converting its transport fleet from diesel to LPG and fitting power saving lighting solutions at warehouses.

Malcolm Monteiro, senior VP and area director - DHL Express, South Asia said, “Since the launch of the environment protection program in 2008, we have seen a lot of interest evinced by customers who already have sustainability on their agenda.”

In 2010, DHL Express India achieved a six percent improvement in carbon efficiency despite total CO2 increasing by 13.6 percent. Blue Dart posted an improvement of 6.5 percent year-on-year driven by stronger volumes, despite CO2 increasing by 18.5 percent in 2010 versus 2009. Despite increases in fuel consumption, carbon efficiencies were achieved by switching to cleaner fuels like CNG and LPG.