Parcel delivery firm DPD UK has welcomed plans by its parent GeoPost/DPDgroup for net-zero targets.
GeoPost/DPDgroup has submitted both a near-term decarbonization and a long-term net-zero target for approval by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). The group aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and has committed to reduce its Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 43% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 from a 2020 baseline.
SBTi provides companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. GeoPost/DPDgroup expects to achieve SBTi approval in early 2023.
In the UK, DPD is focusing on the rapid decarbonization of its delivery fleet with 3,000 electric vehicles on the road this year and plans for 5,000 by the end of 2023. By the end of next year, DPD will be carrying out electric-vehicle-only delivery to 30 major towns and cities in the UK.
DPD will also be announcing major decarbonization initiatives this year on lorry fleet and company cars. In addition, DPD UK is powered by 100% renewable energy – only buying electricity from renewable sources – and DPD’s largest sortation facilities now run fully on solar power during the day.
Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, commented, “We welcome this announcement from DPDgroup and are very proud to be part of a Europe-wide, verified commitment to net-zero. This is a key step on that road and demonstrates GeoPost/DPDgroup’s ambition to lead on net-zero emissions in the global parcel delivery market.
“Our aim is to be the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK and we are delighted to confirm the pathway that we are taking to ensure we achieve that, while also fully supporting the group-wide net-zero initiative. We are confident that we are well on the way to a net-zero future in the UK.”
