At Hermes Einrichtungs Service (HES), sustainability is not an afterthought but a central component of operational excellence – from intelligent route planning to emission-free delivery. In this Q&A, Viktoria Drabe, Division Manager in the Co-Leadership for Product, Sustainability, and Procurement, provides insights into sustainability goals, measures, and technologies. She explains how the company combines ecological responsibility with entrepreneurial efficiency and customer benefits and what goals have already been achieved on the path to climate-friendly logistics.
Why does sustainability play an important role in large-item logistics in general?
Viktoria Drabe: Where does sustainability not play an important role? But of course, especially on the last mile, sustainability is an integral part of responsible corporate governance. Here, it is also particularly visible to end customers. But for us at Hermes Einrichtungs Service (HES), sustainable action is deeply rooted in our DNA and consistently runs through all stages of our value chain. As operators and managers of large-scale properties – from regional HUBs to urban depots – we bear both ecological and social responsibility. For us, sustainability therefore begins with the creation of safe and fair working conditions. Because long-term economic success can only be achieved if we also create a sustainable environment for our employees. For us, this means: stable jobs, a respectful corporate culture, and resilient operational structures.
Another central lever lies in the energy consumption of our infrastructure. Our own buildings are operated with 100 percent certified green electricity. In addition, we are currently working on a comprehensive program that will enable our depot partners, distributed throughout Germany, to switch to renewable energies under attractive conditions. In this way, we reduce our ecological footprint along our logistical chain, even where we are not owners ourselves, but share responsibility.
How does HES specifically succeed in implementing sustainability in the course of logistical processes?
Viktoria Drabe: Sustainability in large-item logistics only unfolds its full effect if it is thought of holistically and consistently implemented along each individual process step. We follow this approach with a systematic and measurable approach and take responsibility even before the first kilometer is driven: Our tour planners develop delivery routes with the goal of maximum efficiency with minimal use of resources. The focus is not only on optimal loading, but also on intelligent route guidance. Both together form the basis of our so-called Loading Efficiency. In the past year, this principle has enabled us to achieve noticeable savings in CO2 emissions.
On the road, we consistently continue our sustainability strategy. With our EL-MO (Electric Mobility) project, we are successively electrifying our commercial vehicle fleet and driving the reduction of local CO2 emissions on the last mile. More and more households are receiving their new furniture or electrical appliances with low emissions through our electrically powered delivery vehicles. This is a clear step towards climate-friendly logistics, which we will continue to pursue with high pressure in the future.
But our ambition does not end at the front door. We think of logistics circularly. At the customers’ premises, we remove packaging and, if desired, take old appliances back with us. We return both, sorted by material and professionally, to the recycling cycle. In this way, we not only avoid disposal costs for customers, but also create resource cycles that actively contribute to environmental protection. In the future, it will be necessary to expand the competencies and to be holistically involved in commodity cycles: Beyond recycling, it is possible to expertly repair reusable equipment and prepare it for further use.
What goals does HES pursue in the electrification of the last mile and how is the expansion of the e-truck fleet developing?
Viktoria Drabe: Last year, we invested specifically in our vehicle fleet and increased the proportion of fully electric delivery vehicles. Our e-fleet now comprises over 100 vehicles, and significantly more are planned for the coming year. In addition, we are seeing increasing acceptance and willingness among our partner depots to switch to electric commercial vehicles. So it can continue at a great pace.
At the same time, we were able to achieve significant CO2 savings by optimizing our loading efficiency and thus measurably improve the environmental impact of our delivery processes.
What projects are still in planning?
Viktoria Drabe: While we are already making important progress on the last mile, medium and long distances currently still represent a technological challenge. The large-scale electrification of these distances is currently not realizable across the board. Therefore, we are examining transitional technologies such as HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in order to noticeably reduce CO2 emissions on these routes and still ensure security of supply.
Looking to the future, we are also working on circular economy models with the aim of systematically reducing packaging waste and reusing materials. Through targeted take-back and recycling processes – for example, for old appliances or transport materials – we want to close material cycles and use resources more efficiently.
To what extent do your customers benefit from this, for example with regard to their own sustainability goals?
Viktoria Drabe: Our clients – i.e. retailers and manufacturers who commission us with the delivery, assembly, return and disposal of their products – benefit directly from our sustainability measures. This is because many of them are subject to European environmental regulations on the one hand, but also pursue their own ambitious sustainability goals on the other. Here, we make a measurable contribution through our initiatives mentioned above in order to reduce their ecological footprint.
But we see ourselves not only as an executing partner, but also as a source of inspiration. Beyond regulatory minimum requirements, we create real differentiating features for our clients, for example through cooperation with certified delivery partners or the development of innovative solutions that combine ecological impact with economic benefits.
What role does digitalization play in your sustainability efforts – for example with regard to transparency, efficiency or resource savings? Which technologies are already in use?
Viktoria Drabe: Digitalization is a central driver of our sustainability strategy. Through the targeted use of data analysis, we increase the efficiency of our logistics processes, create transparency along the supply chain and reduce resource consumption. Technologies such as GPS tracking, intelligent route optimization software and digital tools for monitoring energy consumption enable us to shorten transport routes and measurably reduce fuel consumption.
Digitalization, technological innovations and a sense of responsibility are systematically intertwined in our company. This holistic view – from planning to delivery to return – makes sustainable logistics a practiced commitment for us. It combines ecological responsibility with efficient action in the interests of our partners and customers.
