CO2 reduction and carbon-neutral shipping

Environmental and climate protection have a long tradition and hold great importance in the corporate philosophy of Hermes. As Hermes Einrichtungs Service, we take responsibility for the environment and future generations. Reducing CO2 emissions is one of our top priorities in order to continuously decrease our carbon footprint. We have identified alternative propulsion systems as one of our major leverage points and aim to deliver to the largest cities and metropolitan areas in Germany with electric vehicles by 2030. However, in the short term, we cannot avoid all CO2 emissions.

Continued expansion of electromobility

We are currently focusing intensively on the topic of electromobility and aim to contribute to driving forward this sustainable technology. Electric vehicles offer numerous advantages, including reduced dependence on fossil fuels, significantly lower CO2 emissions, improved air quality in urban areas, and reduced noise pollution. Therefore, we have tested electric vehicles from different manufacturers and have already incorporated the first ones into our fleet.

Carbon-neutral shipping with Hermes Einrichtungs Service

The companies of the Hermes Group have been supporting and initiating actions for sustainability and climate protection for over 20 years. In 2010, an extensive and consistent corporate initiative called “Hermes – WE DO!” was launched. The industry-unique climate and environmental protection program comprehensively combines the efficient use of resources across all parts of the company.

Hermes Einrichtungs Service is also aware of its ecological responsibility. While the use of modern vehicles and efficiently planned routes already avoids a portion of the resulting climate-harming CO2 emissions in logistics, complete reduction is neither technically feasible nor economically viable.

Climate protection partnership with Atmosfair

Atmosfair is one of the market leaders in sustainability and climate protection and has an excellent reputation in the industry. They support numerous and diverse projects worldwide that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. We are proud to partner with this trusted organization and support two selected outstanding compensation projects. This gives our clients the opportunity to offset their emissions and offer carbon-neutral shipping to their customers. In doing so, we actively contribute to reducing our ecological footprint and support meaningful development projects.

Project 1: Efficient stoves in Rwanda

This project in Rwanda represents a significant step towards sustainability. The stoves used in this project enable an impressive 80% reduction in firewood consumption, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions in Rwanda. In addition to these environmental benefits, the project also promotes the health of the population by enabling nearly smoke-free cooking, thus minimizing the risk of respiratory infections. The locally produced stoves also strengthen value chains in the region and contribute to the prevention of deforestation.
Project 2: Small-scale biogas plants in Nepal

The establishment of small-scale biogas plants in Nepal brings comprehensive benefits to the environment and local communities. The goal is to provide households across the country with affordable and decentralized energy while saving approximately 600,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually (all certificates originating from the project). The project contributes to the prevention of deforestation and the reduction of indoor air pollution. It provides an outstanding opportunity to provide essential energy sources to the poorest households in rural areas and strengthen local value chains.

> 600.000 t

CO2 savings through this project

What can you do as a shipper?

The emissions to be offset are determined based on the distance traveled, weight, and volume of the shipments for each shipment. Based on these calculations, the shipper can arrange the purchase of certificates in the corresponding amount to ensure the compensation of the generated CO2 emissions.

The following compensation options are possible:

  • Complete individual compensation:

All shipments are included in the calculation and offset.

  • Fixed compensation amount:

A fixed amount is agreed upon in advance, and compensation certificates are purchased in that amount.

  • Shipment-specific compensation:

During the order process in the sender portal PORT, the sender can choose whether they want to support CO2 compensation for their shipment. In this case, they voluntarily pay an additional fee for the delivery, which is then invested in certificates.

New: CO2 accounting with BigMile

In 2023, Hermes Einrichtungs Service introduced a new CO2 reporting tool that allows for more detailed and documented calculation of CO2 emissions in all transport areas. The calculations are accredited by the Smart Freight Center and comply with the GLEC standard (Global Logistics Emissions Council). This enables HES to provide its shippers with CO2 evaluations at the highest level.

Working with BigMile offers the following benefits:

Precision: BigMile provides precise and reliable calculation logic to determine our CO2 footprint. The software takes into account all relevant factors to deliver accurate results.

Accreditation: BigMile is accredited by the GLEC, ensuring that it meets international standards. This gives us the confidence that our calculations are performed at the highest level.

Transparency: BigMile is transparent regarding the calculation method and allows us to review and understand the data. This enables us to optimize our processes and continuously reduce our CO2 footprint.

Customer benefits: By using BigMile, we can provide significant added value to our clients. Upon request, we can provide precise data on our CO2 emissions.

 

Beehive and Insect Hotel in Löhne

We are also going green locally – or in this case, amber-brown: To support local beekeepers in the fight against bee decline, HES provides the meadow next to the administrative building as a location for a beehive. In addition, a large insect hotel is open to guests of all kinds as a shelter, nesting place, and winter refuge.

Do you know your personal carbon footprint?

The German Environment Agency (UBA) provides a well-designed tool called the CO2 calculator, which allows you to calculate your personal carbon footprint. It takes into account various aspects of your life, from heating to other consumption habits. The personal CO2 emissions calculation shows you clearly how many tons of CO2 equivalents are emitted based on your current lifestyle – and how it can be optimized.

Do you have any questions?

contact us