DHL Group and DHL Freight want to gradually reduce their environmental footprint to reach the major goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The DHL Freight Green Technology Roadmap illustrates how DHL Freight intends to achieve this objective by implementing eco-friendly processes and technologies. However, we can also look back with pride on what we have already accomplished. These are our sustainability milestones.
Successes on the Path to Decarbonizing Logistics
The DHL Freight Green Technology Roadmap outlines a clear strategy for offering increasingly sustainable logistics services. Low-emission technologies, intermodal transport concepts, and effective IT tools are all part of the plan. The roadmap lists everything that constitutes forward-looking, sustainable logistics. It also traces the continuous success of individual milestones from 2008 to 2024. With each milestone, our logistics services have become more environmentally friendly.
2008: Launch of GoGreen
As early as the first decade of the new millennium, DHL introduced its GoGreen climate protection program. This made DHL Group the first global logistics company to have quantifiable climate protection goals. GoGreen saves resources by using targeted tools and technologies. The program also offsets CO₂ emissions generated during transport by investing in climate protection projects. Continuous emissions monitoring and regular reporting help identify additional ways to reduce emissions.
2010: 10 Percent Greater CO2 Efficiency
CO2 efficiency, i.e., the ratio of output to CO2 emissions, is a key parameter for sustainability. Factors that influence this ratio include vehicle and fuel technology, building technology, and process optimization through intelligent route or load planning. These factors all contribute to improving CO2 efficiency. DHL set a goal to increase CO2 efficiency by 10% by 2012 compared to 2007. This goal was met in 2010, two years ahead of schedule.
2015: Introduction of Electric Vehicles
DHL’s acquisition of StreetScooter GmbH, a former electric vehicle start-up, sparked a broad e-mobility initiative. DHL has been using StreetScooter vehicles in Germany since 2015, steadily increasing the number of electric vehicles ever since. DHL Freight is also driving development in its own area and continues to write its own electromobility history. DHL Freight deploys a growing number of fully electric vehicles on various routes. Recent examples include e-transports for the Hilti Group and Satair.
2016: 30 Percent Greater CO2 Efficiency
After 2010, the effectiveness of GoGreen was demonstrated again in 2016 when DHL Group achieved a 30% increase in CO2 efficiency compared to 2007 – four years ahead of the original 2020 target. This overwhelming success underscores DHL’s pioneering role in green logistics.
2017: The Net-Zero Target of Mission 2050
A clearer signal could not have been sent. In 2017, motivated by its prior achievements, DHL established an ambitious sustainability goal. The company is committed to reducing all logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050 – a landmark initiative in the logistics industry.
Mission 2050 will be achieved by implementing low-emission logistics solutions. This includes increasing the use of sustainable aircraft fuels and electric vehicles in the delivery fleet. Additionally, all new company-owned buildings will be designed to be climate-neutral, and customers will be offered a comprehensive portfolio of sustainable products.
2021: New ESG Roadmap
This year, DHL has expanded its focus to include all aspects of sustainability: Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG).
2021: Launch of GoGreen Plus
GoGreen Plus takes DHL Freight customers along for the ride. With GoGreen Plus, they can support our sustainability initiatives and reduce their Scope 3 emissions. These sustainable logistics services enable companies to significantly improve their overall eco-balance.
We use carbon insetting to reduce emissions within our logistics network. Additional costs from GoGreen Plus services are invested directly and at least entirely in green technologies and fuels for our network. Customers opting for GoGreen Plus receive a certificate confirming that their emissions have been reduced. Regular reporting provides information on their individual contribution. In 2025, DHL Freight expanded its green product portfolio to include GoGreen Plus Automated Reporting. Reporting is now even more customer-oriented and transparent.
2022: Recognition of Our Targets by the Science Based Target Initiative
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a climate protection organization that helps companies define climate targets based on scientific findings. The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard is the world’s only reference framework for companies to align their targets with the latest climate science. The SBTi has endorsed our 2030 medium-term sustainability targets and our 2050 mission. Medium-term targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to below 29 million tons of CO₂e per year by 2030. The SBTi recognition provides neutral and competent confirmation: Our roadmap is headed in the right direction.
2024: The Green Logistics of Choice
Introduced in 2024, the Strategy 2030 is designed to accelerate sustainable growth. Its goal is to create an efficient, fair, and environmentally friendly business world. Furthermore, DHL added a fourth dimension to its corporate goals and has a clear ambition. The company wants to be not only an employer, provider, and investment of choice, but also the green logistics of choice. The focus is on reducing emissions from operational processes and expanding the range of environmentally friendly services. Supporting customers in their own decarbonization strategies is crucial. DHL strives to become the green logistics of choice by building on its pioneering role in low-emission logistics. An increasing number of customers are relying on our solutions and products. By the end of 2024, 1,500 green trucks will be in operation for DHL Freight.
Into a greener future – with DHL Freight
Transport and logistics account for 5.5 percent of global CO2e emissions. The logistics industry is facing what is perhaps its greatest challenge: to reduce emissions as much as possible through eco-friendly practices. In this time of change, DHL Freight is leading the way in green logistics.
Check out our DHL Freight Green Technology Roadmap to discover how we are working with you to make road freight more sustainable.
Our Success: Incentive to Achieve Even More Ambitious Goals
At DHL Freight, we are proud of the milestones we have achieved. However, we are also aware of the efforts that lie ahead of us if we are to achieve net zero. The Green Technology Roadmap offers insights into current and future developments. It presents technological solutions in a concise yet detailed manner. Which applications are currently available and useful, which ones will be available soon, and which ones can ensure long-term sustainability? The roadmap provides the answers.
However, further success also depends on our customers. We invite you to join us in continuing the sustainability story at DHL Freight.
