Agility investing $18m in greener logistics

Global logistics provider Agility has so far invested $18m in green supply chain technologies as it pursues an environmental strategy to cut its 2025 emissions by 25%, from 2016 levels.

The Kuwait-based logistics and infrastructure firm has today launched its latest sustainability report, “Values into Action”, which outlines its progress to date.

Agility has previously committed to adopt science-based targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and achieved third-party certification for its shipment emissions reporting. 

To reach 2025 emissions reduction target, the company is implementing renewable energy pilots in large facilities across the world.

It is also building to green standards as it adds over 300,000 sq m of facilities to its portfolio of warehousing and light industrial facilities across the Middle East and Africa.

To drive green transformation across the industry its corporate venture arm Agility Ventures has made green technologies one of its four core investment areas.

Agility Chairwoman Henadi Al-Saleh said: “Green technology is a major focus of our investment strategy, and we’re always on the lookout for dynamic new businesses that can revolutionize the supply chain to help protect the planet.

“We are looking at innovative solutions that drive business value by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and reducing energy consumption at the same time.” 

Green technology start-ups benefitting from the $18m investment include Hyliion and TVP Solar.

Hyliion is a hybrid technology trucking industry that reduces fuel consumption and corresponding emissions by 30%. It achieves this by recycling kinetic energy from braking that would otherwise be wasted.

TVP Solar is a break-through, high-vacuum solar thermal technology serving the most energy-demanding applications, such as air conditioning, desalination, and process heat. Already deployed in the Middle East – including in Agility’s corporate headquarters – TVP solutions operate autonomously with no need for cleaning, directly replacing fossil fuels with cheaper, cleaner, solar heat. 

Agility chief executive Tarek Sultan said the company has strived to set high standards for corporate citizenship.

 “We’ve invested heavily in our human rights approach over the years and tried to lead by example, especially in emerging markets. Our community outreach program has helped more than 1.6m people in need and we’ve supported the education of over 36,000 students around the world in the last three years.

“In partnership with the humanitarian community, Agility has donated logistics expertise and services to more than 45 major humanitarian operations in countries ranging from Indonesia to Peru.”