DSV Panalpina details sustainability targets

Following the release of its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), released in 2019, DSV Panalpina has specified how much and how quickly it will aim to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The company said its ambitious targets set “a clear direction for its sustainability efforts”.

DSV Panalpina explained that ‘scope 1’ and ‘scope 2’ carbon emissions refer to those produced by offices, warehouses and company cars, while ‘scope 3’ refers to emissions from subcontracted freight transports.

The company said it is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 40% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. It is also committed to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 30% over the same target period.

In 2019, the group’s total emissions amounted to 16m tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), of which the largest part was related to subcontracted freight transport. DSV Panalpina said that in light of this, it needs to work closely with its subcontractors – shipping lines, airlines and trucking companies – in order to reach its targets.

Chief executive Jens Bjørn Andersen said: “With these ambitious targets we set a clear direction for our sustainability efforts for years to come. We intend to lead the way in our industry, and we know it will require a committed effort from the whole DSV Panalpina organisation to achieve our targets, but failure is not an option. We have a steadfast belief that sustainability and long-term business viability go hand in hand.”

Senior director of sustainability, Lindsay Zingg, added: “When DSV and Panalpina joined forces in 2019, we decided to continue the commitment that Panalpina had to the Science Based Targets initiative. The fact that we in less than 6 months have been able to collect all the data from both companies in the middle of an integration process, develop ambitious targets and have them approved by the Science Based Targets initiative speaks volumes about our commitment to this initiative.”