UPS has met its 2016 goal of reducing its air and ground fleet's carbon intensity by 10 percent three years early, and has set a new goal to achieve a 20 percent reduction in carbon intensity from transportation by 2020, according to the company’s new sustainability report.
The report outlines the company's "Committed to More" approach to sustainability, highlighting the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals as well as the measurable impact from its humanitarian initiatives.
UPS recently pioneered its new Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 guidelines, becoming one of the first companies in the United States to report in accordance at the "Comprehensive" level.
Notably, the company delivered more goods for its customers while reducing absolute carbon emissions for the second year in a row, the report says.
UPS also logged more than 55 million miles in its alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, on track to achieving its goal of 1 billion miles driven by the end of 2017.
The company also rolled out new technologies such as ORION route optimization, which helps improve service to customers while reducing the environmental impact of delivering goods.
Last year, UPS unveiled a new look for its flagship Boeing 767 fleet by adding winglets as a part of its efforts to save fuel and reduce emissions. The wingtip devices enhance the overall efficiency of the aircraft, saving fuel by reducing drag while also lowering noise emissions by improving take-off performance. The modifications will save UPS more than six million gallons of fuel each year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 62,000 metric tons.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Founder & Principal Consultant, Hower Impact
Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering best-in-class strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.
Published Jul 31, 2014 10am EDT / 7am PDT / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST